Benefits and Value of Esports Scholarship

Benefits and Value of Esports Scholarship

ESports scholarships are not a new phenomenon. However, the scholarship packages are becoming more sophisticated and varied. Institutions such as The University of California-Irvine and Columbia College offer scholarship packages for Esports players to help cover tuition fees, travel expenses, and living expenses.

The main goal of these programs is to help players find a balance between their academics and their gaming careers. This helps player’s focus on their studies without worries about how they will pay for it all in the end. They can also learn from peers who are in similar situations that they might not have found in an ordinary classroom setting.

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Popular games for Esports Scholarships?

If you're going to apply, you'll need to make sure that your game is part of their list of games. If you are a pro player, you will not find it surprising that there are scholarships for games such as Overwatch, Rainbow 6 Siege, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Fortnite or League of Legends. This isn't an exhaustive list. Many more teams are likely to emerge with the release of future titles. If you're a fan or a title that competes, it's worth looking in to esports collegiate teams for them.

 

Which Schools Offer Esports Scholarships?

The popularity of eSports has exploded in recent years, and with it, the number of universities offering scholarships to compete. There are usually two types of scholarship: general scholarships that cover all college costs and specific to eSports programs like League of Legends or Overwatch. Earning an eSports scholarship is not very different from a more traditional one. There's a tier system where high-profile recruits will have won or placed highly at major tournaments while less-known gamers will need to draw attention to themselves.

New York University, NY (Varies)

Maryville University, MO ($2,000)

University of Utah, UT (Varies)

Harrisburg University, PA (Up to full tuition)

Kansas Wesleyan University, KS (Varies)

Oregon Institute of Technology, OR ($500)

AIAS Foundation Scholarship

ESA Foundation Computer and Video Game Arts and Sciences Scholarship

 

Salary and Career as an Esports Gamer:

Even though Faker earns $2 million a year, this is just him. Most players barely earn an average annual salary. Life is still difficult for most professionals and they often resort to streaming their matches on popular streaming platforms or filming videos showing best practices for playing. But surely a good enthusiasts will be able to make a living as an esports professional.

There is a lot of money at stake in the world of competitive gaming. The prize pools for tournaments are typically $1 million or more. The top players can make over $100,000 annually, and the industry as a whole is expected to break $1 billion in revenue by 2020. Schools all over the country are starting to understand that this industry is not just a passing fad. They are starting to offer students scholarships for their video game skills.

In order to be successful in esports, players need to develop their skills and study strategies and games on their own time outside of school hours. This opportunity allows them to have an educational environment that will allow them to do so without wasting time sitting in classrooms with subjects they may not want to pursue professionally down the road.