Professional and club esports are gaining more and more popularity nowadays. Esports have transformed the competitive gaming landscape and redefined the notion of athleticism. No wonder there are so many varsity esports programs where students can demonstrate their exceptional skills. Once relegated to basements and LAN parties, esports have found a home on campuses. Now, it has everything - scholarships, dedicated facilities, and cheering crowds. People have finally started to take esports seriously. Therefore, if you want to make it your hobby or even future career, this article will give you the list of top college varsity esports programs to consider.
Just like it is in the case of any other hobby, esports requires time and dedication. Without a doubt, students often lack this resource, as they have busy schedules. Numerous writing assignments with short deadlines do not allow them to relax. However, many of them choose an effective way of coping with homework assignments and look for reliable paper writer services meeting the deadlines. You can collaborate with a qualified writer who will help you get your head around the most complex tasks without stress. Then, you will have the chance to dedicate more time to improving your esports skills. As for now, look at the following programs that might interest you.
Robert Morris University (Moon Township, PA)
Moon Township's esports program reigns supreme, claiming titles in League of Legends, CS:GO, and Overwatch. They combine academic excellence with dedicated facilities and scholarships, making champions on and off the screen.
● Key achievements: ranked No. 1 in NA LCS for League of Legends in 2014, Overwatch national champions in 2017, CS:GO national champions in 2018.
● Benefits: a strong focus on academics and esports integration, dedicated esports facility, and scholarship opportunities.
University of California, Irvine (Irvine, CA)
From Overwatch to StarCraft II and Hearthstone, UC Irvine conquers a diverse realm of esports. Their large community thrives on various games, supported by strong alumni connections and a vibrant campus life.
● Key achievements: Overwatch national champions in 2016, Hearthstone national champions in 2017, StarCraft II national champions in 2018.
● Benefits: large and active esports community, diverse game offerings, strong alumni network.
Savannah College of Art and Design (Savannah, GA)
SCAD's esports arena isn't just for competition. It is also a platform for creativity. Their unique animation and design program allows students to push the boundaries of esports aesthetics while racking up titles in League of Legends, StarCraft II, and Valorant.
● Key achievements: League of Legends national champions in 2019, StarCraft II national champions in 2020, Valorant national champions in 2021.
● Benefits: unique esports animation and design program, focus on creative aspects of esports, state-of-the-art facilities.
Marian University (Indianapolis, IN)
Marian University empowers its players with generous scholarships and a supportive environment. They've dominated Overwatch, Rocket League, and Valorant, proving that faith and fierce competition can go hand-in-hand.
● Key achievements: Overwatch national champions in 2018, Rocket League national champions in 2019, Valorant national champions in 2022.
● Benefits: a strong focus on esports scholarships and financial aid, a dedicated esports arena, and a supportive campus environment.
Harrisburg University of Science and Technology (Harrisburg, PA)
The program blends the thrill of esports with the power of STEM. Their national titles in Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm, and Fortnite are fueled by industry partnerships and career development, preparing students for the future of gaming.
● Key achievements: Hearthstone national champions in 2016, Heroes of the Storm national champions in 2017, Fortnite national champions in 2018.
● Benefits: STEM-focused curriculum with esports integration, industry partnerships, and career development opportunities.
Full Sail University (Winter Park, FL)
Esports production meets championship pedigree at Full Sail. From League of Legends and CS:GO to Dota 2, their students learn from experienced coaches while sharpening their skills in game design and broadcast, shaping the future of esports entertainment.
● Key achievements: League of Legends national champions in 2015, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive national champions in 2016, Dota 2 national champions in 2017.
● Benefits: renowned game design program, focus on esports production and broadcast, and experienced coaching staff.
University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT)
Utah's program boasts top-tier athletic support and a dedicated esports facility. Their dominance in League of Legends, Overwatch, and Valorant shines under the Salt Lake City lights, proving that location and support breed champions.
● Key achievements: League of Legends national champions in 2016, Overwatch national champions in 2019, Valorant national champions in 2020.
● Benefits: strong support from the athletic department, dedicated esports facility, and location in a thriving tech hub.
Boise State University (Boise, ID)
Inclusivity fuels the fire at Boise State's esports program. They champion diversity, cultivate an innovative curriculum, and foster a strong community spirit, all while claiming titles in Overwatch, Rocket League, and Fortnite.
● Key achievements: Overwatch national champions in 2016, Rocket League national champions in 2017, and Fortnite national champions in 2019.
● Benefits: commitment to diversity and inclusion in esports, innovative curriculum, and a strong sense of community.
Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI)
With passionate fans and Big Ten backing, Michigan State's program is definitely worth your attention. League of Legends, StarCraft II, and Valorant championships showcase their talent and financial muscle, proving that tradition and esports go hand-in-hand.
● Key achievements: League of Legends national champions in 2017, StarCraft II national champions in 2019, Valorant national champions in 2023.
● Benefits: large and engaged esports fanbase, well-funded program, location in a Big Ten conference school.
Northeastern University (Boston, MA)
Esports meets business savvy at Northeastern. Their emphasis on esports management and cooperative education with industry partners prepares students for careers beyond the arena.
● Key achievements: Hearthstone national champion in 2019, Rocket League national champion in 2020, and Overwatch national champion in 2021.
● Benefits: emphasis on esports business and management, cooperative education program with industry partners, location in a major city.
Summing Up
As you can see, there are many great esports programs to choose from. Take as much time as you need to analyze each of the top programs and make the best possible choice that meets your specific requirements. It is always a good idea to ask your friends and acquaintances enrolled in these programs for feedback. They can give you numerous tips and discuss insightful aspects.
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