The Rise of College Esports
In this article, we’ll discuss the best collegiate varsity esports teams in the United States. We’ll also talk about the history and importance of varsity esports competitions. Then, we’ll discuss how to choose the best esports team and career options in esports.
On October 19, 1972, Stanford held Spacewar!, the first recorded video game competition. In 1980, over 10,000 participants joined Atari’s nationwide Space Invaders competition. Then, in 1981, the first Donkey Kong tournament was launched. In 2009, MIT and Princeton competed in a StarCraft match.
In 2014, collegiate varsity esports took off. This was the time when Robert Morris University offered esports scholarships. In the following years, more universities started their varsity esports programs. Maryville University and UC Irvine were among the pioneers.
Featured Programs
Today, more than 200 colleges have varsity esports programs. More than a few provide talented players with full-ride scholarships, too.
Why are colleges and universities investing in varsity esports programs? Establishing a varsity esports program can cost between $44,000 and $87,000 – and it’s only for initial costs.
Colleges invest in these athletic programs for the following reasons.
- Boost student recruitment and retention for the college.
- Promote better student engagement among diverse students.
- Encourage a stronger sense of community and belongingness among students.
- Develop hard and soft skills essential for the student’s personal growth.
- Expand the students’ horizons about their career opportunities in the esports industry.
Indeed, colleges with varsity esports get excellent returns on investment.
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What Makes a Strong Varsity Esports Program?
If you’re comparing two or more varsity esports programs, look for these key factors. When all these are present, then you can consider that it’s a strong program.
Coaching and player development
Players and their coaches are the heart and soul of every esports program. So, it makes sense that coaching and player development must be the best. Coaches must provide players with skill development and mental performance coaching.
State-of-the-art facilities and equipment
Dedicated practice and competition areas are a must. These facilities must also have streaming studios and high-performance gaming labs.
Financial support for players
Players perform their best when they can focus on their game. Being in the zone means not worrying about where to find the money for gaming gear and tuition, among others. Esports scholarships are the best for this purpose.
Integration into academic programs
Many colleges with esports teams also offer academic programs and courses in esports. These include esports management, broadcasting, and game design.
On another note, competitive leagues and tournaments are crucial, too. Of course, recreational esports clubs have their place. But competitions are important because these:
- Boost the credibility of esports as a competitive collegiate sport
- Attract sponsors that provide funds for esports competitions
- Enable teams and their players to find sponsorships and scholarships
- Aid in player recruitment and retention
- Provide coaches and players with networking, internship, and employment opportunities
Check the teams’ track record in competitions, too. A strong program has more wins than losses as a rule of thumb.
How to Choose the Best Esports College for You
Every single one of the featured best esports colleges is an excellent choice. But you must choose based on your individual needs, interests, and goals. You should also consider these factors when making your choice.
Academic programs and accommodations
As a student-gamer, you’ll have a busier schedule than your peers. Look for flexible academic policies that can accommodate your athletic commitments. Extended deadlines and asynchronous courses are examples.
If you’re planning an esports career, look into relevant academic programs. Game design, broadcasting, and esports management are great.
Financial aid availability
College is expensive, so financial aid is a must to complete your degree program. Ask about the financial aid opportunities for student-gamers. Aside from financial and state aid, look into esports scholarships, grants, and sponsorships.
Be sure to compare the cost of attendance with the financial aid available.
Balancing esports and academics
Ask about the esports team’s training and competition schedule. You must also consider the academic requirements to stay on the team. Look for colleges offering robust student support services for their esports players.
Top 10 Colleges with Varsity Esports Teams
Miami University
MU offers esports scholarships for college students on the varsity team. Scholarships are competitive, with players in the higher levels given priority.
Players compete in Overwatch, League of Legends, and Hearthstone tournaments, and more. RedHawks are among the winningest teams in esports, thus, their prestige. The esports team has won many national esports championships.
MU has a dedicated esports arena with state-of-the-art gaming facilities. High-end gaming computers and broadcasting facilities make for exciting games.
Students can choose from esports-related programs and courses, too. Esports management, game design, and digital media are popular.
University of Texas at Dallas
Comets enjoy among the most affordable esports colleges (in-state tuition $14,644/year). UT Dallas has a state-of-the-art new gaming and esports center, too. Players have access to over 100 computers and gaming equipment. There are also a broadcast and production studio and varsity team rooms.
UT Dallas boasts winning varsity esports teams that compete in various games. The Comets are a top-ranked team in the League of Legends. Other games in their repertoire are Super Smash Bro, Valorant, Overwatch, and more.
Comets can apply for esports scholarships as well as other financial aid.
University of California, Irvine
UCI is among the top colleges for esports because of its all-out support for its Anteaters. The varsity esports team is a top-ranked national team in the League of Legends. Players also compete in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Overwatch tournaments.
Esports scholarships are available aside from other forms of financial aid. The Anteaters praise the state-of-the-art facilities at the UCI Esports Arena. Camps, bystander training, and player development programs are available. There are 80 high-end gaming setups, streaming setups, and VR stations, too.
UCI offers esports-related programs, such as its esports management program. Students can also pursue degrees in game design and interactive media.
