Top 20 Colleges for League of Legends Esports Gamers

League of Legends is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) competitive online game released in 2009 by Riot Games. It’s team-based, fast-paced, and fun, and has been a favorite among college students since it’s inception.  Student gamers enjoy the challenges put forth by League of Legends, and gaming clubs and school LoL teams are a terrific way for students to bond and learn how to work together, whether taking online classes or going to school on campus.

The gaming industry is huge, particularly in the United States. College students are typically among one of the largest age groups for gamers, both male and female. Therefore, it is no surprise that eSports are on the rise and becoming recognized as legitimate Varsity activities, just like physical sports.

Methodology:

To determine which top schools would be best for League of Legends players, recent scores for college LoL tournaments were consulted.  Points were also awarded to schools which offered scholarships for esports and League of Legend players. We consulted sites like The Gamer, Dot Esports and ESPN, to look at where the top players are coming from. Lastly, we researched each school, to find out more about their respective esports programs.

We also consulted our ranking of the top 100 best online colleges during our research into the best colleges for League of Legends (LoL) esports gamers.

Related Video – TED Talk:

Top 20 Colleges for League of Legends Esports Gamers

20. Boise State University

Boise State University is a public research university established in 1932. The school is home to more than 26,000 students and is Idaho’s largest graduate school. Students can choose from over 200 areas of study and over 260 student clubs and orgs.

Esports is recognized as an official Varsity sport at Boise State, with teams selected from current full and part time students attending the school. There is a dedicated arena, complete with a two-tiered stage system, professional broadcasting area, and a large section for spectators. Players are required to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 to participate.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BoiseStateUniversity
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BoiseState
Boise State’s Website: https://www.boisestate.edu/

19. Ashland University

Ashland, Ohio

Ohio’s Ashland University is a smaller private college established in 1878. There is a main 135-acre campus in Ashland, several off-campus centers, and an online adult studies program. Students can choose from over 70 different degree programs.

The school has gained a solid reputation for its Varsity esports program. Students have access to an on-campus practice facility with state-of-the-art technology, widescreen television sets for coaching, and plenty of hands on seminars and workshops. All esports athletes at Ashland receive team swag like backpacks, sweatshirts, jackets, headsets, and more.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AshlandUniversity
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Ashland_Univ
Ashland’s Website: https://www.ashland.edu/

18. Trine University

Angola, Indiana

Trine University has multiple campuses across Indiana and Michigan and offers associates, bachelors, and graduate degrees in a wide range of subjects. Consistently recognized for its high standards, over 90 percent of Trine graduates are employed within six months of graduation.

The schools MTI center features a well-thought-out esports arena with the latest gaming chairs, monitors, and more. Society of Modern Interactive Team Entertainment is a club for students who are fans and avid players of League of Legends.  Tine awards continuous esports participants with $2000 annual scholarships.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TrineUniversity/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TrineUniversity
Trine University’s Website: https://www.trine.edu/

17. Columbia College

Columbia, Missouri

Founded in 1851 as Female Christian College, this liberal arts school Missouri changed its name to Columbia College in 1970, when it transitioned to a co-ed  The school offers associate, bachelor’s and master’s degrees at its main campus, online and at over 30 venues across the country.

The first League of Legends team at Columbia College was founded in 2015, and continues strong today. In addition to LoL, the school hosts leagues for eight other games, and there is truly something for any skill level here.  From highly competitive to casual tournaments, The registration interface makes it easy for students to sign up for the Collegiate Star League. Recently, acquired by Playfly Sports, the CSL plans to continue expanding and that means even more esports opportunities for Columbia students.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ColumbiaCollegeMO
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ColumbiaColg
Columbia College Website: http://www.ccis.edu/

16. Boston University

Boston, Massachusetts

Boston University in Massachusetts officially came to be in 1869 when Massachusetts legislature officially chartered the name. Today the school serves more than 33,000 students and is one of Boston’s largest employers. Students who attend Boston University are not disappointed in the least by their choices for educational programs.

While there are plenty of choices for clubs or organizations, for those who love esports, the PC Gamers Club is probably just the ticket. Boston University has been represented by its own League of Legends team in worldwide competitions. Gaming together doesn’t just promote friendships, but it also is a way to build skills for teamwork and fast thinking and decision making.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BostonUniversity
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BU_Tweets
Boston University’s Website: https://www.bu.edu/

15. SUNY at Stony Brook

Stony Brook, New York

Part of the State University of New York, Stony Brook was founded in 1957, but moved to Stony Brook in 1962 . Stony Brook is also the largest single-site employer located on Long Island. Students who attend SB know to expect the same excellence as is found throughout the entire SUNY system. The academic offerings of Stony Brook are vast, with over 200 undergraduate programs, 100 graduate programs, and 40 doctorates available to choose from.

