Overview
Minnesota State University, Mankato in Mankato, Minnesota has competed in varsity esports since 2021, with affiliations including NACE · ESC · NECC. Its teams currently compete in Apex Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Deadlock, League of Legends, Marvel Rivals, Overwatch 2, Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and VALORANT. The program publishes esports scholarship terms: rolfsrud-Wallerstedt Esports Scholarship: $2,000 for current first-year students who align with an underrepresented population; applications open each February (esports.mnsu.edu, 2025-26). Federal College Scorecard data shows an average net price of $19,139 per year, an acceptance rate of 88% and a graduation rate of 54% across 11,703 undergraduates.
Esports details verified 2026-10-10 · Federal data retrieved 2026-10-10
Esports scholarships at Minnesota State
Rolfsrud-Wallerstedt Esports Scholarship: $2,000 for current first-year students who align with an underrepresented population; applications open each February.
The largest stated award ($2,000) equals about 10% of Minnesota State's average annual net price of $19,139. Actual awards depend on tryouts, roster spot and other aid.
The esports program
- Level
- Varsity
- Founded
- 2021
- Conference / league
- NACE · ESC · NECC
- Facility
- Not published
- Titles fielded
- 10
Cost & outcomes vs. other esports schools
Compared with the median of all 405 esports programs we track.
| Tuition (in-state / out-of-state) | $9,572 / $18,942 |
|---|---|
| Average net price (after grants) | $19,139 |
| Students receiving Pell grants | 21% |
| Median debt at graduation | $21,106 |
| Student-to-faculty ratio | 21:1 |
Who studies at Minnesota State
11,703 undergraduates, shown as 100 people.
- White 71%
- Hispanic/Latino 6%
- Black 6%
- Asian 3%
- Two or more races 4%
- International 9%
- Other / unknown 1%
- Women
- 55%
- First-generation
- 24%
- Pell recipients
- 21%
Frequently asked questions
Does Minnesota State offer esports scholarships?
The program publishes esports scholarship terms: rolfsrud-Wallerstedt Esports Scholarship: $2,000 for current first-year students who align with an underrepresented population; applications open each February (esports.mnsu.edu, 2025-26). Scholarship terms can change each season, so confirm with the program before applying.
What games does Minnesota State esports compete in?
Minnesota State fields varsity teams in Apex Legends, Counter-Strike 2, Deadlock, League of Legends, Marvel Rivals, Overwatch 2, Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and VALORANT, according to the program's published information.
How much does Minnesota State cost per year?
The average annual net price — cost after grants and scholarships for students receiving aid — is $19,139. Published tuition is $9,572 in-state and $18,942 out-of-state (U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard).
How hard is it to get into Minnesota State?
Minnesota State admits 88% of applicants, per the College Scorecard.
When did Minnesota State start varsity esports?
Minnesota State's varsity esports program began in 2021.
Sources
- Esports program and scholarship terms: esports.mnsu.edu (2025-26)
- Cost, admissions, outcomes and demographics: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, retrieved 2026-10-10
- Photo: Randomeditor1000, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Research notes
Maverick Esports is the official varsity program, launched under IT Solutions (announced 2020, first competition spring 2021). The $2,000 award is a single targeted first-year scholarship, not a general player scholarship. The practice space is an unnamed esports facility in Wissink Hall 121. The program also fields an iRacing team, which has no game code. The page says supported teams may change.
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