Maryville University
The Saints participate in college esports leagues and dominate them. Maryville is proud of its four-time National Champion League of Legends team. Don’t forget that the Saints are also the reigning national champion Overwatch team. Maryville’s varsity esports team also competes in Valorant and Rocket League tournaments.
Getting into the varsity esports teams isn’t an easy feat. Applicants must prove their gaming skills and demonstrate a willingness to learn. Esports scholarships are available to the best players.
The Saints practice and compete in a dedicated esports facility. There are high-performance gaming setups, streaming and broadcasting equipment, and strategy rooms. Maryville’s dedication to player development includes full-time esports coaches.
University of Utah
If you’re looking for outstanding esports degree programs, ask the Utes. UofU offers degree programs in entertainment arts and engineering and computer science with a game engineering focus. Courses in esports management and production are also available.
Indeed, Utes can work as professional players and behind the scenes after graduation. Their job prospects are better, too, thanks to UofU’s strong industry connections.
Players compete in League of Legends, Rocket League, and Overwatch, among others. Partial esports scholarships are available for high-level players.
The UofU has a dedicated esports training center. There are high-performance gaming setups, coaching and team meeting spaces, and streaming and broadcasting facilities.
University of California, Berkeley
The Golden Bears are among the most competitive college esports teams. Known as Berkeley Esports, theirs is among the best student-run esports organizations. Note that UC Berkeley doesn’t have an official varsity esports team.
The team has won many League of Legends collegiate national championships. Other games they’re known for are Super Smash Bros, Overwatch, Valorant, and more.
Top-performing players are eligible for esports scholarships. Players practice and compete at the Cal Esports Community Center.
UC Berkeley offers degree programs in computer science, interactive media, and game design. Esports management courses are also available. Strong ties to Silicon Valley companies mean excellent internship and job opportunities.
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology
If you’re looking for full-ride esports scholarships, consider Harrisburg. The scholarship covers tuition and fees as well as room and board for its top members.
The varsity esports team has won national championship titles in League of Legends and Overwatch. Players from across the country compete in the Harrisburg Esports Invitational.
Players practice and compete in dedicated esports facilities. Full-time coaches ensure that their players perform at their best.
Harrisburg offers esports-related degree programs, too. Check out its BS in Esports Management program. Consider its interactive media and learning technologies programs, too.
University of Central Florida
The UCF Knights varsity esports program is among the country’s most competitive. Players have won tournaments in the League of Legends, Valorant, and Rocket League. Other games that the team competes in are Super Smash Bros, FIFA, and Overwatch.
Esports scholarships are available for top-level players. While UCF is an affordable school ($6,368/year in-state tuition), the costs of being a player add up. Financial aid is useful in keeping out-of-pocket costs as low as possible.
The UCF Esports Arena is the hub for esports players. High-performing gaming stations and streaming booths are open for members. UCF also has a strong coaching and player development program.
Boise State University
The Broncos compete in many competitive games at the national level. Their forte is in the League of Legends, Rocket League, and Valorant, among others. Consistent top placements in national competitions mean selective admission into the team.
Financial aid, including scholarships, is available for its best players. BSU’s Esports Arena features high-performance gaming systems for practice and competition. Broadcasting and streaming facilities are available. BSU also hosts many esports events, including tournaments.
Students can pursue esports-related degrees, too. Consider esports management, game design and development, and digital media.
University of Colorado Boulder
The Buffs varsity esports team competes in national and regional leagues. Indeed, their reputation is on the rise with their strong performances. The team continues to make its mark in the League of Legends, Valorant, and Fortnite, among others.
Esports scholarships are available to high-level players and staff members. Players train and compete in the Esports Arena.
CU Boulder also offers esports-related degree programs. Consider computer science with a focus on gaming technology.
Career Paths in Esports: What’s Next After College?
Time flies by so fast that you’re a college graduate before you know it. You must then plan your post-graduation career ASAP. As a student-gamer, you’ll likely consider career opportunities in the esports industry.
This is an excellent decision, too, with the esports industry experiencing rapid growth. By 2029, the worldwide projected market revenue is $5.9 billion. This is a significant increase from 2025’s projected market revenue of $4.8 billion.
You can choose between two main career paths. First, you can become a professional gamer. There are more than 3,400 professional gamers in the U.S. today. Professional gamers earn between $80,000 and $206,000 per year.
Second, you can pursue behind-the-scenes careers, such as in:
- Coaching and team management
- Content creation and broadcasting
- Marketing, sales, and sponsorships
- Data analytics and game development
You can also pursue an esports-related degree or certification in college. Check out these colleges for their excellent programs.
- Full Sail University – BS in Game Business & Esports
- Shenandoah University – BS in Esports, Esports Management Track
- University of California, Irvine – Esports Management certificate program
You can make the transition from being a student gamer to an esports professional. Planning is the key.
Conclusion: Finding the Right College for Your Esports Journey
In conclusion, choosing an affordable esports college takes time and thoughtful consideration. You must determine your unique needs, interests, and goals first. Then, compare as many collegiate varsity esports programs as possible. Be sure to choose one that aligns with your individual needs, interests, and goals.
More importantly, always consider your financial aid options. Being a student gamer has its financial challenges, such as buying gear and paying for tuition. Getting financial aid reduces these challenges.