Leveling up higher education with esports programs.
There was a time in higher education history when spending hours gaming in front of a computer screen was considered the antithesis of academic success.
Back then, students who played video games instead of going to study sessions would usually flunk out. Today, for many students, playing video games is the study session.
Competitive gaming is revolutionizing higher education (in a transformative way), turning university campuses into dynamic, cutting-edge learning ecosystems that bridge entertainment, education and career preparation.
Imagine a world where your students are earning academic credits in such non-traditional subjects as esports management, game development and data analytics. By bringing competitive gaming into the academic fold, you’re helping your students build critical career and life skills — and maybe even preparing them for the multi-billion-dollar gaming industry that’s reshaping our digital future.
It’s higher education but with epic career opportunities. What student wouldn’t want that?
Let’s dive into this game for several levels and see where it takes us.
Esports by the numbers.
College esports programs might sound like all fun and games, but the statistics reveal a compelling story of explosive growth and student engagement that you, as a university leader, can no longer ignore.
The growth trajectory has been nothing short of remarkable. Currently, over 270 universities have varsity esports programs, representing a dramatic increase from just a handful of institutions ten years ago.1
The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE) now represents over 260 member institutions, with the broader U.S. esports market valued at nearly half a billion dollars last year and projected to exceed $1.1 billion by 2033.2
The scholarship landscape reflects this trend:
- An estimated $46 million in esports scholarships were distributed in the 2023- 2024 academic year alone.3
- Individual scholarship awards typically ranged from $500 to $25,000.4
- Some institutions offer full-ride scholarships, with programs like Grand View University providing full-tuition awards for varsity players.5
What makes these numbers even more impressive is the ROI a higher education institution can expect. In a survey of 97 small schools with esports programs, the median number of students enrolled partly or entirely due to esports was 10 in the first year.6 With startup costs averaging around $36,000, many institutions see their investment repaid within the first year of program launch.7
Collegiate esports transcends ‘video gaming’.
Your current definition of esports may sound something like “team-based competitive gaming activities designed for students”. However, you’ll quickly discover it encompasses far more than gameplay. Modern collegiate esports programs create comprehensive educational experiences that develop both technical competencies and essential life skills.
Varsity programs, which often include scholarships, operate with the same structure and professionalism as traditional athletic departments. These programs feature dedicated coaches, a rigorous practice schedule and competitive leagues that mirror conventional sports frameworks.
Students compete in popular titles like League of Legends, VALORANT, Rocket League, and Counter-Strike while earning academic credentials and building professional networks.
Noncompetitive clubs focus more on building a sense of community and exploring various aspects of the gaming industry. These programs often serve as entry points for students interested in a variety of fields, like broadcasting, content creation, event management and game development. They provide opportunities for students who may not compete at varsity levels but want to engage with esports culture and career pathways.
The academic integration sets collegiate esports apart from casual gaming. Many universities are creating specialized degree programs in esports management, game design and digital media production. Syracuse University’s partnership between the Newhouse School of Public Communications and Falk College exemplifies this comprehensive approach, combining media production expertise with sports management education.
These programs deliver tangible benefits that extend far beyond gaming skills. Students develop critical thinking, strategic planning, teamwork and communication abilities under pressure. The collaborative nature of team-based competition mirrors professional environments, preparing students for careers across multiple industries.