Collegiate Esports
CS2
Published by Valve
About CS2
Counter-Strike 2 is the latest iteration of the legendary tactical shooter, featuring team-based objective gameplay.
Collegiate Competitive Scene
CS2 (Counter-Strike 2) is one of the oldest and most established esports, with a thriving collegiate scene. The ESEA Collegiate and other circuits run structured competition for college teams.
Prize Pools & Earnings
Major CS2 tournaments regularly feature $1M+ prize pools. Collegiate programs offer career pathways into professional Counter-Strike.
Colleges Offering CS2
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University of Texas at Austin
UT Austin has a growing esports program with competitive teams across multiple titles and dedicated practice facilities.
University of Michigan
The University of Michigan Esports program combines academic excellence with competitive gaming, featuring both varsity and club programs across multiple titles with scholarship opportunities.
New York University
NYU Esports is New York City's premier collegiate esports program, leveraging its urban location to connect students with the professional esports industry and competitive gaming community.
Northeastern University
Northeastern University Esports combines the university's co-op focus with competitive gaming, offering varsity scholarships and industry connections in the Boston esports scene.
Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech Esports leverages the institute's engineering excellence to produce technically skilled competitive gamers. The program features varsity and club teams with scholarship support.
Boise State University
Boise State University has developed a strong esports program competing in multiple titles with scholarship opportunities.
Scholarships for CS2
View AllUCI Esports Varsity Scholarship
The UCI Esports Varsity Scholarship is awarded to student-athletes recruited to compete on UCI's nationally recognized varsity esports teams. UC Irvine pioneered varsity esports at the UC system and continues to offer one of the most competitive scholarship packages in collegiate gaming. Recipients compete in NACE Starleague, Big West Esports, and other national circuits.
Ohio State Buckeye Esports Merit Award
The Ohio State Buckeye Esports Merit Award recognizes top competitive gamers who contribute to the prestigious Buckeye esports program. Ohio State has invested heavily in esports infrastructure and scholarship funding, competing across League of Legends, Valorant, Overwatch 2, and more in Big Ten and national circuits. Recipients gain access to elite coaching, analytics tools, and professional networking in Columbus's growing tech scene.
UT Austin Longhorn Esports Competitive Award
The University of Texas at Austin's Longhorn Esports program provides merit-based competitive awards to students who represent UT in NACE, Big 12 Esports, and other national competitions. As a flagship public research university, UT Austin combines academic excellence with a well-funded esports program, leveraging Austin's position as a major tech and gaming hub to offer students unique industry opportunities.
Michigan State Spartan Esports Excellence Award
Michigan State University's Spartan Esports Excellence Award is among the Big Ten's most generous scholarship packages for competitive gamers. MSU's program has built a reputation for excellence across multiple titles, offering recipients access to state-of-the-art facilities, professional coaching, analytics training, and direct connections to Michigan's growing gaming and tech industry.
UNC Tar Heel Esports Scholarship
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Tar Heel Esports Scholarship supports competitive student gamers who represent the university in regional and national esports competitions. UNC's program is one of the ACC's flagship esports initiatives, competing in NACE Starleague, ACC Esports, and other major circuits. Recipients benefit from UNC's world-class academic environment and the growing Research Triangle gaming ecosystem.
Georgia Tech Yellow Jacket Esports Grant
Georgia Tech's Yellow Jacket Esports Grant combines merit-based funding with academic achievement recognition. As one of the nation's top engineering schools, GT attracts technically skilled gamers who excel both in competition and in analytics-driven coaching environments. Recipients compete in NACE and collegiate circuits while gaining access to GT's unmatched tech industry network in Atlanta.
University of Washington Husky Esports Award
The University of Washington Husky Esports Award is among the Pacific Northwest's most prestigious esports scholarship offerings. UW's Seattle location provides unparalleled access to the esports industry — home to major game publishers, esports organizations, and leading tech companies. Recipients compete in national circuits and benefit from UW's deep industry connections and career development programming.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colleges offer CS2 esports programs?
University of Texas at Austin, University of Michigan, New York University, and 3 more programs offer CS2 varsity or club esports teams.
Are there esports scholarships for CS2 players?
Yes — 7 scholarships are currently available for CS2 players. Award amounts vary by program.
How competitive is CS2 at the collegiate level?
CS2 (Counter-Strike 2) is one of the oldest and most established esports, with a thriving collegiate scene. The ESEA Collegiate and other circuits run structured competition for college teams.
How do I join a college CS2 team?
Most college CS2 programs hold open tryouts or recruit through platforms like Discord and LinkedIn. Build a ranked profile, maintain a highlight reel, and contact the coach or esports director directly. Some programs also post recruitment information on their esports website.
What GPA do I need to get a CS2 esports scholarship?
GPA requirements vary by institution. Most competitive esports scholarship programs require a minimum 2.5–3.0 GPA. Academic performance is typically weighted alongside your in-game rank, teamwork skills, and professionalism during tryouts.