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Top Esports Scholarships for Gamers in January 2023
Do you love to play Fortnite? Or is NBA 2K more your speed? Video games are obviously very popular among students and in the US alone there are an estimated 164 million gamers. One thing you may not know is that video games are also a way for you to get college scholarships! Esports scholarships have become increasingly popular so that you can put your Fortnite skills to use to pay for college!
Jump ahead to:
- College Esports Scholarships
- How to win scholarships for gamers
- Resources for gamers
- Frequently asked questions about Esports scholarships
- Summary of colleges that offer esports scholarships
- Other scholarship lists to explore
Keep on reading to learn more about how you can earn scholarship dollars through your gaming skills.
College Esports scholarships in 2023
There are 150+ colleges and universities that are members of the National Association of Collegiate Esports and offer varsity esports. The NACE includes a wide variety of schools across the country. Here are some of the top colleges and universities that offer Esports scholarships:
Minecraft Scholarship
- Eligibility: Open to high school and college students who write an essay on how Mincraft can positively impact education and career development
- Amount: $2,000
- Deadline: July 31, 2023
Arcadia University
- Eligibility: Arcadia offers Esports scholarships for students who play League of Legends, Hearthstone, Overwatch, Rainbow Six, and Super Smash Bros.
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Varies
University of California at Irvine
- Eligibility: UC-Irvine offers Esports scholarships for students who play League of Legends, Overwatch, and Super Smash Bros.
- Amount: $1,000 to $6,000
- Deadline: Rolling
University of Texas at Dallas
- Eligibility: UT-Dallas offers Esports scholarships for students who play League of Legends, Overwatch, and Super Smash Bros.
- Amount: $1,000 to $6,000
- Deadline: Rolling
University of Utah
- Eligibility: UC-Irvine offers Esports scholarships for students who play League of Legends, Overwatch, Hearthstone and Rocket League.
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Varies
Valparaiso University
- Eligibility: Valpo offers Esports scholarships for students who play League of Legends and Rocket League.
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Varies
You can find the complete list of NACE and independent Esports colleges here. At many of these colleges, the specific scholarship award amounts and eligibility will vary. Remember, gamers will also be able to qualify for other merit scholarships and need-based financial aid.
How to win scholarships for gamers
One of the best things you can do to increase your chances of winning scholarships is to write a strong essay. Scholarship committees want to know who you are, what makes you tick, and how your passions connect to your goals for the future. For example, how is your love for gaming linked to your college and career goals? By writing an essay that effectively communicates this, you can stand out against other applicants. Prompts vary among different essays, of course, but the principles of good writing remain the same.
If you’re seeking more specific tips on how to write an effective essay, you’re in the right place! Check out the following resources to get started:
- How to start a scholarship essay (with examples)
- How to end a scholarship essay
- How to write a 250 word essay
- How to write a 500 word essay
- How to write an essay about yourself
- Overview of common scholarship essay prompts
- How to write a winning scholarship essay
Resources for gamers
If you want to turn your love for gaming into a career, you don’t have to do it alone! There are many resources and organizations dedicated to helping students like yourself. Start by checking out the following groups:
Entertainment Software Association (ESA)
This organization offers scholarships for women and minority students interested in the video game industry. Since 2007, ESA has awarded more than 450 scholarships to underrepresented students earning a degree in computer science or video game arts.
International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
IGDA is the world’s largest nonprofit membership organization dedicated to serving individuals who create games. If you’re a student looking to become a game developer, joining IGDA is a great way to connect with game industry professionals and learn more about the field. Members also get early access to job postings, career coaching, and opportunities to promote their own games or projects.
Gameheads
Based in Oakland, CA, Gameheads supports low-income students and students of color (ages 11 – 25) who are pursuing a career in the tech or video game industry. The Gameheads Classic program guides students from middle and high school through college and into the start of their careers. Along the way, students get access to industry events, mentors, free classes, hardware / software, educational support, personal counseling, access to internships, paid opportunities and more.
Bronx Gaming Network (BGN)
Specifically dedicated to Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), BGN offers creative tech education, professional development, and mentorship to gamers and creatives of all ages. Along with other educational opportunities, BGN offers a series of workshops that allow people to learn new skills related to gaming and live streaming.
Frequently asked questions about Esports scholarships
How to get recruited for Esports?
Of course, in order to receiver an Esports scholarship students will need to be recruited (just like any other sport). One of the ways that you can get this process kicked off is by getting in touch with the proper Esports coach at the college or university you are considering.
It can also be helpful to prepare a highlights video to show potential coaches your skills. Finally, you may be asked to participate in an esports tryout where a coach will assess your skills, character, and fit for their team.
What games do varsity gamers play?
Esports games include a wide array of games including Fortnight, Counter-Strike, League of Legends, Starcraft II, Madden, and more! Every college will have a different focus, so we always recommend that students check in with the colleges that they are interested in attending.
Summary of colleges that offer esports scholarships
- Arcadia University
- University of California at Irvine
- University of Texas at Dallas
- University of Utah
- Valparaiso University
