Financial Aid
95% of students receive some kind of financial assistance.
After you have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you may be eligible to receive federal student loans and/or federal or state grants. While Shawnee State University does not offer institutional scholarships or grants to online students, we encourage you to apply for outside awards.
Military Students
Use your benefits at a military friendly school.
We’ve made it our mission to assist U.S. military veterans, service members, and their families in obtaining all the educational benefits they’ve earned through service. As a Military Friendly® school that was also selected as a Best for Vets school in 2021, we’ll provide you and your family the guidance and support you need to transition to academic and civilian life.
Shawnee at a Glance
About Shawnee
16:1
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
40
Ranked Top 40 Public Universities in the Midwest, according to US News & World Report.
95
Of students receive some form of financial aid.
%
3300
Full and Part Time Students
© 2025 Shawnee State University
Free Tuition for Pell-eligible Students in the Region
Shawnee State University has announced Free Tuition Initiative for qualifying students from Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky.
Get to know Shawnee State.
Our upcoming open house is meant to showcase what Shawnee State has to offer while allowing you to personalize the sessions you attend to meet your interests!
Agenda includes:
- Academics, admissions, financial aid walk-through
- Tour our beautiful campus
- Tour apartment-style housing
- Free Lunch @ Bear's Den Dining Hall
- Meet current Shawnee State students & faculty
Game & Simulation Arts
If you’ve ever dreamed about creating a world of your own, Shawnee State’s Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Game & Simulation Arts may be right for you. You’ll study the art side of game design and gain core skills in traditional and digital art. You’ll learn how to bring your art to life through 3D animation, character design, and interface design.
Bring games to life.
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#1 Ranked in the state of Ohio
#2 Ranked in the Midwest
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Top 15 ranked Internationally
Shawnee State University's game design programs have been ranked among the top game design programs in the word –
Shawnee State University has been named for the 15th consecutive year to The Princeton Review's Top Undergraduate Schools for Game Design.
Take Your Career to the Next Level.
We offer two separate, but coordinated programs in digital simulation and gaming at Shawnee State — one in Game Programming and one in Game Arts. Here, you’ll learn how to play with others, working as a team to make games that look great — and work. You’ll develop the skills you need to create the career path best suited for you. Whichever degree you choose, you’ll have opportunities to work with students in designated design roles through course assignments, multiple Game Jams, and in our Senior Studio.
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What can I do with this degree?
About the Game & Simulation Arts Bachelor's Degree
Career Examples
Job Outlook
Median salary is $126,731 per year
Our graduates find employment in career fields such as:
- Game Designer
- Level Designer
- UI/UX Designer for Games
- Technical Artist
- 3D Modeler
- Visual Effects Artist
- Interactive Media Designer
With broad applications in a range of industries, the possibilities with this high-demand skill set are nearly endless.
Video Game Industry
2.3% annual growth, 32,090 new jobs projected by 2029
Simulation & Serious Games
Expected to grow from a $11.44 billion industry in 2024 to $67.38 billion in 2032.
AR/VR & Immersive Tech
The AR/VR market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 24–30% through 2030.
Information on occupational outlook opportunities can be found at the Federal Government's Bureau of Labor Statics website.
Financial Aid & Tuition
Your tuition rate is guaranteed for four years through the Shawnee Advantage Tuition Guarantee program. That means no expected increases – just predictable costs and peace of mind as you plan your academic journey.
- One of Ohio’s Most Affordable Universities
- 9 out of 10 Students Receive Some Form of Financial Aid
- Tuition Guarantee Locks in Your Rate for Four Years
- Scholarships, Grants, Federal Loans & Work Study Programs
- Free Undergraduate Tuition for Qualifying First-Time Students
The Shawnee Advantage
Scholarships
Each year, we award millions in scholarships to new and continuing students across a wide range of backgrounds, interests, and majors. Many of our scholarships are renewable, stackable, and do not require a separate application. From the moment you apply to Shawnee State, you are considered for the support you need to thrive.
- Merit-Based Awards Tied to Your GPA and Test Scores
- Need-Based Scholarships to Support Qualifying Students
- Program-Specific Scholarships Aligned to Your Chosen Major or Field
- Automatic Consideration — No Extra Application Needed for Many Awards
Check out our beautiful, compact campus.
Get a bird's eye view of campus and a few of our facilities in this short video.
83
Of graduates are employed in a field related to their degree within six months of graduating.
%
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game & Simulation
Prepare for a productive and satisfying professional career in gaming.
Offered On Campus Only
Free Tuition: Shawnee State Univeristy has announced a Free Tuition Initiative for qualifying students from Southern Ohio and Northern Kentucky..
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Game & Simulation
Prepare for a productive and satisfying professional career in gaming.
Online & In-Person