The Rise of E-Sports in Colleges
If you’re interested in joining one of the top college e-sports clubs, read on. We’ll also discuss related topics, such as the benefits of and steps in joining college e-sports clubs. You’ll also learn about the trends in college e-sports and their opportunities.
Why are these important topics for college students? After all, being a competitive video gamer can have a negative impact on your grades. This is especially true when it interferes with your study time and class attendance.
Excessive gaming can also increase your risk of physical and mental health issues. Disrupted sleep patterns, social isolation, and depression are common consequences. Addiction is also a real risk.
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But these negative consequences don’t have to be true in your case. Take your inspiration from the likes of Aiden Tidwell (Maryville University) and Noah Vaknin (Drexel University).
Furthermore, the benefits of joining college e-sports clubs make it worthwhile. You can build peer-to-peer connections and develop life skills. Besides gaming itself, e-sports clubs also offer community events, among others. You’ll develop communication, teamwork, and strategic thinking skills, too.
But these benefits don’t stop when you graduate. Think of your college e-sports participation as a gateway to e-sports industry careers. Game development, broadcasting, and coaching are among the possibilities.
And it’s the right time to consider college e-sports, too. According to NACE, more than 5,000 student-athletes from 170 member schools participate in varsity e-sports. The number’s growing, too, thanks to college e-sports’ growing popularity.
Why? You can also earn money by joining competitive college tournaments. The money comes in the form of scholarships, sponsorships, and prize money.
Related Articles:
- Best Grants and Funding for College E-Sports Teams
- Best Online Clubs for Remote or Hybrid Students
- How to Start and Grow an Esports Club at Your College
- Top 10 Colleges with the Varsity Esports Teams
- What Are the Best College Clubs and Organizations to Join?
What Are E-Sports and Online Gaming Clubs?
The term “e-sports” refers to the competitive events where players compete in multiplayer video games. Players engage either as individuals or as teams. Leagues, tournaments, and events are the usual categories.
In colleges, e-sports players aren’t considered professionals but can earn money. Here, online gaming clubs attract students who want to be in on the action. Being in on the action means different things to different students, too.
You can, for example, engage in casual multiplayer games without the intense competition. Alternatively, you may want to be the best in collegiate e-sports competitions. The NACE Finals, NECC Nationals, CLOL, and CVAL are prime examples.
These e-sports and online gaming clubs aim to:
- Build a community of students with a keen interest in e-sports and video games.
- Enable students to develop hard and soft skills in e-sports.
- Form teams for competitive events, leagues, and tournaments.
- Offer students opportunities for recreation (i.e., stress relief).
- Provide students with exposure to professional e-sports.
These college clubs also boost the student’s academic performance and personal growth. They develop cognitive skills in problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making. Becoming technologically proficient is a benefit, too.
Whatever skill you learn in e-sports, you’ll find uses in your daily life, college journey, and career.
Criteria for Choosing the Best E-Sports Clubs
The 10 best online gaming clubs for students were chosen based on the following criteria.
- Accessibility – Students of all skill levels are welcome. Online activities and flexible times are also available.
- Quality of facilities – State-of-the-art gaming facilities with high-performance computer setups are available. On-site and online technical support services are also offered.
- Affordability – Fees are offered in a tiered format (e.g., casual vs competitive, hourly or per semester).
- Financial aid opportunities – E-sports scholarships and grants are available for eligible players.
- Professional opportunities – Students have access to internships, workshops, and industry partnerships. Being in the competitive circuit is a must, too.
- Integration of education and e-sports – Students can learn more about e-sports through courses. Research opportunities in gaming and technology are part of the program.
Top 10 E-Sports and Online Gaming Clubs for College Students in 2025
Maryville University
The Saints are among the best college esports teams 2025 has to offer. Maryville’s college e-sports club is a four-time national champion.
Esports participants can choose from the following:
- Varsity Program for competitive players
- Community Club for casual players
The Varsity Program competes in LoL and Overwatch events. Esports athletes train at the state-of-the-art Esports Performance Center.
University of Miami
The Hurricanes compete in Rocket League, LoL, and Valorant tournaments, among others. There’s a Discord server that enables players to connect with fellow enthusiasts.
The varsity teams compete against other universities in various games. Rocket League, LoL, Overwatch 2, and Apex Legends are among them. Students who want behind-the-scenes roles apply for available positions (e.g., streaming team).
University of California Irvine
The Anteaters’ official esports program was the first among public universities. Indeed, extensive experience is on its esports teams’ side. These teams compete in Overwatch, LoL, and Valorant, as well as practice in its Esports arena. Players praise its state-of-the-art computers and gaming gear.
UC Irvine also offers training and coaching programs for diverse students. Esports scholarships are also available.
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
The Storm esports teams are eligible for full-tuition scholarships, among other support. The private STEM-focused university hosts spectator events, such as the HUE Invitational tournament. Their varsity teams train in the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts and LAN Center.
Every interested student can apply for Esports Club membership, too. The community club offers various games and activities.
University of California Los Angeles
The Bruins Esports and Gaming program consists of two components:
- UCLA Esports, its official competitive esports organization
- Bruin Gaming, its student gaming club for the university-wide gaming community
UCLA has many on-campus gaming centers, including Eclipse and Sunset Village. The varsity teams compete in LoL, Hearthstone, Rocket League, and more. The student gaming club organizes social events.
