The Benefits of Collegiate Esports

A study by the Voice of Intercollegiate Esports (VOICE), titled "The Benefits of Collegiate Esports," examines the landscape of collegiate esports in the United States, focusing on demographics, student motivations, and program challenges. The research, conducted by Seth E. Jenny, Ph.D., David P. Schary, Ph.D., Jesse Bodony, M.A., and Russell Hamer, Ph.D., utilized a mixed-method analysis of 12 university esports programs. Data was gathered through surveys of 12 program directors, 14 staff members, and 252 players, supplemented by institutional records and rosters for 598 players. This exploratory study is considered the largest of its kind to date.

Key findings indicate a significant gender imbalance, with 91.3% of varsity players being male, 6.9% female, 1.3% non-binary, and 0.6% transgender. All surveyed directors were male, and only 14.3% of non-director staff were female. Racially, five of 11 programs showed a statistically higher proportion of Asian players compared to their general student bodies, while Black or African American (Non-Hispanic) players were underrepresented at 1.3% of survey respondents. Notably, one-third of institutions with disability data reported a statistically higher percentage of esports players with disabilities (20.0%) compared to the general student body (4.27%), with ADHD and autism being the most common.

Budgetary constraints are a significant challenge, as only five of 12 institutions offer esports scholarships, with annual tuition-based scholarship budgets ranging from $26,000 to $270,000. Overall esports program budgets range from $15,000 to $970,000, covering operations, salaries, and travel. Despite limited financial incentives, students are primarily motivated by competition (35.1%), fun and enjoyment (35.1%), and community/social aspects (16.8%). Recruitment predominantly occurs via X (formerly Twitter) and Discord.

Academically, collegiate esports players tend to pursue STEM fields, with computer science (19.4%), engineering (15.4%), and business/management (6.2%) being top majors. The average self-reported GPA for players was 3.38. Esports programs demonstrate strong retention, with 94.8% of surveyed players planning to graduate from their current university, and 53.5% feeling the esports program contributes to their decision to stay. Esports program directors reported an average player graduation rate of 85.9%, higher than the 76.1% average for the general student body at these institutions.