Higher education is something that many graduating high schoolers want to have. However, tuition is expensive. Some students can’t afford the loans that come with a bachelor’s degree. Some students manage to pay for some, if not all, of their college through tuition. Some scholarships for playing on the college’s team might be right up their alley for esports players. With the current school year meeting its end, scholarships are coming back up. Here are the top 2021 scholarships for esports this upcoming semester. 

Ashland University in Ohio has been making its name known in the college esports community, scoring ninth nationally in the Collegiate Fortnite Championship Grand Finals in 2020. They’ve also been ranked No. 2 in CSGO in the Collegiate Star League in 2020. It’s no joke that Ashland University knows what it’s doing for esports. 

Their scholarship asks for students to be in the U.S., involved in esports and gaming at a competitive or professional level, and willing to attend Ashland University. The scholarship also mentions that recruited players should focus on either Fortnite, Overwatch, Dota 2, CSGO, or Starcraft 2. 

If the student is chosen for this scholarship, they will be receiving $4,000 annually, with the scholarship lasting four years, totaling out to $16,000. 

Players interested in Ashland’s 2021 esports scholarship should contact the school directly for more information.

Russel Sage College in New York is new to esports. Still, their plans are starting to shape up with their new esports room packed to the brim with everything to keep players at the moment. While they are just starting, their scholarship will help all players worry less about paying for college. 

The scholarship isn’t only an esports scholarship but a merit scholarship as well, giving out $15,000-$21,500. However, the esports portion of the scholarship is $2,000. The remaining $13,000-$19,500 is based on the GPA of the student’s high school grades. It doesn’t matter the skill level of the players as the esports program is new. However, the games focused on are Overwatch, Rocket League, and League of Legends.

Interested players should check out the esports section on their website or contact the school for more information.

Gen.G, one of the biggest names in esports both in the U.S. and Korea, has won several championships and has set itself apart as one of the most prestigious and valued esports companies of the past few years. 

With the Gen.G Foundation, players attending a four-year college and interested in gaming can be brought on for a one-year grant by the company. The grant is $10,000 and will be awarded to a student currently enrolled or enrolling in a four-year college, as well as invested in esports, journalism, content creation, or entrepreneurship. 

Gen.G is asking players to apply online. No essay is required, so anyone can apply to get the scholarship. With how prestigious Gen.G is, it’s no surprise that students should join their ranks and help pay for college by playing esports. However, players need to act fast as Gen. G’s applications close on May 30.

Located in Kansas, Southwestern College has an esports activity grant that lets players participate or compete in esports activities on campus. According to their website, the first path to playing esports for SC is as an esports grant recipient. These annual renewable grants of up to $5,000 provide membership as a participant or as a competitor.

While it isn’t required to have the grant to participate in esports activities, competitors have priority access to the main amenities of Southwestern College’s esports facilities. Players interested in the esports grant should visit the website or contact the college directly for more information.

In Ohio, the University of Akron has one of the best Rocket League teams in the nation. With Akron University winning the Collegiate Rocket League Nationals three times, it’s no doubt that Akron knows what they’re doing when it comes to esports, but their teams aren’t just for Rocket League. Akron also has teams for League of Legends, Overwatch, CSGO, Fortnite, and Rainbow 6 Siege. 

They’re currently offering a $1000-$5000 scholarship for students who hold a 2.5 GPA and help set the standard for intercollegiate esports in the coming year. Students interested in the Akron University esports scholarship should contact the college directly or visit their website. 

The 1000 Dreams Fund is looking for female or non-male streamers to support the upcoming spring and fall seasons. The grant is two $500-$1,500 disbursements given to the recipient each semester. Applicants must be a woman aligned with Twitch streaming and attending high school or a two or four-year college based in the U.S. 

According to their website, the grant is to help with expenses such as travel to gaming conventions, educational conferences, hardware upgrades, and instructional programs related to creative or artistic pursuits.

The website also mentions that the grant isn’t used for medical care or everyday expenses. The deadline for the spring semester grant is June 19, while the deadline for the fall semester is Nov. 20. Interested players and streamers will be able to find the application on their website. 

These are the most promising esports scholarships and grants for students in 2021. However, there are more out there for students to find, as some colleges not listed may have esports scholarships or grants. For students worrying about their tuition, don’t give up! There is always something around the corner that will help pay for college.