Top 50 Augmented/Virtual Reality (AR/VR) Colleges in the U.S. – 2025 Rankings

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is home to VR@MIT—a member of the Intercollegiate XR (ICXR) Hackathon Circuit. Along with MIT programs such as the Computational Science and Engineering (CSE) MS, and labs such as the Center for Advanced Virtuality and the MIT.nano Immersion Lab, VR@MIT supports AR/VR/MR education and research. Other AR/VR related programs include the CSE PhD; the Computer Science PhD; and the eight-week xPro certificate in Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality. MIT graduates go on to land positions at places such as Boeing, Microsoft, Google, Apple, IBM, General Motors (GM), Tesla, Amazon, Meta, Intel, the U.S. Armed Forces, and SpaceX. 

The Frontiers of Computing initiative at University of Southern California (USC) is the single largest comprehensive academic initiative in the school’s history. Launched in 2023, Frontiers focuses on areas such as AR/VR, robotics, AI, and gaming. USE also houses the Mixed Reality Lab (MxR); the ICT Virtual Humans Group; and the Extended Reality Lab (XRLab). USC also recently launched the USC Working Group on Scholarly VR, AR, and 3D Modeling. Degree options include the Computer Science BS, MS, or PhD; the Interactive Media and Games MFA; the Arts, Technology, and the Business of Innovation BS; and the Integrated Design, Business, and Technology MS. Graduates of these programs are frequently recruited by the U.S. Armed Forces, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, DreamWorks Animation, Walt Disney, Google, Sony, Microsoft, Amazon, Discovery+, Tesla, United Airlines, Meta, and Disneyland Resorts.  

The Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science and Engineering at University of Washington (UW) is the world’s first school to offer an augmented reality capstone course. Program options for students interested in studying AR/VR include the Computer Science BS (CS BS); a combined BS/MS; the Professional Master’s Program (PMP) in CS; and a CS PhD. All Allen School students have the opportunity to take courses and work in interdisciplinary teams at the UW Reality Lab. Across programs, graduates have established careers at places such as Pixar Animation Studios, Microsoft, Disney, Apple, Unity Technologies, Riot Games, Amazon, Epic Systems, Adobe, Google, Dell, Samsung, HBO, Oracle, and Hulu. 

New York University is home to Tandon School of Engineering. This Polytechnic Institute houses the research-intensive Integrated Design and Media (IDM) program, which provides IDM BS and MS programs and an Accelerated BS/MS program. All options provide opportunities to complete internships at places such as Google, Sony Music, and Apple, along with study abroad experiences at NYU Shanghai. Labs include the Future Reality Lab and NYC Media Lab, with partners such as Viacom, NBCUniversal, and Verizon. Tandon and IDM graduates have gone on to land positions at places such as Microsoft, Apple, LG Electronics, Google, Intel, Amazon, Sony Music Entertainment, Meta, IBM, American Express, ABC, Verizon, Tesla, Qualcomm Technologies, EMI Music, Instagram, Simon & Schuster, and AECOM.

University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) houses several facilities and programs that support education and training in all areas of AR/VR. Facilities include the AR/VR/MR laboratory known as XR Lab@Berkeley; the student-run Extended Reality@Berkeley; and the FHL Vive Center for Enhanced Reality, which sponsors research and applications in AR/VR and AI. Program options include the BS in Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences (EECS) and the Computer Science (CS) BA. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles in areas such as AR/VR, AI and machine learning, computer vision, robotics, and aerospace. UC Berkeley alumni are routinely hired by Apple, Google, Meta, and Tesla. 

The interdisciplinary Game Design and Development (GDAD) program at University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) provides the opportunity to work alongside industry studios and the game development student organization EGaDS!. GDAD students will also take courses that focus on immersive experiences through the Texas Immersive Institute in UT Austin’s Moody College of Communication. Specific degree options include the Computer Science (CS) BS with an optional Game Development concentration; the cross-disciplinary Bachelor of Science and Arts (BSA) in CS; and the Arts and Entertainment Technologies (AET). All options provide heavy AR/VR coursework, access to the Virtual Reality Laboratory, and participation in the Vision, Cognition, and Action Virtual Reality Lab. Across programs, graduates have been hired at places such as Google, HP, Amazon, IBM, EA Games, Apple, GameStop, and Zynga.

