Here is a list of colleges that offer esports at the varsity level. As you conduct your research and narrow down your list of schools, keep in mind that tuition cost, financial aid, esports scholarships, and grants should also be an important part of the process. Tuition can vary wildly between colleges, as well as scholarship and financial aid amounts, so make sure to crunch the numbers and plan the financial commitments you and your family will have to make.
There are several college esports leagues. 175 colleges and universities are members of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) and offer officially recognized varsity esports programs. These schools have coaches and offer partial or full-ride athletic scholarships.
With few industry rules and regulations, schools are free to participate across the board. Varsity esports teams regularly compete against gaming clubs in tournaments and league play. However, NACE schools officially recognize and support their college esports teams as official varsity-level athletic programs.
The best colleges and universities for varsity esports have a tradition of excellence and support from the administration to grow and develop the program. Across the country, some of the best gaming colleges include Maryville, Robert Morris, Miami (Ohio), California-Irvine, Utah, Ashland and Harrisburg University.