EdCircuit Staff 
Esports scholarships are real, and for some students they can cover a meaningful share of college costs. Hundreds of colleges now field varsity esports teams, and many offer scholarships to recruit players. But the awards range from a few hundred dollars to full tuition, most come with academic requirements, and some programs have been cut as colleges face budget pressure. This guide explains how esports scholarships work, what colleges look for and how high school players can get recruited.
How many colleges offer esports scholarships?
There is no single official count. When Lasell University joined the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), a nonprofit for college esports programs, in 2025, it described NACE as including over 200 colleges and universities. As early as 2018, the National Federation of State High School Associations reported that nearly 200 colleges in the U.S. and Canada were recruiting and offering scholarships for esports, and in 2021 it cited “tens of millions of dollars in esports scholarship money.” Programs include four-year universities and community colleges; two-year colleges compete through the NJCAA.
How much are esports scholarships worth?
Amounts vary enormously. Examples from colleges’ own pages:
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln offers an esports scholarship that covers undergraduate tuition for up to four consecutive years for new first-year students, as long as they take at least 12 credit hours each semester, complete 24 credits a year, keep a 3.000 cumulative GPA and stay in good standing with the team.
- Central Michigan University offers a $1,000 scholarship for top Rocket League players and $100 to $300 scholarships for players in League of Legends, Overwatch 2, Super Smash Bros. and Valorant, as partial one-year awards.
- The University of Texas at Dallas says its varsity players receive “small scholarships,” along with team facilities and travel support.
Many esports scholarships are partial awards that reduce, rather than eliminate, the cost of college. Families should compare them with other financial aid offers in the same way as any other scholarship.
What colleges look for
Skill and rank
College teams recruit from in-game rankings. The University of North Texas, for example, sets minimum ranks for varsity tryouts: Masters or higher in League of Legends and Overwatch 2, and Grand Champ 2 or higher in Rocket League. East Tennessee State bases scholarships on player rank, GPA and position played.
Grades
Academic requirements are common. East Tennessee State and North Texas require at least a 2.5 GPA; Texas A&M–San Antonio requires a 2.0 minimum; Nebraska–Lincoln requires a 3.000 to keep its scholarship. Many programs also require full-time enrollment.
Character and commitment
Programs expect attendance at practices and team events, and some add service: East Tennessee State requires scholarship recipients to take part in at least one community service project a year.
Which games
The titles that appear most often on the college recruiting pages we reviewed are League of Legends, Rocket League, Valorant, Overwatch 2 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Some colleges also field teams in Call of Duty, Fortnite, Marvel Rivals, Tekken, Mario Kart and racing games.
How to get recruited for an esports scholarship
- Play on a school or league team to build a competitive record, ideally through your state association or a scholastic league.
- Raise your rank in the games colleges recruit for, and keep records of your stats.
- Record your best games. Many programs ask for video: East Tennessee State, for example, asks applicants to upload two recorded games, join the team’s Discord and contact the head coach to schedule a tryout.
- Keep your grades up. A GPA below a program’s minimum can rule you out regardless of skill.
- Research programs and contact coaches early, and check tryout dates: some colleges hold tryouts at the start of each semester, and North Texas opens varsity applications for fall 2027 in November 2026.
- Ask about the details: the amount, whether it renews each year, and the GPA, credit-load and team requirements to keep it.
Risks to know about
College esports is still settling. Some programs have been cut or moved as budgets tighten. Illinois State ended its varsity program after spring 2025 because of budget cuts, while honoring scholarships through 2025–26. Salt Lake Community College temporarily discontinued its esports scholarships in fall 2025 before restoring funding weeks later. Cleveland State moved its program from athletics to its college of engineering in January 2025. Before accepting an offer, students should ask how long the program has existed, how it is funded and what happens to scholarships if it changes.
Frequently asked questions
Do colleges give scholarships for esports? Yes. Hundreds of colleges have esports programs, and many offer scholarships, from a few hundred dollars to full tuition at some schools.
How much is an esports scholarship? It varies: Central Michigan offers $100 to $1,000; Nebraska–Lincoln covers tuition for up to four years for students who meet its requirements.
What GPA do you need for an esports scholarship? Commonly 2.0 to 2.5 to be considered, and higher at some schools, such as Nebraska–Lincoln’s 3.000 to keep the award.
What games give esports scholarships? Most often League of Legends, Rocket League, Valorant, Overwatch 2 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, though each college chooses its own titles.
Do community colleges offer esports scholarships? Some do. Two-year colleges compete through the NJCAA, and programs such as Salt Lake Community College’s offer scholarships.
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