Growing up in the eighties and nineties, our parents always told us we would never make a living from video games. Boy, how times have changed. Now, gaming is not only a profession, but people make millions of dollars a year through streaming and sponsorship. There’s another way people are being paid to play video games, though. And that is through esports scholarships. Teen gamers are now being recruited to colleges across the country to game competitively.
Before you write this idea off as a flash in the pan, these aren’t local community colleges; these are major Universities. If you have a little gamer in your life, you can get excited that more pathways are opening for kids to get scholarships to excellent schools.
So which schools across the country offer esports scholarships, and how much could eligible students expect to receive?
Boise State
State: Boise, ID
Annual In-State Tuition: ≈ $10K
Annual Out of State Tuition: ≈ $30K
Room and Board: ≈ $11K
About The Boise State Esports Scholarship and Program: The Boise State Broncos compete in the Power Esports Conference. Scholarships require students to be full-time, have at least a 2.0 GPA, and be in good standing with the video game publisher. The school doesn’t give any data on the amount of their scholarships, but they do say they vary and specify that they are meant to help talented gamers excel in their academic pursuits. Students can participate in games across multiple platforms, including Overwatch 2, Rocket League, VALORANT, Super Smash Bros., Street Fighter 6, and College Football.
About the City/College: Boise is the largest city in Idaho, with a population of 236,000, and it’s located in the southwest portion of the state. There are many things to love about Boise, but it is probably best known for its green spaces, despite being a densely populated area. Boise offers city conveniences, but Idaho is all about being outdoors. Since Boise is the state’s hub, there is plenty to do on and off campus to keep kids entertained.
University of California, Irvine
State: Irvine, CA
Annual In-State Tuition: ≈ $15K
Annual Out of State Tuition: ≈ $44K
Room and Board: ≈ $20K
About the UCI Esports Scholarship and Program: UCI claims to be the first college in the nation to create an esports team. Whether that is completely true or not, they clearly have some experience in the area. The school isn’t very forthcoming about its scholarship or eligibility requirements, but the information available suggests scholarships in the $1,000-$6,000 range. The information available about eligibility states that participants must be elite gamers with a “strong academic background.” As of 2025, UCI has teams for both VALORANT and League of Legends.
About the City/College: In addition to its inclusivity, this college is best known for its circular layout centered around Aldrich Park. Irvine is known for being cleaner and calmer than other large Californian cities, but still within a decent drive to both Los Angeles and San Diego. Spectacular on-campus attractions, like an award-winning dining hall, and off-campus attractions, like miles of gorgeous hiking trails, make UCI a top choice for those seeking a healthy school-life balance.
University of Texas at Dallas
State: Dallas, TX
Annual In-State Tuition: ≈ $15K
Annual Out of State Tuition: ≈ $40K
Room and Board: ≈ $15K
About the University of Texas at Dallas Scholarship and Program: The University of Texas at Dallas is not messing around when it comes to gaming. They understand the expanding role gaming plays in culture, which is why they just upgraded an esports facility with hundreds of computers, the latest consoles, casual gaming studios, production studios, and more. Not only do they give students a place to game, but they also provide opportunities to learn outside of gaming, like studio production and facility management. They even offer gaming summer camps for kids 7-15.
With so much focus and money going into esports already, you wouldn’t think there is much left over for scholarships, but they report scholarships between $4,000 and $6,000, which isn’t a full ride, but it takes a significant chunk out of tuition. They don’t just give these scholarships away for free, though; students must be full-time enrolled, have a minimum 2.0 GPA, and demonstrate proficiency in their games. Players who excel at League of Legends, Overwatch, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Valorant are all welcome to apply.
About the City/College: With an estimated population of around 1.3 million, there is bound to be something for everyone in Dallas. Whether your ideal time off from school is indoors at a museum or outdoors at a park, there are an array of options. Students who attend this school won’t need to wander too far from campus to find delicious food and fun activities, but those who dare to venture out will see the entire Dallas/Fort Worth area vibrant day and night.