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is home to VR@Illinois Lab. This collaborative initiative supports all AR/VR and extended reality activities at UIUC. Resources include virtual reality classrooms; studio spaces for VR creation, research, teaching, and exploration; the VR Club; and the Innovation Studio. Formal program options are housed in Grainger College of Engineering and include the Computer Science BS and MS. Course examples across programs include Virtual Reality; AI for Computer Games; Software Design Lab; Applied Machine Learning; Human-Computer Interaction (HCI); User Interface Design; Software Engineering I-II; and Mobile Interactive Design. UIUC Grainger alumni have gone on to co-found companies such as Yelp, PayPal, and YouTube. Graduates have also been hired at places such as Amazon, Epic Systems, Google, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, IBM, Meta, Tesla, Apple, and Samsung.

University of Central Florida (UCF) houses several labs and programs that focus on collaboration, AR/VR systems and applications creation, and AR/VR research. Labs include the Synthetic Reality Lab (SREAL), and the Interactive Systems and User Experience Lab. Program options include the Computer Science (CS) BS; an accelerated BS/MS in CS; MS and PhD degrees in Modeling and Simulation; and the Mixed Reality Engineering graduate certificate. A 10-week XR Development with Unity course is also available. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers across the technology sector. UCF technology alumni are routinely hired by NASA, Oracle, Google, Lockheed Martin, Amazon, Siemens, IBM, Apple, and Intel. 

Arizona State University (ASU) is home to Meteor Studio. Funded by tech giants such as Google and Samsung, the studio was created to help advance development and research in AR/VR/XR. ASU also houses the Media and Immersive eXperience (MIX) Center and the Center for Narrative and Emerging Media (NEM). Program options for AR/VR students include the NEM MA; the Media Arts and Sciences (Extended Reality Technologies) MS; and the Master of Science in Design (MSD). Programs include a mandatory internship and culminating applied project. Across ASU programs, graduates have been hired at places such as Microsoft, Northrop Grumman, Intel, Amazon, IBM, Honeywell, Apple, and Gore. 

The Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design at Drexel University houses several labs and programs for students interested in studying AR/VR. These include the Immersive Research Lab (IRL); Animation Capture & Effects Lab (ACE-Lab); Digital Media and Virtual Production BS (formerly the Virtual Reality and Immersive Media (VRIM) program and one of the first accredited programs of its kind; and the VR and Immersive Media minor. Across options, students will participate in the Drexel University Co-op Program, which provides opportunities to work for companies such as YouTube VR and Franklin Institute Science Museum. Graduates have landed positions at places such as DreamWorks, Moving Picture Company, Pixar, Disney, and Digital Domain. 

Cornell University (Cornell) houses a number of programs, labs, and initiatives dedicated to the education, research, and advancement of extended reality (XR). Program options include the Computer Science BS, MS, and PhD; Design Technology MS (MS DT); Master of Engineering in Computer Science (MEng CS); and the Connective Media MS (MS CM). Across programs, students have access to courses such as Virtual and Augmented Reality; Topics in Mixed Reality; Developing and Designing Interactive Devices; Mobile Human-Robot Interaction Design; and Advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI). Labs include the XR Collaboratory (XRC) and Virtual Embodiment Lab (VEL). Graduates have been hired at places such as IBM, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Oracle, NBC, Amazon, Google, Apple, Meta, and the U.S. Navy.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI or Rensselaer) provides a number of paths to study AR/VR. Options include BS degrees in Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences (GSAS), Electronic Arts (EA), and Information Technology and Web Science (ITWS); BS, MS, and PhD degrees in Computer Science (CS); a dual CS BS/MS; and an accelerated CS BS/PhD. All programs feature access to AR/VR coursework and activities supported by the Rensselaer Augmented and Virtual Environment (RAVE) Lab. ITWS students can select from more than 20 options to design a focus area or specialize in a formal area such as Machine Learning; GSAS; or Computer and Systems Engineering. Graduates typically land positions within six months of graduating at places such as Boeing, Epic Systems, Microsoft, Lockheed Martin, IBM, and Amazon Robotics.

Northwestern University (Northwestern) houses a number of labs and programs that focus on AR/VR education, projects, and research. Two of the largest labs include The Garage, and the Center for Human-Computer Interaction + Design. Others labs and initiatives include the Tangible Interaction Design and Learning (TIDAL) Lab; Artificial Intelligence Group; Computer Science + X (CS +X) Initiative; Interactive Audio Lab; NuLogiCS Group; Interactive Audio Lab; Swarm Robotics Lab; Cognition, Creativity, and Communication Lab (C3 Lab); IDEAS Lab; and Prescience Lab. Programs include the Computer Science BS/BA, MS, and PhD. Undergraduates may select a concentration such as Human-Computer Interaction (HCI), Robotics, or Artificial Intelligence (AI). Graduates go on to become Computer Programmers, Software Developers, and Engineers at places such as Google, Microsoft, Intel, and IBM. 

