Esports Colleges & Scholarships
Iowa Esports
United States
Iowa has collegiate esports programs at Iowa State University and Drake University, both competing in NACE-affiliated circuits. Iowa's esports community is tightly knit and benefits from Big 12 esports competition infrastructure.
All Programs in Iowa

Drake University
Drake University offers a dedicated varsity esports program with scholarship support, competing across multiple titles in the heart of Iowa.

Iowa State University
Iowa State Cyclone Esports has built one of the Big 12's most respected programs. ISU features varsity teams with scholarship support across seven titles, cutting-edge analytics capabilities through their computer science department, and an esports management curriculum that prepares students for industry careers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many colleges offer esports programs in Iowa?
There are currently 2 college esports programs listed in Iowa. Programs range from varsity teams with scholarships to club-level competitive teams.
Are there esports scholarships available in Iowa?
Several colleges in Iowa offer merit-based esports scholarships. Contact individual programs directly for current availability, as new awards are added each semester.
What games do Iowa colleges compete in?
Colleges in Iowa compete across a wide range of esports titles including League of Legends, Valorant, Overwatch 2, Rocket League, CS2, Super Smash Bros., and more. Individual programs vary in their supported titles.
How do I get recruited by a Iowa college esports team?
Build a strong competitive profile (rank, VODs, achievements), then reach out directly to the esports coach or athletic director at your target schools. Many Iowa programs actively recruit through Discord, Twitter, and NACE's recruiting portal.
Do I need to be a top-ranked player to get an esports scholarship in Iowa?
Not necessarily. Many Iowa scholarship programs weight academic performance, leadership, and character alongside in-game skill. A strong GPA (2.5+) and genuine passion for competitive gaming can go a long way — especially at smaller programs.