Esports is growing extremely quickly in the college world. More and more schools are adding esports programs and facilities. Here are 7 facts about the world of college esports.
1. Varsity Esports Programs:
The National Association of College Esports (NACE) is the largest league for college esports. NACE reportedly has over 240 member schools and over 5,000 student-athlete participants. There are also smaller leagues, including the Electronic Gaming Federation (EGF) which has 29 members.
2. Games Played:
College esports programs support a wide range of games. Here are some of the most popular:
- League of Legends
- Overwatch
- Dota 2
- Fortnite
- Rocket League
- Smash Bros
- Call of Duty
- VALORANT
3. Scholarship Opportunities:
This isn't true for all colleges, but many schools offer esports scholarships. These scholarships can cover tuition, room and board, and other expenses related to attending college. Check with the specific school to see what they offer.
4. College Majors
Some schools offer great major options for esports athletes who want to continue into a similar career path. Graphic design, software engineering, animation, and game design are perfect options for athletes who love what they do.
5. Career Pathways:
Along with majors, esports can also help guide you into a profession. Collegiate esports programs not only focus on competitive gaming but also offer opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in gaming, esports management, broadcasting, event production, and game design.
6. Best Programs:
- Boise State University
- Miami University (Ohio)
- UC Irvine
- University of Akron
- Northwood University
- Maryville University of Saint Louis
7. Facilities and Infrastructure:
Colleges and universities are investing in state-of-the-art esports facilities and infrastructure, including gaming arenas, gaming lounges, and high-performance gaming PCs, to support their esports programs. Here are schools with some of the best esports facilities:
