Overview
Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas has competed in varsity esports since 2023. Its teams currently compete in Overwatch 2, VALORANT, Rainbow Six Siege and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The program publishes esports scholarship terms: esports scholarships to about 30 students, up to $2,000 per year; can be combined with other aid (emporia.edu, 2025-26). Federal College Scorecard data shows an average net price of $16,261 per year, an acceptance rate of 98% and a graduation rate of 56% across 2,239 undergraduates.
Esports details verified 2026-10-11 · Federal data retrieved 2026-10-10
Esports scholarships at Emporia State
Esports scholarships to about 30 students, up to $2,000 per year; can be combined with other aid
The largest stated award ($2,000) equals about 12% of Emporia State's average annual net price of $16,261. Actual awards depend on tryouts, roster spot and other aid.
The esports program
- Level
- Varsity
- Founded
- 2023
- Conference / league
- Not published
- NACE member
- Not listed
- Facility
- Esports Arena (Cremer Hall)
- Titles fielded
- 4
Cost & outcomes vs. other esports schools
Compared with the median of all 428 esports programs we track.
| Tuition (in-state / out-of-state) | $7,106 / $15,419 |
|---|---|
| Average net price (after grants) | $16,261 |
| Students receiving Pell grants | 34% |
| Median debt at graduation | $19,500 |
| Student-to-faculty ratio | 16:1 |
Who studies at Emporia State
2,239 undergraduates, shown as 100 people.
- White 68%
- Hispanic/Latino 13%
- Black 4%
- Asian 1%
- Two or more races 6%
- International 4%
- Other / unknown 4%
- Women
- 64%
- First-generation
- 34%
- Pell recipients
- 34%
Frequently asked questions
Does Emporia State offer esports scholarships?
Yes. Emporia State publishes esports scholarships worth up to $2,000 per year. The program publishes esports scholarship terms: esports scholarships to about 30 students, up to $2,000 per year; can be combined with other aid (emporia.edu, 2025-26). Scholarship terms can change each season, so confirm with the program before applying.
Is Emporia State esports varsity or club?
Varsity. Emporia State University runs or formally sponsors its esports program.
What games does Emporia State esports compete in?
Emporia State fields varsity teams in Overwatch 2, VALORANT, Rainbow Six Siege and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, according to the program's published information.
How much does Emporia State cost per year?
The average annual net price — cost after grants and scholarships for students receiving aid — is $16,261. Published tuition is $7,106 in-state and $15,419 out-of-state (U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard).
How hard is it to get into Emporia State?
Emporia State admits 98% of applicants, per the College Scorecard.
When did Emporia State start varsity esports?
Emporia State's varsity esports program began in 2023.
Sources
- Esports program and scholarship terms: emporia.edu (2025-26)
- Cost, admissions, outcomes and demographics: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, retrieved 2026-10-10
- Photo: Ethan James Scherrer, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Research notes
Program page sits under ESU Athletics and announces 'ESU Varsity Esports' (teams in Overwatch, Valorant, R6 Siege). Arena opened fall 2023, so since=2023 is inferred from that; the program started as a student RSO in 2021. Aid figure is from a university news release dated June 3, 2025 (https://wagtail.emporia.edu/news/june-2025-esu-esports-on-the-rise/), which also lists Smash. No named coach, league or 2026-27 roster found. The arena location (Cremer Hall) comes from a search snippet of the same release.
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