Both casual video gamers and competitive gamers may find gaming scholarships to make college affordable. If you want to break into the video game industry, there are many gaming scholarships to help you pay for college. Scholarships may help you turn your hobby into a rewardable skill.
Some gaming scholarships are for people who want to study interactive arts. You need a college degree to work as a multimedia artist. So, you may want to pursue a degree in animation, 3-D graphics, game design and so on. Gaming skills may be another important requirement along with your GPA. This applies to video games scholarships focusing on the creative design behind gaming.
Can I get a scholarship for eSports?
Other options for gamers are eSports scholarships. These are usually for competitive players. Like an athletic scholarship, eligibility may depend on how well you play a specific game and playing at live tournaments.
Unlike taking out a loan, college gaming scholarships do not need to be repaid back. You have to abide by the terms, but don’t have to pay the money back. So, whether your latest obsession is playing a certain video game and you have mad skills. Or you want to study how to develop one, try applying for a scholarship.
Are College Gaming Scholarships Popular?
If you are looking for a gaming scholarship, many colleges offer them. You are likely need excellent player skills. Though other criteria like grades and financial need may be part of the decision process. Varsity scholarships for gaming have been around since 2014. But many more colleges in the U.S. are embracing competitive video gaming. In fact, a growing number of schools are providing video game scholarships.
Ashland University offers $4,000 scholarships as a way to expand their eSports program. Eligible applicants need to be active on Fortnite. Also, other games like League of Legends and Overwatch provide awards to serious gamers.
Other times, the game developers provide esports scholarships. For example, to date TESPA gamers received over $3.3M in scholarships & prizing. They often do this to reward players and teams in their esports programs.
Another provider is the National Association of Collegiate eSports. The NACE reports giving $15 million in eSports scholarships and aid. As of January 2018, over 94% of all varsity esports programs in the U.S. are members of NACE.
List of Gaming Scholarships
Are you a competitive gamer looking for video game scholarships? Do you want to study video game design and need a scholarship to fund you? Check out these gaming scholarships to see how your hobby might pay off.
The Esports Club at Maryville University provides both a competitive and friendly online gaming environment. Players hone their skills with the help of some of the best players in the country. Players on competitive rosters also get help to prep for the professional leagues from Maryville staff.
Southwestern College, a 4-year private college located in Winfield, Kansas, offers annual renewable grants of up to $5,000 for membership as a “participant” or a “competitor.” Grant recipients are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA. Participants attend all eSports activities. Click to learn more and apply today!
U.S. undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in any major with a grade point average of 3.3 or higher are eligible for this award. Students must have the intention to enter the game industry as a developer of interactive entertainment. Click here to learn more and apply today!
This scholarship is available to current and upcoming college students with a grade point average of 2.0 or higher who are pursuing a degree in the fine or commercial arts, design or architecture. Basic scholarships are awarded in the amounts of $2,000–$3,000. An amount up to $5,000 may be given at the jury’s discretion.
Stephens College is a member of the National Association of Collegiate eSports (NACE), which includes 90 percent of varsity collegiate esports in the country. The six-player team competes in the team-based FPS “Overwatch,” which features diverse and strong female characters.
The Sportsmanship in eSports Scholarship is available for current high school students who are active in video games and esports such as League of Legends or Teamfight Tactics. Applicants with competitive play, who demonstrate sportsmanship, honor, and integrity will be considered. $2,500 award offered.
KWU’s esports scholarships range between $5,000-$20,000. The KWU esports team has its own room, equipped with state of the art PCs and gaming amenities. The team competes in four games, primarily in League of Legends, Overwatch, Rocket League, and Hearthstone.
