By Derrek Harter, Principal, Esport Supply
Some of the best colleges for esports include Maryville University, Boise State University, and the University of North Texas. Maryville is known for its competitive success, Boise State combines varsity competition with broadcasting and production opportunities, and North Texas offers a program that connects competitive gaming with student involvement.
But there’s no single college that’s best for everyone. A student focused on high-level competition may have different priorities from someone interested in broadcasting, technology, or campus community. I’d encourage students to look beyond rankings and tournament results when comparing programs.
Which Colleges Have Strong Esports Programs?
There’s no universally accepted ranking of college esports programs. Universities compete in different games, recruit at different skill levels, and offer varying combinations of varsity teams, recreational clubs, scholarships, and academic opportunities. Still, several schools illustrate what students should look for when comparing their options.
Maryville University: Serious Competition With More Ways to Participate
Maryville University in St. Louis has established a strong reputation in collegiate esports, particularly through its competitive success in League of Legends and Overwatch. Its varsity program emphasizes high-level performance, with dedicated coaching, training facilities, and expectations that resemble those of serious competitive organizations.
What makes Maryville’s esports program especially interesting is that it offers more than one level of participation. Alongside its varsity teams, Maryville operates an academy program for students seeking a less intensive competitive experience and a gaming club focused on community activities.
That’s an important distinction for prospective students. Someone competing near the top of a game’s rankings may be interested in varsity recruitment, while another student might prefer the academy or gaming club.
Boise State University: Competition, Broadcasting, and Student Experience
Boise State has developed a collegiate esports program that combines varsity competition with substantial broadcasting and event-production activity. Its teams compete across several games, and students have opportunities to participate in an esports environment that extends beyond the players on screen.
According to Boise State’s recruiting information, varsity candidates are evaluated on competitive performance, communication, teamwork, and their ability to respond to coaching. The university also describes scholarship opportunities, academic expectations, and responsibilities associated with representing the school.
I particularly like that Boise State makes those expectations visible. Students considering a competitive program should understand the commitment before arriving on campus. The university’s broadcast activities also provide another dimension for students interested in media production, commentary, or the operational side of esports.
University of North Texas: Esports Beyond the Varsity Roster
The University of North Texas offers another approach worth examining. Its esports program includes varsity teams in League of Legends, Overwatch, and Rocket League, alongside club and intramural opportunities for students interested in gaming without joining a varsity roster.
The university’s esports participation information describes ways students can compete, volunteer, and participate in the campus gaming community. North Texas also has a student-driven broadcast operation that gives participants experience producing live esports coverage.
That last point stands out to me. In February 2026, UNT announced that its esports channel had earned Twitch Partner status, highlighting the work of students involved in livestream production. For someone interested in digital media or event operations, those opportunities could be just as valuable as playing on a competitive team.
What Should Students Compare Before Choosing a College?
I’d begin with the games a student actually plays. A university can have an excellent esports reputation without offering a varsity team for a particular title. Check current rosters, recruitment requirements, coaching, practice schedules, and whether club participation is available to students who don’t qualify for varsity competition.
Scholarships deserve attention, but students should confirm eligibility, award amounts, renewal requirements, and how esports assistance fits into their overall financial aid. Academic programs, tuition, housing, and campus culture should remain central to the decision. A strong esports program won’t make up for choosing a college that’s otherwise a poor fit.
Facilities matter, too, although I wouldn’t judge a school by photographs of its arena. Ask whether students have reliable access to practice equipment, whether recreational players can use the space, and what opportunities exist for broadcasting or campus events. The everyday experience matters more than how impressive a facility looks during a championship.
So, Which College Is Best for Esports?
Maryville, Boise State, and North Texas offer different strengths, and I’d hesitate to declare one the winner without knowing what a particular student wants. A highly ranked competitor might prioritize Maryville’s varsity environment, while another student may value the broader participation opportunities available elsewhere.
If possible, visit campus, speak with current students, and ask program staff direct questions about participation. Esports programs can change from year to year, so a campus visit is an opportunity to understand what the experience looks like today.
I’ve always thought students should spend as much time talking with the people involved in an esports program as they do researching its competitive record. A conversation with a coach or current student can reveal quite a bit about the culture, expectations, and opportunities that don’t show up in rankings. Those details often tell you more about whether a college is right for you than another championship trophy.