Ohio State University
The Buckeyes enjoy among the country’s most affordable e-sports programs. OSU itself offers affordable in-state tuition and it spills over into its esports. Entry fees into some VR experiences and games can be on the high side.
OSU offers competitive esports scholarships for varsity players. Games include Call of Duty and Rocket League. LAN parties, game nights, and free tournaments are offered.
University of Texas at Austin
The Longhorns esports players are getting more support for their competitions. Their second home/training ground is the Alienware Longhorn Esports Arena & Lounge. The state-of-the-art facility features Alienware gaming computers, a private playroom, and a livestream room.
Students can choose from affordable membership passes starting at $10/per (unlimited play). Games include Rocket League, Valorant, and LoL.
Boise State University
The dynamic Broncos esports community consists of varsity players, casual players, and coaches. With 1,100+ victories in seven years of competition, it’s a winning community, too.
Members of its esports community gather at the Boise State Gamepants Esports Arena. Here, competitive intercollegiate games are held, too. Esports scholarships and other awards are available for the Broncos’ varsity team.
University of Utah
The Utes esports teams enjoy robust support from nutrition and wellness coaches and psychologists. Besides being the first varsity esports program in the Power Five, it’s among the winningest. The Utes have conquered and continue to conquer Hearthstone, Overwatch, and LoL events.
Esports student-athletes are eligible for scholarships. However, there are academic requirements, such as a 2.5 GPA.
University of Southern California
The Trojans esports community consists of competitive and casual gamers and more. USC Esports also organizes full-scale productions that promote the sport.
USC’s varsity teams compete in six games, including Tetris and Super Smash Bros Ultimate. The casual gaming community hosts LAN parties, themed game nights, and viewing parties. USC is proud of its sponsorship deals with MSI and OM Films, among others.
How E-Sports Scholarships Can Reduce Tuition Costs
E-sports scholarships for students are one of the perks of online gaming in college. You can use the e-sports scholarships to reduce your tuition cost.
But the way in which it’s achieved differs so check your college’s specific policies. You can apply the money to your tuition or other college expenses (i.e., discretionary).
But in most cases, the money is directly credited to your student account with your college. The funds are applied against your tuition and/or fees.
E-sports scholarships aren’t the only perks either. As a competitive player, you may receive travel allowances and free gaming gear. You may even have backstage access to gaming competitions.
If you maximize your networking opportunities, you can get sponsorship deals, too. Your network of contacts is your ticket to a successful e-sports career.
The best examples of universities with e-sports scholarships and other financial aid include:
- University of California Irvine, with scholarships ranging between $1,000 and $6,000.
- Maryville University offers scholarships along with player development and academic success.
- Harrisburg University of Science and Technology provides full-tuition academic support and housing subsidies.
Ask about e-sports scholarships in your college, too.
Benefits of Joining an E-Sports Club in College
When you join, you’ll enjoy the benefits of college e-sports clubs. These are true whether you join as a casual or competitive player.
- Enjoy the support of a community of like-minded peers.
- Be involved in social activities that reduce feelings of isolation and stress.
- Expand your network of peers, coaches, and alumni in and out of your college.
- Develop vital skills for your academic success (e.g., time management, teamwork, and leadership).
- Gain more advanced technical skills (e.g., hardware and software knowledge).
- Build your resume.
- Explore possible careers in the e-sport industry.
Indeed, e-sports and college education go hand-in-hand. Your job is to balance your studies and e-sports involvement in a way that serves both.
How to Join an E-Sports or Online Gaming Club
Here are the steps on how to join a college e-sports team.
- Research your college’s e-sports program and gaming clubs. Check their dedicated e-sports webpage and social media accounts. Contact student services, too.
- Assess their culture, services, and other features. Determine if there are casual and competitive programs. Check the available video games, such as Valorant. Understand the time commitments of competitive players.
- Determine if you meet the eligibility requirements. Ask about the fees, financial aid, and prizes, too.
- Contact the leaders and members in person or via email or social media. Express your interest in joining.
- Attend an information session. Ask relevant questions.
- Prepare for tryouts, if necessary. Express your enthusiasm to join.
- File your application.
Once you’re in, you must maximize your membership. Being active in games and community events is a must.
The Future of E-Sports in Higher Education
E-sports opportunities for college students abound. But you must be proactive in finding and grabbing these opportunities for yourself. Indeed, e-sports in colleges and universities are on the rise due to these factors.
Changing perspective about e-sports
Colleges see e-sports as an effective way to boost student engagement and campus life. E-sports communities bring students closer and encourage them to participate more.
Income-generating sports
E-sports are also new revenue sources, particularly via sponsorship deals. Ball State and Shenandoah University have partnerships with corporations for this purpose.
As a result, colleges are building comprehensive ecosystems – not just e-sports arenas – to support e-sports. These ecosystems include robust e-sports training programs and academic courses.
Increase in student demand
Of course, student demand is at the heart of the rise in e-sports in colleges. In a NACE survey, more than 72% of students expressed interest in e-sports.
Emerging gaming and technology trends
The dynamic technology behind e-sports means there’s always something new and exciting around the corner. These include AI, virtual reality, mixed reality, and augmented reality.
Conclusion: Why E-Sports Clubs Are Worth Exploring
E-sports and gaming clubs in colleges are here to stay. Joining them results in a wide range of benefits, from building a community to enjoying prize money.
But we must also emphasize that joining e-sports has its challenges, too. The key is to balance your studies with your e-sports engagement to enjoy a balanced college experience.