Georgia State University
City/State: Atlanta, Georgia
Annual In-State Tuition: ≈ $10K
Annual Out of State Tuition: ≈ $31K
Room and Board: ≈ $10K
About the University of Texas at Dallas Scholarship and Program: If gaming is not just a hobby, but a true passion, Georgia State University is a destination college. They are affiliated with both the National Association of Collegiate Esports and the Georgia Esports League. Additionally, major game design studios in Atlanta offer opportunities both professionally and academically. Georgia State University does not publicly disclose the amount of its esports scholarships, but with reasonable tuition, every little bit helps. This University is a little more strict with its requirements, requiring a 3.0 average to be part of the team. Although that is the only stated requirement, it is implied that you must be excellent at at least one of the games the University sponsors, including League of Legends, Overwatch 2, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. ‘
About the City/College: Atlanta is home to over half a million people, so there is plenty to do. Atlanta is a cultural hub where you can find an eclectic mix of arts, entertainment, and food that fits every lifestyle. If you are looking for a quieter experience, Georgia State’s campus is relatively generic. Students can hit up the food court in the student center or take fitness classes at the recreation center. Of course, like any other college campus, there are plenty of social opportunities from campus celebrations to concerts to sporting events.
The University of Akron
City/State: Akron, OH
Annual In-State Tuition: ≈ $14K
Annual Out of State Tuition: ≈ $22K
Room and Board: ≈ $13K
About the University of Akron’s Scholarship and Program: There is a lot to like about the University of Akron’s program, starting with the number of games they compete in. Students can compete in leagues for League of Legends, Overwatch, VALORANT, Call of Duty, Rocket League, Rainbow 6: Siege, Fortnite, and Super Smash Bros Ultimate. Furthermore, they have a varsity and a casual team, which means casual players can grow their skills and eventually make it onto the varsity team. This university offers specialized degrees in the gaming field, whether it is at the helm of the controller with an esports business certificate or behind the scenes with degrees in technology and coding. Another thing that this university does that deserves recognition is that they openly state that their scholarships range from $1,000 to $2,500, so there is no need to guess. There is no mention of eligibility requirements for this school, but it is safe to assume you must excel at at least one competition game and keep your academics above water.
About the City/College: With a population under 200,000, Akron has a hometown feel. Despite its smaller size, there is still plenty to enjoy about Akron, like the zoo and multiple green spaces, including hiking trails and gardens. The campus is on the smaller side, but since Akron is also small, it isn’t hard to get across town for a minor league baseball game or a live performance at the Civic Center. With a theater and civic center on campus, there are tons of speakers, entertainers, and other acts coming through to keep students entertained.
The University of Utah
City/State: Salt Lake City, Utah
Annual In-State Tuition: ≈ $12K
Annual Out of State Tuition: ≈ $31K
Room and Board: ≈ $17K
About the University of Utah’s Scholarship and Program: The University of Utah is notable for its multiple scholarships. They are also one of the strictest colleges in terms of eligibility. Students must maintain a 2.5 GPA, be enrolled in at least 24 credits per year, and be on track to graduate within 5 years. Additionally, you must excel at League of Legends, Rocket League, Overwatch, or VALORANT. The two listed scholarships – Ken Garff and Division of Games – both offer scholarships between $1,000 and $2,500. Additional scholarships may be available, so there may be more opportunities here than at other universities.
About the City/College: This university takes student life seriously with activities for every walk of life. With a population of around 200,000, Salt Lake City is another big small town. Utah’s unique geography makes it an excellent spot for those gamers who love getting outdoors when they aren’t playing. There is plenty to do in the city for those willing to wander off campus, but the people who are more comfortable staying closer to home will find that the University of Utah has plenty to offer, including on-campus museums, gardens, and a state-of-the-art residence hall.
University of Missouri
City/State: Columbia, Missouri
Annual In-State Tuition: ≈ $14K
Annual Out of State Tuition: ≈ $30K
Room and Board: ≈ $15K
About Mizzou’s Scholarship and Program: Mizzou is not very forthcoming with its information, but there is enough to know that it has a solid esports program. This school invites players who excel at Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, League of Legends, VALORANT, and the newest arrival, Marvel Rivals. They boast that competitors practice and compete at a 5,000 sq. ft. facility on campus. Mizzou’s eligibility requirements are on the demanding side, with players needing to meet the school’s minimum enrollment requirements and maintain a 3.0 GPA at all times. Mizzou doesn’t offer exact numbers, but they do report providing partial- and full-ride scholarships for esports, so their strict requirements may be worth it.