Students also have hundreds of clubs and organizations to check out or join. SUNY Stony Brook also has its own League of Legends team where students can play together. Even casual players of LoL can learn more about strategy, teamwork, and how to make decisions quickly just by playing. The Stony Brook team has also participated in the uLoL Campus Series, a League of Legends tournament that pitted school teams against each other.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stonybrooku
Twitter: https://twitter.com/stonybrooku
SUNY at Stony Brook’s Website: https://www.stonybrook.edu/

14. Purdue University

West Lafayette, Indiana

Founded in 1869 in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue University is the main campus in the Purdue University System. Purdue offers undergraduate students more than 200 majors, and for graduate students there are 70 programs available. The main campus also has more than 900 student organizations to join.

Considering the growing popularity of esports, it is no surprise to learn that there is a League of Legends group for Purdue University. LoL is one of the most popular multiplayer online games today and it helps teach teamwork, communication, and critical thinking to student players. Teams can be made to enter in worldwide competitions, such as the uLol Campus Series.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PurdueUniversity/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/
Purdue University’s Website https://www.purdue.edu/

13. University of California, Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California

The University of California in Los Angeles became the second school in the University of California System in 1919. Last fall the school received 119,000 applications which was the most applications of any higher education institution in the United States. UCLA average enrollment is about 42,000 students, both graduate and undergraduate. Students have a wide selection of programs to choose from when they attend UCLA which is part of the appeal.

UCLA also has a large number of clubs and organizations for students to participate in. esports are becoming widely popular and like many other colleges, UCLA has its own League of Legends team. The game has thousands of players and is one of the most popular online games today. Players can form teams to complete goals and compete against other teams and even participate in worldwide competitions.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/uclabruins
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ucla
UCLA’s Website: https://www.ucla.edu/

12. Indiana Institute of Technology

Fort Wayne, Indiana

Indiana Tech is a private school with five colleges and 13 satellite locations throughout Indiana and Kentucky. The school specializes in helping working professionals build solid careers, but that doesn’t mean there isn’t time for some friendly competition. The Institute boasts a strong esports program that started in 2015 and has now earned Varsity status.

The Tech Warriors compete in Overwatch, Hearthstone, and yes—League of Legends in one of two squads—Orange and Black. It is one of the first Universities in the country to offer esports scholarships, and the school maintains a designated 20-station state-of-the-art gaming arena. Indiana Tech is also a founding member of The National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE).

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/indianatech
Twitter: https://twitter.com/indianatech
Indiana Tech Website: https://www.indianatech.edu/

11. Michigan State University

East Lansing, Michigan

East Lansing is home to Michigan State University, the nation’s first land-grant institution. Although it was founded in 1855, the university has kept itself current with the technology of the day in order to provide students with the quality education they deserve. The number and variety of programs made available from Michigan State make it clear why the school is such a popular choice among students.

Michigan State University also offers its students a variety of clubs and student organizations to join. Students at Michigan State University have formed League of Legend teams in order to play and compete in North American and worldwide competitions. Of course these teams desire to win, but either way the players are learning valuable teamwork and communication skills.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/spartans.msu
Twitter: https://twitter.com/michiganstateu
Michigan State University’s Website: https://msu.edu/

10. University of Washington

Seattle, Washington

The University of Washington in Seattle first opened its doors to students in 1861, making it one of the oldest schools on the West Coast. However, this certainly doesn’t mean that UW doesn’t keep up with the times and changing technologies. There is a vast program selection for students at the University of Washington. Even while earning a degree requires a lot of time and focus, students can find themselves looking for opportunities to take a break from studying.

Fortunately, there are also a large number of organizations and clubs for students to join. With the growing popularity of esports, UW is home to its own League of Legends club for avid fans of the game. But in September 2020, the University launched an official esports program—UW Esports.  The school plans to recruit a full support infrastructure. They already have the esports Arena & Gaming Lounge, which features a casting station for live streaming, 40 gaming computers, and two virtual reality systems.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UofWA
Twitter: https://twitter.com/UW
University of Washington’s Website: https://www.washington.edu/

9. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, Tennessee

Founded in 1873 and named for Cornelius Vanderbilt, Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee holds a prestigious reputation. Today, the private research university enrolls approximately 12,000 students, both graduate and undergraduate. Students at Vanderbilt can pick from a large variety of majors offered by the school.

When not studying the students also have plenty of activities and clubs to participate in. Vandy Lan is the gaming organization on campus. The League of Legends team from Vanderbilt has made a name for themselves in esports competitions, one of thirty-two who qualified their school out of 500 who attended the open qualifier for the 2016 uLoL Campus Series.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanderbilt
Twitter: https://twitter.com/vanderbiltu
Vanderbilt University’s Website https://www.vanderbilt.edu/

8. Maryville University

St. Louis, Missouri

Maryville is a private University founded in 1872. The school offers 90 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level degrees to students from all over the US and 47 countries. It also happens to be a top destination for gamers.

