Hi all, I'm really into esports and am wondering about colleges that offer esports scholarships. Does anyone have information on which schools offer the best programs and scholarships for gamers? Any personal anecdotes or advice would be awesome!
One place to begin your search for colleges with esports scholarships is with schools that are part of the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE). NACE is a nonprofit membership association established in 2016 that is dedicated to legitimizing and supporting the growth of collegiate esports across North America. Schools under the NACE umbrella often offer both partial and full esports scholarships.
Some universities under NACE offering robust esports scholarships and programs include:
1. University of California, Irvine: The UCI esports program is one of the first of its kind to offer a combination of scholarships, dedicated esports space, and a strong gaming culture. It has been recognized as one of the best in the world.
2. Robert Morris University, Illinois: This was the first university to offer scholarships for esports. They offer significant scholarships - up to 50% tuition and 50% room and board.
3. Boise State University: Boise State has a comprehensive esports program and offers scholarships per year.
4. Maryville University: The university offers generous scholarships that cover up to 50% of tuition.
5. Full Sail University: The university offers an esports business degree program and scholarships specifically for students interested in gaming.
Remember, esports scholarships aren't limited to gameplay! There are also opportunities for those interested in the production, management, marketing, and other elements of running a competitive gaming team. Broadening your skills could improve your chances of landing a valuable esports scholarship.
Lastly, as you research schools and scholarships, remember to consider the balance between your academics and esports commitments. Success in esports often requires a significant time commitment, so you'll want to consider how it fits into your overall educational and career goals.
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