Overview
Northwood University in Midland, Michigan has competed in varsity esports since 2019, with affiliations including NECC. Its teams currently compete in VALORANT, Overwatch 2, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, Fortnite, Call of Duty, Rainbow Six Siege, Marvel Rivals and Deadlock. Esports scholarships are offered, but a fixed amount is not published (esports.northwood.edu, 2019). Federal College Scorecard data shows an average net price of $27,232 per year, an acceptance rate of 65% and a graduation rate of 63% across 1,974 undergraduates.
Esports details verified 2026-10-06 · Federal data retrieved 2026-10-10
Esports scholarships at Northwood
Merit-based esports scholarships set by the coach; no current amount published. Earlier figure: up to $3,000 at launch (2019).
The esports program
- Level
- Varsity
- Founded
- 2019
- Conference / league
- NECC
- High school events
- Great Lakes Gaming Convention (fall 2026) with Great Lakes Loons includes a high school Rocket League invitational for 8 Michigan high schools; prize pool, no scholarships stated
- NACE member
- Yes (NCAA D2)
- Facility
- 2,000+ sq ft gaming center
- Titles fielded
- 11
Cost & outcomes vs. other esports schools
Compared with the median of all 428 esports programs we track.
| Tuition | $34,400 |
|---|---|
| Average net price (after grants) | $27,232 |
| Students receiving Pell grants | 26% |
| Median debt at graduation | $20,842 |
| Student-to-faculty ratio | 14:1 |
Who studies at Northwood
1,974 undergraduates, shown as 100 people.
- White 72%
- Hispanic/Latino 8%
- Black 9%
- Asian 1%
- Two or more races 3%
- International 2%
- Other / unknown 5%
- Women
- 37%
- First-generation
- 40%
- Pell recipients
- 26%
Frequently asked questions
Does Northwood offer esports scholarships?
Yes. Northwood offers esports scholarships but doesn't publish an amount; awards are decided by the program. Esports scholarships are offered, but a fixed amount is not published (esports.northwood.edu, 2019). Scholarship terms can change each season, so confirm with the program before applying.
Is Northwood esports varsity or club?
Varsity. Northwood University runs or formally sponsors its esports program, which competes in NECC.
What games does Northwood esports compete in?
Northwood fields varsity teams in VALORANT, Overwatch 2, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Counter-Strike 2, League of Legends, Fortnite, Call of Duty, Rainbow Six Siege, Marvel Rivals and Deadlock, according to the program's published information.
How much does Northwood cost per year?
The average annual net price — cost after grants and scholarships for students receiving aid — is $27,232. Published tuition is $34,400 (U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard).
How hard is it to get into Northwood?
Northwood admits 65% of applicants, per the College Scorecard.
When did Northwood start varsity esports?
Northwood's varsity esports program began in 2019.
Sources
- Esports program and scholarship terms: esports.northwood.edu (2019)
- Cost, admissions, outcomes and demographics: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, retrieved 2026-10-10
- Photo: User:Mgreason, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Research notes
Reclassified 2026-10-11: amount not confirmed on a current official page.
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