Iowa State University (Iowa State) houses the Virtual Reality Applications Center (VRAC), which supports student, faculty, and industry partner research. VRAC participants have experience in areas such as AR/VR/MR, developmental robotics, mobile computing, and HCI. In addition participating in the VRAC, students interested in AR/VR can enroll in the MS or PhD programs in Computer Science; the Master of Human-Computer Interaction (MHCI); or the Artificial Intelligence (AI) MS. Course examples across programs include Virtual Worlds and Applications; Developmental Robotics; Design and Evaluation of Human Computer Interaction; and Learning to Speak AI. Graduates go on to secure advanced roles at places such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon, IBM, Collins Aerospace, RTX, SAP Labs, and John Deere.

University of Maryland (UMD) houses many labs, centers, and clubs that support AR/VR education, projects, and research. Labs and clubs include the UMD Graphics and Visual Informatics Laboratory (GVIL); Mixed/Augmented/Virtual Reality Innovation Center (MAVRIC); Maryland Blended Reality Center (MBRC); and the XR Club. Program options include the BA/BS in Immersive Media Design (IMD); BS, MS, BS/MS, and PhD degrees in Computer Science; and the Augmented & Virtual Reality Design certificate through University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). Graduates have been hired at places such as Lockheed Martin, Google, Amazon, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), and Northrop Grumman.

The Digital Worlds Institute at University of Florida (UF) houses the UF Reality Lab, which promotes education and research in AR/VR. Within the institute is a one-year, accelerated Master’s in Digital Arts and Sciences (MiDAS) that focuses on areas such as visual design tools, technology, and 3D for AR/VR, game engines and development, hardware and software integration, and digital storytelling. Other program features include high-tech classrooms; opportunities to work on real-world projects with industry partners; and portfolio development. MiDAS graduates have been hired at places such as Walt Disney, Boeing, the U.S. Department of Defense, ESPN, Glaxo Smith Klein, Spirit Airlines, Cox Media Group, the U.S. Navy, and Aramark. 

The Alliance for Technology, Learning and Society (ATLAS) Institute at University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) supports education and research in AR/VR. Situated in the 66,000-square foot Roser ATLAS Center, the institute houses labs such as THING Lab, ACME Lab, and Helio Lab, along with the Creative Technology and Design (CTD) program leading to a BS, MS, or PhD. A comprehensive minor is also available. Examples of topics and courses explored include Introduction to Virtual Reality; Tangible and Mixed Reality; Wearable Technologies; and Interactive Sound. CTD graduates have been hired at places such as NASA, Lockheed Martin, IBM, Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing, Disney, Ball Aerospace, General Motors (GM), Nike, Google, Hitachi, Thermo Fisher Scientific, RTX, Tesla, STARZ, L3Harris, and CBS. 

The Learning Sciences Research Institute at University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) houses the Design Lab, which focuses on research in XR technologies. Other labs and programs that support XR education and research include the Electronic Visualization Laboratory (EVL) and the Human-in-Mind Engineering Research Lab (HiMER). Programs include the Computer Science and Design BS—the only program of its kind at a public university; the Computer Science BS with a concentration in Human-Centered Computing; and MS, combined BS/MS, and PhD degrees in Computer Science. Graduates hold positions at places such as Amazon, Google, Cisco, Apple, Microsoft, LG, Adobe, HP, Meta, and Verizon. 

Ohio University provides two solid paths to study AR/VR—the Virtual Reality and Game Development (VRGD) BS and the Information and Telecommunications (ITS) BS. ITS students have the option to customize an AR/VR concentration, and students in both programs provide access to the Game Research and Immersive Design Lab (GRID Lab). Faculty and students in the lab conduct advanced research and produce content focused on AR/VR and digital games. Programs culminate with a final project (capstone) and portfolio. Graduates are routinely recruited by Microsoft, the U.S. Armed Forces, Walt Disney Imagineering, Cisco, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Google, IBM, Unity, Apple, Booz Allen Hamilton, Warner Bros., Riot Games, Activision Blizzard, Ubisoft, Electronic Arts (EA), and Bungie. 

