Overview
Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, New York has competed in varsity esports since 2016, with affiliations including NACE. Its teams currently compete in Apex Legends, Call of Duty, Counter-Strike 2, Deadlock, League of Legends, Marvel Rivals, Overwatch 2, Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Teamfight Tactics and VALORANT. The program publishes esports scholarship terms: 20 esports scholarships of $2,000 per year for new students starting fall 2025, plus performance-based awards for select current students (rit.edu, 2025-26). Federal College Scorecard data shows an average net price of $34,906 per year, an acceptance rate of 67% and a graduation rate of 70% across 13,215 undergraduates.
Esports details verified 2026-10-10 · Federal data retrieved 2026-10-10
Esports scholarships at RIT
20 esports scholarships of $2,000 per year for new students starting fall 2025, plus performance-based awards for select current students
The largest stated award ($2,000) equals about 6% of RIT's average annual net price of $34,906. Actual awards depend on tryouts, roster spot and other aid.
The esports program
- Level
- Varsity
- Founded
- 2016
- Conference / league
- NACE
- Facility
- Tiger's Den
- Titles fielded
- 12
Cost & outcomes vs. other esports schools
Compared with the median of all 405 esports programs we track.
| Tuition | $59,274 |
|---|---|
| Average net price (after grants) | $34,906 |
| Students receiving Pell grants | 27% |
| Median debt at graduation | $26,778 |
| Student-to-faculty ratio | 13:1 |
Who studies at RIT
13,215 undergraduates, shown as 100 people.
- White 60%
- Hispanic/Latino 10%
- Black 6%
- Asian 12%
- Two or more races 6%
- International 4%
- Other / unknown 2%
- Women
- 35%
- First-generation
- 19%
- Pell recipients
- 27%
Frequently asked questions
Does RIT offer esports scholarships?
The program publishes esports scholarship terms: 20 esports scholarships of $2,000 per year for new students starting fall 2025, plus performance-based awards for select current students (rit.edu, 2025-26). Scholarship terms can change each season, so confirm with the program before applying.
What games does RIT esports compete in?
RIT fields varsity teams in Apex Legends, Call of Duty, Counter-Strike 2, Deadlock, League of Legends, Marvel Rivals, Overwatch 2, Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Teamfight Tactics and VALORANT, according to the program's published information.
How much does RIT cost per year?
The average annual net price — cost after grants and scholarships for students receiving aid — is $34,906. Published tuition is $59,274 (U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard).
How hard is it to get into RIT?
RIT admits 67% of applicants, per the College Scorecard.
When did RIT start varsity esports?
RIT's varsity esports program began in 2016.
Sources
- Esports program and scholarship terms: rit.edu (2025-26)
- Cost, admissions, outcomes and demographics: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, retrieved 2026-10-10
- Photo: DanielPenfield, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Research notes
University-run program with a director of esports; ~22 titles (also chess, Guilty Gear, Halo, Mario Kart, osu!, Splatoon, SC2, TF2, Tetris). RIT Esports established 2016, likely as a student-led program; year it became officially university-run not found. Esports page says 2026-27 scholarships are closed and reopen spring for 2027-28; current amount not restated. Leagues other than NACE not confirmed.
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