About the City/College: With a population under 130,000, Columbia is one of the smaller “big cities”. The great news is that this campus offers a ton of on-site activities for students. In a city of this size, getting dinner off campus is a breeze, but you’ll want to make it back in time for one of their campus movie nights. There are no shortages of campus activities at this school that will keep you engaged and interacting without distracting you too much from your studies and practice.
University of North Texas
City/State: Denton, TX
Annual In-State Tuition: ≈ $12K
Annual Out of State Tuition: ≈ $24K
Room and Board: ≈ $10K
About the University of North Texas’s Scholarship and Program: This is a relatively smaller school, but that doesn’t mean its esports team is lacking. The varsity team participates in Overwatch, Rocket League, and League of Legends tournaments. Eligibility requirements aren’t as strict at this school as some others, with gaming proficiency and an undergraduate GPA of at least 2.5 being the main eligibility factors. The school doesn’t divulge the amount of individual scholarships; however, they do allow you to apply for an esports scholarship right from the University’s esports page. If you want to be part of an esports team in college but don’t love the hustle and bustle of the big city, this may be the perfect opportunity for you.
About the City/College: As a suburb of the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Denton can afford to be a little slower-paced than a town. Those seeking the busy life of a metro area are close enough for a day trip to one of the bigger cities, but the allure of this 165,000-person town is that it is quieter. Gamers looking to go to school here still have the same campus opportunities you would expect elsewhere, like recreation centers, green spaces, and campus events, but in a calmer climate than the big cities.
Wichita State University
City/State: Wichita, KS
Annual In-State Tuition: ≈ $9K
Annual Out of State Tuition: ≈ $19K
Room and Board: ≈ $14K
About Wichita State’s Scholarship and Program: Wichita State comes in hot with teams for Call of Duty, Overwatch 2, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and VALORANT. You can tell this college has embraced esports through the support the team receives. Not only does the school sell merchandise supporting its esports teams, but it also competes in most, if not all, of the major collegiate esports conferences. Wichita State doesn’t release its esports scholarship numbers, but there are reports of anything from $2,000 for players on the club team to a full ride for varsity players. They are also a little cagey on the eligibility requirements, which may not be a bad thing. The official school esports page says you must “meet academic standards,” be a full-time student, and attend practice and meetings.
About the City/College: Kansas gets a bad reputation for being nothing but fields and farmland, but this great state has much to offer. With a population of nearly 400,000, it’s not like Wichita is in the middle of nowhere. Those looking to stay near campus will find everything they need from outdoor spaces to events and plenty of recreation and arts on the grounds. Those who want to explore may be surprised to find that Wichita offers a potpourri of activities for people of all walks of life. If you’re into pizza (which, what college student isn’t?), you’ll have to check out The Original Pizza Hut Museum.
University of Delaware
City/State: Newark, DE
Annual In-State Tuition: ≈ $15K
Annual Out of State Tuition: ≈ $40K
Room and Board: ≈ $15K
About The University of Delaware’s Scholarship and Program: If anything tells you the level of commitment this University has to Esports, it’s the sheer number of games its students compete in. Players who excel in League of Legends, Overwatch, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Rocket League, VALORANT, and Sim Racing are all invited to apply for a tryout. The University also has its own esports arena as a dedicated space for gamers. The University doesn’t specify how many esports scholarships they offer; however, they state that “partial scholarships will be awarded to qualified students.” For scholarship eligibility, you must try out for a team and maintain a 2.5 GPA; scholarships are also awarded based on factors such as individual accolades and team needs.
About the City/College: It’s all about location with this school. The North East is so close and connected by public transit that you aren’t stuck on campus or even in the city if you don’t want to be. For those who don’t want to stray too far from campus, Newark is home to only 30,000 people year-round, so it is the epitome of small-town living. There are a few things to do in town, like the arcade and movie theater, but much of the town’s activities come from campus, where there are botanical gardens, a creamery, and many green spaces to enjoy outdoors.
