There’s no question about it: Choosing a college with esports in mind changes the college decision because it’s a unique factor in the college search process. 

As a parent, you likely have no clue what’s available, because — let’s face it — esports wasn’t a thing when you earned your college degree. Therefore, it stands to reason you might need a bit of guidance through this very new process for you and your student. 

One of the most important factors involves the importance of planning early. College planning involves decisions over a multi-year process, not just when your child is applying to colleges during senior year. It’s doubly important when considering esports, because you’re also adding an important piece of your child’s interests into the discussion.

Read on for more information about what you need to know to choose an esports college.

How to Choose a College that Offers Esports: What Every Parent Needs to Know

So, how do you choose a college that offers esports? It’s not enough to simply pick a school off the map, as you well know. You’ll need to consider programs, scholarships, academics, campus and culture fit, and more. Let’s dive in.

Understand All Programs Are Not Created Equal

Esports programs are not all the same. Some colleges offer club teams and some contain varsity programs (with scholarship offers): 

• Varsity programs: Varsity programs often hold positions within athletic departments featuring recruited, scholarship-eligible players.
• Club teams: Generally student-led, these teams operate more informally, often funding themselves through fundraising, though some may receive minor institutional support.
• Scholarship programs: Funding for esports programs across the U.S. includes millions of dollars. Some schools offer full-ride scholarships, while others provide smaller partial scholarships. In addition, students who want to pursue esports can tap into many options for esports classes and concentrations, possibly with scholarship availability.  

Naturally, depending on the level of the program, you’ll find various levels of coaching, support, practice schedules, travel demands, and expectations. Finding the right fit is a huge deal, including for students who want to play at the club level, but it’s important to understand how higher ed institutions offer academic and professional development opportunities to learners of all skill levels, according to Dr. Joey Gawrysiak, executive director of esports, Falk College of Sport, Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University.

“Just like any traditional sport, not every student that competes in high school will want or be able to compete at the collegiate level, so we, as collegiate directors, should make sure we are offering educational opportunities in and through esports and gaming to engage with everyone,” Gawrysiak said. 

Consider Academics Early On 

Naturally, the goal is academics and a career — not just a great esports experience. However, it’s important to consider how colleges and universities (including coaches) remain proactive about helping students balance esports and their course load. It’s important to ask questions about the academic support availability for athletes, including whether coaches host study sessions as a team, watch academic eligibility requirements, etc. Most kids who love esports will not play on a competitive team in college, but they can develop targeted skills to help them succeed in college and find work in the esports industry.

NASEF clubs and classes focus on the broader ecosystem of career pathways, with Beyond the Game challenges and other programs that help students start building career skills early. Participating in these events provides an opportunity for career exploration and portfolio development, which makes applicants even more appealing to colleges and future employers. 

“There is so much that can be learned through the lens of esports and video games to prepare learners for valuable careers in esports, gaming, and around the entertainment ecosystem that goes far beyond gaming. Esports in higher education needs to be more than playing video games,” Gawrysiak added. “It gives us the chance to provide real impact to learners and provide a pathway to an education where they might not have seen a pathway to a degree before. Teaching professional soft and hard skills through the lens of esports and gaming provides transferable skills to learners to prepare them for careers in the gaming ecosystem as well as far beyond.”

It’s also important to analyze the programs and majors that align with your student’s career goals early on, rather than waiting until senior year to do this research. You’ll want to get the academic preferences just right early on — especially if your child wants to pursue a major related to esports.

Ask about transfer and eligibility risks (including retention rates), typical careers after graduation at each college, and more.

Check Out Campus and Team Fit

Many families get so caught up in the scholarships and costs that they don’t carefully consider the campus and team culture. However, it’s a good idea to ask yourself the following questions:

• What vibes do you get from the campus culture? 
• What student life opportunities are available besides esports? 
• How does the larger campus work toward student success?
• What is the club team like? Do future teammates seem to welcome your student?
• If your child will join a club team, how is it structured? 

All of this is important, and one of the best ways to identify the right school is to spend a lot of time with the esports team and coaches to learn more.

Scholarships and Financial Aid May Show Up in Unexpected Places

Scholarships may not cover the full costs. In many cases, scholarships only cover tuition, whereas you must cover the housing and fees as a family. However, it depends on your child’s skill level and recruitment at the college, and if not navigated expertly, it can leave gaps. 

If your child is trying to access scholarships, it’s worthwhile to work with a professional who can help negotiate those scholarships and financial aid. In addition, what one college offers could be glaringly different compared to another school, but it’s not always immediately obvious. 

Many colleges offer scholarships related to esports but aren’t necessarily named “esports scholarships.” For example, your student might use a broadcast journalism scholarship to develop these skills, which a future shoutcaster can use to their advantage. 

"Esports scholarships are only one lane, and in many cases, they’re not the biggest lane. Students can still earn financial support through other mechanisms such as academic merit, honors programs, major-based scholarships, need-based aid, campus leadership awards, work opportunities, and so on. If you’re a strong student and committed to esports as a competitor there are many ways to earn financial support,” said Jesse Bodony, president and CEO and founder of USA Esports and executive director at Voice of Intercollegiate Esports (VOICE).

In short, it’s important to find opportunities in many different areas — and these areas might not be immediately obvious.

Weigh Esports Programs Against Each Other

One of the trickiest factors involves weighing esports programs against financial and academic priorities: think red flags, deal breakers, and paralyzing financial aid awards. (Financial aid awards are filled with landmines.) 

It’s also important to tap into multi-year planning unique to esports programs — again, this can’t happen just during spring of senior year!

It’s important to recognize that many colleges are eager to build stronger bridges to K-12 schools, according to Mark Deppe, the University of California, Irvine esports program director. 

Deppe said, “High school students volunteering at collegiate events is a powerful first step. We want to attract talented, passionate gamers to our institutions, and the best way to do that is by building authentic relationships early and showing them they belong here.”

Make Decisions on the Right, Critical Timeline

As with any college decision, it’s important to consider a holistic evaluation of absolutely everything. Start early, gather data, and ask for help! 

I’ve helped hundreds of students over the course of 20 years in college admissions. Reach out for help at melissa@collegemoneytips.com for a free consultation about your child’s future with collegiate esports. 

Melissa Brock is an editor, freelance writer, essay and college coach, and founder of College Money Tips. She spent 12 years in college admission as an admission counselor and senior associate director of admission. She was the author of Game On! — an article about esports for the Journal of College Admission. She works with esports students and families to help them identify the right esports fit for them. Reach out for help at melissa@collegemoneytips.com.