Let Gaming Empower Your Future
Are you a passionate gamer? If you’re looking for a community to help you climb the leaderboards and improve your gameplay, Ashland University Esports is designed for you.
For the first time ever, you can showcase your unique skills and enjoy high-energy competition while earning your bachelor’s degree. Your skills have the potential to earn you scholarship funds as you work toward a future you can take pride in. In addition, Esports can help you connect with a life-changing community of passionate gamers both online and in person as you work together to achieve more.
![Esports members practicing in the arena](/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2022-08/AU%20-%20Esports%20-%202022%20-%20ESports-11%20copy_0.jpg.webp?itok=xpUdcIC9)
Esports at Ashland University
There’s nothing as hype as competition! Refine your skills and join a community of like-minded individuals who love contending with the best in games, scrimmages and practices each week. And do it in style in our newly designed Esports arena featuring:
- Fiber line with 1GB upload and download speeds, powered by Armstrong
- 25 Allienware Gaming PCs
- Two mounted TVs
- A VR set
- Broadcasting Room
Our Esports program was among the first. Established in 2018, we are older than 75% of Esports programs at other universities. This means you’ll benefit from a structured team environment, an organized competition schedule and proven coaching on how to balance gaming and academics.
![Esports member competing with motion waves around his silhouette](/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2023-07/AU_Esports_Photo_Lines1-web.jpg.webp?itok=dEkDetpF)
If you are interested in pursuing a career in the Esports or gaming industries, we can put you in touch with the right people through industry internships. And, no matter what future you want to create, we offer student activities, skills development, and job readiness tools that make Esports more than a gaming community. With the resources available to you, there is no future beyond your reach.
Find Continuity in your Online and Offline Worlds
When you join the Ashland University Esports team, you can finally experience continuity. Your gaming relationships will no longer be limited to the online world. Instead, you’ll join 40+ teammates for monthly community events, travel, game nights, movies and more. You can stay connected with Ashland University’s gaming community online anytime through Discord, but you can also hang out in the Esports arena, room with a teammate or form unique bonds with your team.
No matter your game of choice, there is a place for you here and we can’t wait for you to experience community like you never have before.
![4 members of the Esports team standing in the arena](/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2022-08/AU%20-%20Esports%20-%202022%20-%20ESports-18%20copy.jpg.webp?itok=BKW8VFJn)
Supportive Academics & Easy-Access Affordability
Completing your bachelor’s degree as an Esports athlete amplifies your undergraduate experience. You’ll have access to academic support designed for athletes like you with a busy schedule, so you’ll never have to sacrifice your studies for gaming success. Tutoring programs are available to you 24/7 to ensure you have the support you need to keep your academic game strong.
![Esports member concentrating on playing](/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2022-08/AU%20-%20Esports%20-%202022%20-%20ESports-28%20cropped.jpg.webp?itok=VMxE62TV)
If you are like most students, you might be concerned about how to cover the cost of a bachelor’s degree. At Ashland University, there are no surprises or hidden costs. You will complete the FAFSA and the Net Price Calculator to determine the costs you can expect. And, the best part is that Ashland University Esports athletes can earn athletic scholarship money to reduce the cost of tuition.
What to Expect as an Esports Athlete
What will a typical day as an Esports athlete look like? Team members begin their mornings, like most students, in class. Mornings and afternoons are typically devoted to coursework, and you can expect two to three hours of evening practice at least twice a week. As a team, we participate in weekly competitions and scrimmages against other college Esports programs.
Ashland Esports offers three levels of competition: Varsity, Junior-Varsity and Open. In the varsity division, top placing teams are eligible to receive prize money and all players keep 100% of their earnings. To maintain eligibility as an Esports athlete, team members must maintain a 2.0 minimum cumulative Ashland University GPA and successfully complete 12 credit hours each semester.
![Journalism classroom](/sites/default/files/styles/wide/public/2022-08/AU%20-%20Esports%20-%202022%20-%20WRLD-Journalism-6.jpg.webp?itok=5TMMaXPu)
![Eagles Esports](/sites/default/files/styles/testimonials_440x565_/public/news-images/eaglesgaming.jpg.webp?itok=OxewZAvr)
"The Esports program has been much more than just a team to play, it has helped me in making several lifelong memories and friends. Not only this but the Esports program has helped me grow into a more well rounded individual."
- Kameron McQuillen, 2022 Graduate, Criminal Justice Major