Ball State University
City/State: Muncie, IN
Annual In-State Tuition: ≈ $11K
Annual Out of State Tuition: ≈ $26K
Room and Board: ≈ $13K
About Ball State’s Scholarship and Program: Ball State is another university that not only supports its esports students but also offers degrees in the program. Another way you can tell that Ball State is serious about its program is its 3,600 sq. ft. esports center, built in 2021, with state-of-the-art equipment. The varsity teams compete in two different conferences while playing Overwatch, Rocket League, League of Legends, and VALORANT. Ball State doesn’t offer exact numbers for its scholarships. Still, they do talk about the importance of scholarships to attract the best esports talent on their esports fundraising page, so it is safe to assume they are serious about helping their players with at least partial scholarships. As for eligibility requirements, the website says players must try out each year and remain in “good academic standing.”
About the City/College: Muncie is the perfect combination of a big city and a smaller suburb. With only 65,000 people, it is definitely on the smaller side. Still, it is only 50 miles away from Indianapolis, so there are plenty of opportunities for students who want to pop into the city for a concert or sporting event. As the biggest city in its area and a college town, Muncie has a surprising amount to do without heading to Indianapolis. When students need a break from video games, they can visit one of Muncie’s themed gardens, catch a movie, or enjoy one of the many museums the city offers.
Cleveland State University
City/State: Cleveland, OH
Annual In-State Tuition: ≈ $13K
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: ≈ $18K
Room and Board: ≈ $16K
About Cleveland State’s Scholarship and Program: To say that Cleveland State is proud of its teams is an understatement. Each competitor gets a bio on their page under the team they play on. Teams include Overwatch, VALORANT, League of Legends, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and the lesser-seen Street Fighter. Like other universities that are embracing Esports, Cleveland State has invested in building a state-of-the-art facility for its varsity teams and gaming clubs to use. Cleveland State doesn’t disclose the amount of its scholarships, but it says there are opportunities to increase scholarships over time based on skill and participation. The eligibility requirements are vague, but they do state that students should demonstrate strong academic performance, show game skills, and participate in team activities and community service projects.
About the City/College: With a population of nearly 400,000, Cleveland is a metropolitan area. There is plenty to do in this city, no matter your lifestyle choices, but having a campus right next to a great lake creates even more opportunities for students during their off time. Whether it is walking along the shore or renting a kayak for a day on the great lake, students can expand their horizons. Of course, with a population of this size, there is plenty to do in the city. Those who would prefer to stay closer to campus have many exciting options as well, such as botanical gardens, the science museum, and unique and delicious places to catch a quiet bite.
Grand Canyon University
City/State: Phoenix, AZ
Annual In-State Tuition: ≈ $17K
Annual Out of State Tuition: ≈ $17K
Room and Board: ≈ $11K
About GCU’s Scholarship and Program: GCU is interesting because they have teams for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Overwatch, Rocket League, and VALORANT; however, they only offer scholarships for VALORANT and Rocket League teams. The university is not forthcoming with much information, but reports indicate that it provides both partial and complete scholarships to eligible students. Additionally, the university hosts monthly tournaments for high school students where winners can earn up to a $2,500 scholarship to the school. Eligible students will show a high level of skill for their game and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA. GCU has a pretty standard esports arena on campus, but according to its website, the university is committed to expanding it as the esports program grows.
About the City/College: The Phoenix area may be one of the best metros for getting around. There is no shortage of experiences for students outside of the campus, as this is a major metropolitan area. For those willing to venture a little outside of campus, there are a ton of restaurants and activities within walking distance, or you can take the campus shuttle. For those who would prefer to stay on campus, the university has much to offer, too, with many students suggesting Thunderground as an on-campus place for entertainment and socializing.
The University of Oklahoma
City/State: Norman, OK
Annual In-State Tuition: ≈ $10K
Annual Out of State Tuition: ≈ $25K
Room and Board: ≈ $16K
About The University of Oklahoma’s Scholarship and Program: The University of Oklahoma’s scholarship and program hold a special place within the university. The Esports scholarship at this school is named after the late Forest Sharp, who is credited with shaping what would eventually become The University of Oklahoma’s esports program in 2012. The scholarship is undergoing some positive changes, so the school doesn’t offer hard data, but the website says all funds raised go directly to supporting students. The only thing more impressive than the school’s esports facility is the number of teams they have. There are teams for the most popular games, including Smash Bros., VALORANT, Overwatch, Rocket League, and League of Legends. Additionally, there are other less-common competitive teams, including Apex Legends, Mario Kart World, Rainbow 6: Siege, Splatoon 3, and a suite of sports games, all under a single esports banner. The school does not have any public eligibility requirement information.
