Collegiate Esports
Starcraft II
Published by Blizzard Entertainment
About Starcraft II
A military science fiction real-time strategy game with three unique factions competing for galactic dominance.
Collegiate Competitive Scene
StarCraft II has one of the most dedicated collegiate communities in esports, particularly at research universities. The game is offered through Blizzard's Tespa network and independent collegiate organizers with a strong tradition of strategic competition.
Prize Pools & Earnings
GSL and ESL IEM Katowice feature StarCraft II prize pools exceeding $300,000. Collegiate StarCraft programs have a strong academic overlap with STEM-focused institutions.
Colleges Offering Starcraft II
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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.
University of Florida
UF Esports offers one of Florida's top collegiate programs, with a newly built esports arena and multiple varsity teams competing at the national level with scholarship support.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Illinois Fighting Illini Esports competes at the Big Ten level with a full varsity program, dedicated arena, and multiple scholarships available to competitive gamers.
University of California, Berkeley
UC Berkeley's esports program blends academic excellence with competitive gaming. As one of the world's top-ranked universities, Berkeley offers a thriving club esports scene with multiple ranked teams competing across League of Legends, Overwatch, Valorant, and more.
Arizona State University
Arizona State University's esports program is one of the fastest-growing in the Sun Belt. With the largest enrollment of any US university, ASU offers enormous resources for its esports program including dedicated facilities, comprehensive scholarship packages, and a thriving competitive community.
NC State University
NC State Wolfpack Esports is a standout program in the ACC esports landscape. As one of the nation's top engineering schools, NC State brings technical excellence to esports, featuring cutting-edge analysis tools, dedicated facilities in the Research Triangle, and substantial merit scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What colleges offer Starcraft II esports programs?
University of Michigan, University of Florida, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and 3 more programs offer Starcraft II varsity or club esports teams.
Are there esports scholarships for Starcraft II players?
While dedicated Starcraft II scholarships are limited, many colleges offer general esports scholarships that include Starcraft II players. Check the scholarships directory for current opportunities.
How competitive is Starcraft II at the collegiate level?
StarCraft II has one of the most dedicated collegiate communities in esports, particularly at research universities. The game is offered through Blizzard's Tespa network and independent collegiate organizers with a strong tradition of strategic competition.
How do I join a college Starcraft II team?
Most college Starcraft II 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 Starcraft II 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.