This post reflects on Adam Stone’s article, “Collegiate Esports Programs Serve as Recruitment and Retention Tools“, published in EdTech Magazine in May 2024. The piece explores the expanding role of esports in higher education, showing how varsity programs are becoming powerful tools for student recruitment, retention, and engagement. With more than 200 colleges and universities now fielding esports teams, these initiatives are helping institutions respond to enrollment challenges by appealing to a growing pipeline of high school gamers and related talent.
Drawing on examples from the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth (UMass Dartmouth), West Virginia University (WVU), and Full Sail University, alongside commentary from experts, the article highlights the strategic value of esports in shaping modern campus life.
Key Findings
Growth in High School Esports and Recruitment Potential
The National Education Association reports that over 8,600 U.S. high schools now host gaming teams, creating a substantial pool of future college recruits. Universities that invest in esports, such as UMass Dartmouth, gain a clear advantage. As Stacy Ploskonka, assistant director of student activities at UMass Dartmouth, explains: “As more high schools develop esports programs, having such a program on campus makes us that much more competitive.”
Technological Investments and Program Scale
Successful collegiate programs are built on cutting-edge facilities. UMass Dartmouth’s esports arena, supported by CDW, features Lenovo Legion systems, Logitech peripherals, and specialized furniture for more than 180 club members. WVU’s arena is outfitted with Alienware and Dell equipment, while Full Sail University’s Orlando Health Fortress—the largest collegiate esports venue—emphasizes professional-level, real-world application. Josh Steger, WVU’s director of esports, stresses that advanced setups are vital for attracting ambitious players who aspire to careers in esports.
Retention Through Community Building
Esports programs also strengthen student retention by fostering inclusive communities. At UMass Dartmouth, the Society of Gamers—a living-learning community—achieves 100% retention from spring to fall semesters. Kimberly Scott, vice chancellor of student affairs, highlights this as evidence that esports help students feel they belong, particularly those less engaged in traditional extracurriculars.
Broad Appeal and Diversity
Esports attracts far more than players. Students interested in broadcasting, media production, graphic design, and event management all find opportunities to get involved. James Wood of the Network of Academic and Scholastic Esports Federations notes that gaming creates an outlet for students uninterested in conventional athletics. UMass Dartmouth has also seen a rise in female participation, showing how esports can break down diversity barriers.
Engagement and Career Pathways
At Full Sail, esports is tightly linked with project-based learning. Students manage broadcasts, coordinate tournaments, and gain hands-on experience directly applicable to industry roles. Bennett Newsome, director of esports growth, explains: “We focus on real-world education and project-based learning here.” These opportunities show how esports bridges classroom learning with professional development.
Conclusions
Esports programs are proving to be transformative for higher education. They provide institutions with an effective response to declining enrollments by appealing to a diverse, tech-savvy generation of students shaped by high school esports. They also foster retention by creating welcoming, community-driven environments that encourage persistence and loyalty.
Beyond recruitment and retention, esports integrate academic learning with career preparation, offering students transferable skills in technology, media, and event management. These programs broaden participation by including underrepresented groups, especially women, and open new professional pathways that students “never thought could be a career,” as WVU’s Steger puts it.
In short, collegiate esports is far more than a pastime – it is a strategic tool that helps universities innovate, differentiate, and engage students on multiple levels.
Here’s a great podcast that offers real insights into life within Boise State’s collegiate esports:
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