Collegiate esports is often misunderstood, especially when compared to traditional college sports. In many traditional sports, the collegiate path can lead to scholarships, NIL deals, and even professional opportunities. Esports doesn’t follow that same model, and it’s important for families to understand the differences before making decisions.
While esports scholarships do exist, full-ride scholarships are rare, and collegiate esports is not a direct path to going pro. Most professional players peak between ages 16–21, and many leave the competitive scene by their mid-20s. If someone is going to pursue professional esports, they’re usually doing so before or instead of college, not after.
Esports is also not an NCAA-sanctioned activity—and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. However, it does mean there’s no single governing body setting consistent rules across schools and leagues. Each program operates differently, depending on the school, the league it competes in, and the game publisher that owns the title. Because of this, collegiate esports programs can vary widely in structure, expectations, and quality.I’m not a college planning counselor, and this isn’t college planning advice. The goal here is simply to raise awareness and offer key factors families should consider when exploring collegiate esports.
1. Work With a Career Planner
Before focusing on esports—or even college—it’s worth talking with a career planner or counselor. Their role is to help determine whether college is the right next step and, if so, what type of institution best fits your child’s goals, interests, and strengths.
This helps ensure esports remains a secondary consideration, not the sole reason for attending college.
2. Choose the School First, Not the Esports Program
One of the most common mistakes students make is choosing a college based primarily on a specific activity—whether that’s sports, arts, or esports.
While extracurriculars matter, they shouldn’t outweigh factors like:
- Campus culture
- Location and weather
- Student life
- Academic programs
- Overall environment
Your child will be living there for several years. Liking the school itself is far more important than any single program it offers.
3. Research the Esports Program Thoroughly
Not all collegiate esports programs are the same. Some schools invest heavily in esports, while others treat it more casually. It’s important to understand what a specific program actually provides.
Things to look into include:
- Whether the team has a dedicated coach
- If there’s an on-campus esports arena or practice space
- How often teams attend LAN (in-person) events
- Whether the program offers educational or career development opportunities alongside competition
Alignment matters. A strong fit academically and culturally should also extend to the esports program.
4. Competitive Team vs. Club Participation
Finally, decide how your child wants to participate.
- Varsity or competitive teams come with structured schedules, required practices, and higher time commitments.
- Club esports tends to be more flexible and lower pressure, allowing students to balance academics and other interests more easily.
Emotions can often drive this decision, especially if a student strongly identifies as a gamer. Taking a step back and evaluating time, workload, and long-term goals can help families make the right choice.
Final Thoughts
Collegiate esports can be a rewarding experience—but it shouldn’t be viewed through the same lens as traditional college athletics. Understanding the realities, limitations, and differences is key to making informed decisions.
When esports is treated as one piece of a larger academic and career picture, it can add value without creating unrealistic expectations.