The school has a three-time National Champion League of Legends Varsity team composed of  talented students from all over the world. For student’s who want to engage in friendly competition, they also host a Community Club. There is a four-person coaching staff, and an esports performance center that serves as dedicated varsity training. The facility features state-of-the-art peripherals and PCs in a lag less environment, plus a dining space and lounge.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MaryvilleUniversity
Twitter: https://twitter.com/maryvilleu
Merryville University’s Website: https://www.maryville.edu/

7. University of California, Irvine

Irvine, California

The University of California, Irvine is a public research university which was established in the 1960s and is one of the ten campuses within the University of California System. UCI offers students more than 170 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to choose from. Academics and research are far from the only things that UC Irvine excel at.

While there are many different student clubs and organizations for students to participate in, esports such as League of Legends are growing in popularity nationwide. UCI esports enthusiasts were delighted last September at the groundbreaking of the new esports arena. The League of Legends team from University of California qualified to represent their region in the 2016 uLoL Campus Series which had participants from schools across Canada and the United States and started with more than 500 teams participating in the open qualifier. UCI is also the first public university to offer a scholarship for League of Legends players.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UCIrvine
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ucirvine
University of California Irvine’s Website: https://uci.edu/

6. Texas A&M University

College Station, Texas

Founded in 1876, Texas A&M University in College Station was the first public university in the state. Since those days, the school has grown and expanded and now offers students degrees in over 150 areas of study. As a flagship university, it is no surprise that along with a large array of courses, it has a large array of activities, clubs, and organizations. This includes a League of Legends organization which is available to both casual and competitive players. With growing esports popularity, the LoL organization enjoys participating in competitions against other schools proudly representing TAMU in the esports community.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tamu
Twitter: https://twitter.com/tamu
TAMU’s Website: https://www.tamu.edu/

5. University of Texas

Austin, Texas

With roots back to 1827 and founded in 1881, the University of Texas in Austin is a public research university and is considered the flagship university for the University of Texas System. Students attending the University of Texas can not only expect to get a high quality education, but with the large number of students attending UT, there will be more than enough activities to take up any spare time they might have.

This includes the gaming community and esports, League of Legends in particular. The League of Legends team from the University of Texas has made a name for themselves while competing in online tournaments against hundreds of other college students from institutions in Canada and the United States.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UTAustinTX
Twitter: https://twitter.com/utaustin
University of Texas’ Website: https://www.utexas.edu/

4. University of Maryland

College Park, Maryland

Located in College Park, the University of Maryland has been intent on maintaining the highest quality of education for its students since it was founded in 1856. It is considered the flagship university for the University of Maryland System. With more than 37,000 students enrolled, the university offers much more than homework to keep its students busy.

There are many different clubs and extracurricular activities available through UMD, including esports. The League of Legends team from UMD brings together players not just for fun and teamwork, but they also participate in competitions versus other college student organizations in the United States and Canada.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnivofMaryland
Twitter: https://twitter.com/UofMaryland
University of Maryland’s Websitehttps://www.umd.edu/
School Profile

3. Ohio State University

Columbus, Ohio

Ohio State University located in Columbus, Ohio is a land grant and public research university and was founded in 1870. It is now the third largest university campus in the nation, offering its students a wide variety in both academics and student activities and organizations. This includes the e-Sports Initiative, a nonprofit organization to bring gamers together and work to have a positive impact on their community. LoLBuckeyes team is a part of the e-Sports Initiative where League of Legend players can work and play together as well as compete in tournaments against other college teams.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/osu
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ohiostate
Ohio State University’s Website: https://www.osu.edu/

2.Georgia Institute of Technology

Atlanta, Georgia

Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta is a public research university which has been dedicated to excellence in higher education since it was founded in 1885. The university is divided into six colleges and offers a variety of degree programs for its students.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Georgia Tech within the top 10 public universities in the United States. While the university is well known for its high quality in academics, students also are encouraged to engage in other clubs, sports, and activities.

Georgia Tech is also home to a League of Legends organization and esports team. Students who love the game can work and play together as part of a team. The League of Legends team at Georgia Tech also participates in organized tournaments against other collegiate teams.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/georgiatech
Twitter: https://twitter.com/georgiatech
Georgia Tech’s Website: https://www.gatech.edu/
School Profile

1. Robert Morris University

Chicago, Illinois

Founded in 1913, Robert Morris University-Illinois with main campus in Chicago is a private, not-for-profit 4-year school serving the needs of students earning both undergraduate and graduate degrees. It is named after the signer of the declaration of independence, as is the University by the same name in Pennsylvania, but the two are not affiliated with each other. Students who attend Robert Morris University-Illinois can expect to find that the school strives for excellence in academics while providing a professional and career focused environment for its students.

While studies and academics are taken seriously, Robert Morris is not without extracurricular activities, clubs, and teams. In fact, RMU was the first to recognize esports, such as League of Legends, as a Varsity Sport, and esports are proudly located alongside other sports on their website. Robert Morris University is also the first to offer a scholarship designed for team members playing on the esports League of Legends team. The League of Legends team also participates in collegiate tournaments where sponsors offer prizes of scholarship money to winning teams.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RMUIllinois
Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobertMorrisU
Robert Morris University’s Website: https://www.rmu.edu/

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