About the City/College: As a suburb of Oklahoma City, Norman offers a slower pace while remaining close to the central metro area. That means you have all the opportunities to pop into the city to catch a game or event, but you don’t have to fight for parking when you want to grab a bite to eat around the corner. The campus itself doesn’t seem to offer as many activities as some other campuses, but you can still catch a Sooners game or enjoy hundreds of on-campus activities. The school may not lean into the social aspect as much, but if your passion is gaming, the esports facility offers plenty to keep you busy outside of schoolwork.
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
City/State: Lincoln, NE
Annual In-State Tuition: ≈ $11K
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: ≈ $30K
Room and Board: ≈ $15K
About The University of Nebraska-Lincoln’s Scholarship and Program: The University of Nebraska is in the middle of building up its program. The school is currently raising funds to build a state-of-the-art $ 1.6 million esports facility on campus. The school sponsors teams for popular games like VALORANT, Call of Duty, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Rocket League, and League of Legends. Given the state of flux the program is in, they may be adding or removing games from their competitions. There is no data for the amount of money that is awarded for esports scholarships; however, this university has an 11-point eligibility list, including: maintaining at least 15 credit hours, not changing your primary residence while in school, maintaining a 3.0 GPA, and remaining in good standing with the team and program.
About the City/College: People think of Nebraska as nothing but cows and cornfields, but Lincoln boasts a population of nearly 300,000. As a central metropolitan area, Lincoln offers something for everyone. This is the perfect campus for those who don’t want to wander far from home. There are plenty of dining and activities right outside your dorm, so you can pop out for some fun and food before getting back to gaming. When the proposed gaming facility gets built, it will likely be a campus destination for casual and competitive gamers alike.
Georgia Southern University
City/State: Statesboro, GA
Annual In-State Tuition: ≈ $6K
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: ≈ $20K
Room and Board: ≈ $11K
About Georgia Southern University’s Scholarship and Program: This school has teams for most of the standard games, including: VALORANT, Rocket League, League of Legends, Overwatch, Call of Duty, Rainbow 6: Siege, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Marvel Rivals. However, they only have competitive teams for Call of Duty and Rainbow 6. This is a smaller school with a smaller competitive program, so they only reported offering partial scholarships of $500 to $2,000. Every little bit helps. To be eligible for a scholarship, players must be enrolled full-time, show impressive skill in their preferred game, and maintain a GPA of at least 2.0. This may not be the biggest and most advanced collegiate esports program, but it is clear that they care more about their students than just what they can do with a controller in hand.
About the City/College: With a population of around 35,000, Statesboro is the definition of a small college town. Students will find activities on campus and around town, such as attending a game or spending a day at the outdoor waterpark. Still, for the most part, this is a quiet college town that lets kids focus on their academics and extracurriculars. Georgia Southern may not be the perfect University for everybody, it may be the ideal fit for an esports competitor looking to avoid the hustle and bustle of a bigger city.
Weber State University
City/State: Ogden, UT
Annual In-State Tuition: ≈ $6K
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: ≈ $17K
Room and Board: ≈ $15K
About Weber State’s Scholarship and Program: Weber State is a solid esports school that feels like it lands comfortably between the big and small programs. Unlike big schools that have esports arenas, Weber offers a more intimate esports space. It may not be the largest or the most advanced, but it does provide a dedicated space for gamers. Esports scholarships are awarded to players who excel in League of Legends, Rocket League, VALORANT, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Unlike most other colleges, esports scholarships may be available to students who support the teams in various ways, such as management, broadcasting, and coaching. Weber State currently offers partial scholarships between $1,000 and $6,000 per recipient, but they have stringent eligibility requirements. Students must practice 2-3 times per week with the team, complete at least 10 hours of individual practice, maintain a 2.0 GPA, remain in good standing with the team and league, and meet a handful of student conduct standards, both online and in person.
