These schools stand out for their competitive success, scholarships, state-of-the-art facilities, and national championships in games like League of Legends (LoL), Overwatch, Rocket League, and Valorant.
Here's a rundown of the top 10, based on recent rankings (2023-2025) from sources like College Transitions, BestColleges, Intelligent.com, Appily, and Nerd Street:
1. Maryville University (St. Louis, MO)
Dominates with 4 LoL national championships, an Overwatch title, and 18 major wins. Features the Esports Performance Center with pro-grade PCs, scholarships, and was named Esports Collegiate Program of the Year in 2021.
maryville.edu/esports https://www.maryville.edu/esports/
2. Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT, NY)
16 national championships, massive student-led club (142 players), and pro-level operations. Competes in multiple titles with dedicated support teams.
rit.edu/esports https://www.rit.edu/esports/
3. Miami University (Ohio)
First D1 varsity program (2016), top-ranked by BestColleges. Wins in Overwatch and LoL, plus esports academics like a gaming minor and dedicated arena.
miamioh.edu/esports
4. University of California, Irvine (UCI)
First public university program (2016) with the UCI Esports Arena (36 PCs, broadcast studio). Scholarships via Pokimane program; strong in LoL, Overwatch, Valorant.
5. University of Texas at Dallas (UTD)
Top-10 nationally; excels in Overwatch 2, LoL, Rocket League, Valorant, Smash Bros. Multiple national titles since 2018.
utdallas.edu/esports https://esports.utdallas.edu/
6. Boise State University (ID)
Strong since 2017 with top finishes in Overwatch and Rocket League. Competitive in NACE leagues.
boisestate.edu/esports
https://www.boisestate.edu/esports
7. Illinois State University
Top-4 in Rainbow Six, Overwatch; renovated arena with 25 PCs and strategy room.
8. Northwood University
Multiple 2023 titles in Rocket League, Overwatch; comprehensive program with scholarships.
north wood.edu/esports
https://www.northwood.edu/esports
9. Syracuse University (NY)
Esports Communications and Management degree; partnerships like GenG; strong in multiple titles.
newhouse.syr.edu/esports
https://newhouse.syr.edu/academics/esports/
10. Illinois Wesleyan University
Scholarships for top recruits; arena with 50+ PCs, broadcast studio; teams in LoL, Rocket League, etc.
iwu.edu/esports
Other notables include:
- University of Michigan: umich.edu/esports
https://recsports.umich.edu/esports
- Michigan State University: msu.edu/esports
- University of Southern California (USC): usc.edu/esports
https://studentlife.usc.edu/esports
- Robert Morris University (pioneer in scholarships, 2014): rmu.edu/esports
https://www.rmu.edu/academics/esports
Over 170 U.S. colleges offer esports, with $16M+ in scholarships via NACE (260+ members). Programs emphasize competition, facilities, and careers in gaming/esports management.