Collegiate Esports
Valorant
Published by Riot Games
About Valorant
A character-based tactical shooter that blends precise gunplay with unique agent abilities.
Collegiate Competitive Scene
Valorant has rapidly become one of the top collegiate esports titles since its 2020 launch. Riot Games runs the Valorant Collegiate Series, connecting college players to professional pathways. The game features 5v5 tactical gameplay with agent abilities.
Prize Pools & Earnings
Valorant Champions Tour prize pools reach $1M+. Collegiate circuits offer scholarships and professional development opportunities.
Colleges Offering Valorant
View All
University of California, Irvine
UCI's esports program is one of the most prestigious in the nation. Home to the first dedicated collegiate esports arena, UCI competes at the highest levels across multiple titles.
University of Utah
The University of Utah has one of the top varsity esports programs in the country, competing in League of Legends, Overwatch, and more.
Maryville University
Maryville University is a powerhouse in collegiate esports, with national championships and one of the most successful programs in the country.
University of Texas at Austin
UT Austin has a growing esports program with competitive teams across multiple titles and dedicated practice facilities.
Ohio State University
Ohio State University features a comprehensive esports program with varsity teams, club organizations, and scholarship opportunities for competitive gamers.
Kennesaw State University
KSU was an early adopter of varsity esports in the Southeast, offering scholarships and competing at the highest collegiate levels.
Scholarships for Valorant
View AllRiot Games Scholarship Program
Riot Games partners with universities to offer scholarships to League of Legends and Valorant collegiate competitors demonstrating both skill and academic excellence.
UCI 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.
Harrisburg University Full-Ride Esports Scholarship
Harrisburg University is nationally recognized as a premier esports destination, offering full-tuition scholarships for exceptional competitive gamers. HU has produced multiple national championship teams and offers a dedicated Esports & Entertainment Management degree program. Recipients train under Coach TK, one of collegiate esports' most accomplished coaches, and compete across 15+ titles.
Maryville University Saints Esports Award
Maryville University's esports program has earned national acclaim with multiple top-5 finishes in collegiate League of Legends and a fully developed varsity program. The Saints Esports Award provides merit-based funding for student-athletes who demonstrate both competitive skill and academic commitment. Maryville features a state-of-the-art esports facility and renowned coaching staff.
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.
Kennesaw State Owl Esports Scholarship
Kennesaw State University's esports program is one of the Southeast's most respected, having competed at the highest levels of collegiate play since its founding. The Owl Esports Scholarship rewards skilled gamers who also excel academically, providing funding that covers a significant portion of tuition. KSU's program features a dedicated esports arena, experienced coaching staff, and strong alumni network in the Atlanta tech corridor.
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 Valorant esports programs?
University of California, Irvine, University of Utah, Maryville University, and 3 more programs offer Valorant varsity or club esports teams.
Are there esports scholarships for Valorant players?
Yes — 11 scholarships are currently available for Valorant players. Award amounts vary by program.
How competitive is Valorant at the collegiate level?
Valorant has rapidly become one of the top collegiate esports titles since its 2020 launch. Riot Games runs the Valorant Collegiate Series, connecting college players to professional pathways. The game features 5v5 tactical gameplay with agent abilities.
How do I join a college Valorant team?
Most college Valorant 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 Valorant 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.