Game Guide
Colleges with League of Legends Teams
League of Legends has the most developed collegiate esports ecosystem in the United States. With official competition th…
In This Guide
League of Legends in Collegiate Esports
Official Circuit & Structure
RSAA (Riot Scholastic Association of America)
Riot Games runs the most organized collegiate esports circuit in the US for League of Legends through the RSAA. Programs compete in regional conferences (North, South, East, West) with playoffs leading to a national championship. The structure mirrors the professional LCS format, giving collegiate players experience in a system built to pipeline talent to the pro scene.
Publisher: Riot Games. Schools competing in the League of Legends collegiate circuit compete against other member institutions in organized leagues, playoffs, and national championships. Participating in official circuits is a requirement for scholarships at most programs.
Colleges with League of Legends Teams
24 programs found in our directory competing in League of Legends.
Skill Requirements for League of Legends Recruiting
Rank requirements for collegiate League of Legends programs vary by the program's competitive tier. Here's a general guide:
Scholarship Opportunities in League of Legends
League of Legends is one of the most scholarship-rich games in collegiate esports due to its official publisher-backed circuit. Programs competing in the RSAA (Riot Scholastic Association of America) often receive direct support from Riot Games that can supplement institutional scholarship budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many colleges have League of Legends programs?
League of Legends is the most widely offered game in collegiate esports, with programs at 100+ schools in our directory and many more beyond that. It is the dominant game at varsity programs nationwide due to Riot's institutional investment in the collegiate scene.
What is the RSAA and how does it work?
The Riot Scholastic Association of America is Riot Games' official collegiate circuit for League of Legends and Valorant. Member schools compete in regional conferences, with top teams advancing to national playoffs. RSAA membership is a mark of program legitimacy and provides a structured competitive pathway.
Which colleges have the best League of Legends programs?
Maryville University has the most national championships in collegiate LoL. UC Irvine, Ohio State, Michigan State, and Harrisburg University consistently field top-tier programs. These schools offer both elite competition and strong scholarship packages for LoL players.
Can I earn a scholarship specifically for League of Legends?
Yes. Many schools award esports scholarships to their LoL varsity roster members. The scholarship is tied to being on the team rather than the specific game, but coaches for LoL programs specifically recruit and award funds to players who strengthen their LoL roster.
Is League of Legends still growing in collegiate esports?
League of Legends remains the most established game in collegiate esports even as Valorant has grown rapidly. The existing infrastructure, scholarship pipeline, and program depth make LoL one of the best games for a player seeking a collegiate esports career.