About the City/College: Ogden is far enough North of Utah that it isn’t considered a suburb, but with a distance of 40 miles between the cities, students can make day trips to Salt Lake City whenever they feel like it. Most students probably won’t feel the urge, considering Ogden has something for everyone, from green spaces to intriguing museums. At 90,000 people, there are plenty of opportunities to be social without feeling like you are in a major metropolitan area. Those who would prefer to remain on campus have multiple eating venues and a recreation center to access during their free time.
City/State: Town and Country, MO
Annual In-State Tuition: ≈ $27K
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: ≈ $27K
Room and Board: ≈ $13K
About Maryville University’s Scholarship and Program: Maryville University is a four-time champion esports school. While it offers multiple club-level competitive teams, it has two nationally ranked scholarship teams. The club has all your favorite games, but competitive scholarships are only given for League of Legends and Overwatch teams. Like many other schools that take esports seriously, Maryville has a dedicated and state-of-the-art esports facility on campus. According to the school’s website, they offer up to $2,000 per individual per year. They don’t report any eligibility requirements beyond trying out for the team.
About the City/College: Town and Country is the epitome of a college town, with a population of fewer than 12,000. For those looking for more to do, Town and Country is only 20 miles outside of St. Louis, so it’s not like it’s in the middle of nowhere. For the kids who would rather stay closer to campus, there are a few parks and eateries in and around campus, but you’ll probably find yourself hanging out in someone’s room more than anything.
Harrisburg University
City/State: Harrisburg, PA
Annual In-State Tuition: ≈ $25K
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: ≈ $25K
Room and Board: ≈ $11K
About Harrisburg University’s Scholarship and Program: Harrisburg University may quietly be the premier destination for gamers. First, this university is known for offering full-ride scholarships for its esports students. If that wasn’t enough, there are other ways you can tell this university supports its esports players, such as two dedicated training spaces and degrees like esports management. Harrisburg proudly claims to set the standard in collegiate esports. The varsity teams eligible for scholarships include League of Legends, VALORANT, and Rocket League. However, there are club-level teams for multiple other games as well. To qualify for one of these opportunities, you must meet the standard admission requirements, show impressive skill at tryouts, and maintain at least a 2.75 GPA.
About the City/College: With a population of around 55,000, Harrisburg is a decently sized city, but like everywhere in the northeast, it’s never very far from anywhere. Those who want to stick around town will find that Harrisburg is a destination for history buffs, with all kinds of museums and events to attend. For those who want some nature, the riverfront park offers beautiful views and fresh air. For those who would rather stay on campus, the university regularly hosts events, and there are a few cafes and eateries on site.
Hawaii Pacific University
City/State: Honolulu, HI
Annual In-State Tuition: ≈ $33K
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: ≈ $33K
Room and Board: ≈ $19K
About Hawaii Pacific University’s Scholarship and Program: Hawaii Pacific is proud of its gaming roots as its varsity program grew from a small club of dedicated gamers into a premier destination for esports. They have a dedicated, state-of-the-art gaming facility designed for students of all walks of life to enjoy gaming in a safe and inclusive environment. At this time, VALORANT is the only official varsity team, but they are working to recruit teams for League of Legends, Rocket League, Fortnite, Apex Legends, Overwatch, Smash Bros., and Marvel Rivals, which makes for an excellent opportunity for incoming students. The school reports that it offers partial scholarships to its varsity team, ranging from $1,000 to $6,000. The school doesn’t publicly report its scholarship eligibility requirements, but they are likely similar to those of other colleges, where students must demonstrate skill in their chosen game and maintain a minimum GPA.
About the City/College: As a premier tourist destination, it is easy to see why kids would want to go to school in Honolulu. Students who attend school here have the best of both worlds when it comes to enjoying their time both indoors and outdoors. Those who would prefer to stay on campus have plenty of options as well, whether it is at the esports facility, eating from one of the many food trucks on campus, or catching a concert. The only downside to Honolulu is the significantly higher cost of living compared to the contiguous United States, which may deter some families.