Columbia College Chicago (Columbia) houses a Game and Interactive Design BA that incorporates elements of immersive media, programming, and user experience (UX). Concentrations include Software Design; Game Programming; UX/UI; and Game Design. Immersive Media, Programming, Game Design, and User Experience are also offered as minors. Course examples across programs include Immersive Environments I-II; Wearable Interfaces; Programming I-II; and Code. Graduates enjoy a 90% employment rate. Across programs, alumni can be found at places such as Lockheed Martin, Riot Games, IBM, Google, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Rockstar Games, Sony, Deloitte, Walt Disney Imagineering, Microsoft, Electronic Arts (EA), Cartoon Network, Leo Burnett Worldwide, Zynga, Adobe, Epic Games, Nintendo, Unity, Marvel, BBDO, Gameloft, Deloitte, Blur Studio, Razorfish, and TIME Studios.

With partners such as Boeing, Epic Games and NASA, Full Sail University’s Institute of Emerging Technologies has been exploring AR/VR for more than 25 years. In 2021, the school also joined the Orlando/Central Florida Chapter of the VR/AR Association (VRARA). Current Full Sail labs include the AR/VR Lab, FabLab, Simulation Lab, Smart Lab, and UX Lab. Programs include the Simulation Engineering BS, and the Computer Science BS (CS BS) with an Artificial Intelligence (AI) concentration (CS BS/AI). Full Sail alumni have been hired at places such as NASA, Cirque du Soleil, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Pixar, Universal Studios, NASCAR, Apple, Sony, Nickelodeon, Unity, Activision Blizzard, Google, BioWare, DreamWorks Animation, Rockstar Games, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Worldwide, ESPN, Digital Brew, Electronic Arts (EA), MTV, Disney, HBO, Meta, Bunim/Murray Productions, WWE, and Miramax. 

University at Buffalo (UB) is home to the DMS Virtual Reality Studio, which explores areas such as immersive technologies, gaming, interactive fiction, and simulations. The school also provides multiple paths to study AR/VR. Options include the Media Study BA with a Production concentration (course examples: Advanced Virtual Reality, Digital Arts Programming, and Virtual Worlds); Computer Science (CS) BS; CS BS/Engineering MS; and the Computer Science and Engineering MS with AI/Machine Learning (ML), Software/Hardware, and Research tracks. Across programs, graduates are routinely hired at places such as NASA, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Apple, Thermo Fisher Scientific, HP, Google, Oracle, Motorola, Cisco, General Electric (GE), Panasonic, Alcatel, Eli Lilly, Samsung, Fisher-Price, and Kodak. 

University of Chicago (UChicago) provides a number of labs and programs that support AR/VR education and research. These include Weston Game Lab (WGL); the Hack Arts Lab (HAL); Fourcast Lab; Slandercast Studio; the Research Computing Center (RCC); a Media Arts and Design BA (MADD BA); BS and MS degrees in Computer Science (CS); and a BA/MS or BS/MS (Bx/MS) in CS. All students have access to courses such as Introduction to Immersive Environments; Virtual Reality Production; Extended Reality with Unity; Augmented Reality Production; and Emergent Interface Technologies. Across programs, graduates are routinely recruited by the U.S. Armed Forces, Microsoft, IBM, Epic Systems, Amazon, Google, Oracle, Apple, Tencent Games, United Airlines, and World Wide Technology (WWT).

University of Minnesota Twin Cities (UMN Twin Cities) houses the Illusioneering Lab, which focuses on research and projects to advance immersive technologies such as AR/VR. All UMN engineering and technology students may participate in the lab. Ideal paths to study AR/VR include the online Software Engineering BS, and the recently launched User Experience (UX) Design BS. Engineering students may concentrate in Gaming, 3D Modeling, and Simulation. Course exampled for the UX BS program include Virtual Reality in Design and Retailing; Wearable Technology Lab; Advanced Interaction Design; Software Development; and User Interface Design, Prototyping, and Evaluation. Across UMN campuses, program alumni have been hired at places such as NASA, Boeing, Google, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, the U.S. Department of Defense, Apple, IBM, Amazon, Epic Systems, Unisys, Tesla, 3M, and Boston Scientific. 

University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) is home to the Computer Graphics and VR Lab (CGVR), which focuses on the development of AR/VR, human-computer interaction (HCI), physical simulation, interactive computer graphics, and computer vision techniques. In addition to participating in the lab, students can focus in AR/VR through CU Denver’s Computer Science (CS) BA, BS, MS, and PhD programs. Pathways culminate with a capstone or thesis. With a 100% employment rate, CS graduates are routinely recruited by the U.S. Air Force and at places such as Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Adobe, Northop Grumman, Oracle, Ball Aerospace, Adobe, RTX, and World Wide Technology (WWT).