The Importance of Esports in Higher Education

Gone are the days when video games were just for entertainment. The rise of esports has transformed gaming into a booming industry, projected to surpass $10 billion within the next decade. In 2024 alone, U.S. esports revenues exceeded $870 million.

Higher education is playing a crucial role in this growth. Many universities now offer esports scholarships, much like traditional sports. On January 21, 2025, Syracuse University opened a state-of-the-art Gaming and Esports Center, joining a growing number of institutions investing in competitive gaming.

Esports in higher education is more than just entertainment—it’s unlocking new opportunities for students beyond the screen. Let’s explore its impact and how institutions can foster a thriving esports culture.

Esports as a Gateway to STEM Careers

Esports isn’t just about gaming; it teaches collaboration, communication, and strategic thinking—essential skills for career readiness. More than 50% of esports athletes major in STEM fields, a connection that’s far from coincidental.

Esports supports STEM learning through problem-solving, scientific methodology, and data analysis. High-performance gaming PCs, augmented reality setups, and AI-driven technologies align seamlessly with STEM education. Schools investing in esports provide students access to cutting-edge software and hardware, enhancing their technical skills for careers in various fields.

Emerging technologies like AR/VR, cloud gaming, and AI will continue to shape both gaming and STEM industries. With such a promising future, esports education is set to drive innovation and new learning initiatives.

How Universities Can Promote Esports Culture

The connection between gaming and STEM is evident, but simply providing technology isn’t enough—otherwise, every teenager would be a genius. To maximize esports’ value, universities must integrate it into broader academic and career programs.

Here’s how institutions can foster a strong esports culture:

• Raising Awareness: Hosting esports clubs and campus events can spark interest and encourage inclusivity, fostering a positive student community.
• Integrating Esports with Academics: Esports can enhance various fields—marketing students can promote events, communications students can handle broadcasting, and STEM students can work with game technology. Hands-on experience across disciplines builds career-ready skills.
• Providing Career Development & Mentorship: Work-study programs, internships, and mentorship opportunities help students gain industry experience, expand their networks, and kickstart their careers.

Colleges are recognizing the value of esports beyond gaming. By structuring esports programs with career development in mind, universities can create an inclusive, engaged, and forward-thinking student environment—one that truly prepares students for the future.

Discover more about esports in higher education

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Author: Aaron Oman