New Jersey Higher Education Esports Guide
New Jersey College Esports Guide
A Complete Guide for High School Students
2025-2026 EditionWelcome to Your Esports Future
Are you a New Jersey high school student who loves gaming and wants to continue competing in college? This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about every college and university in New Jersey and their esports opportunities.
What You’ll Find in This Guide:
- Every 4-year university in New Jersey (public and private)
- All 18 New Jersey community colleges
- Current esports program status at each school
- Games and titles available at each program
- Academic programs in esports
- Facilities and competition levels
- How to get involved and succeed
Understanding Esports Program Levels
Varsity Esports
- Officially recognized by athletic department
- May offer scholarships
- Compete in organized leagues (NACE, NJCAA)
- Access to dedicated facilities and coaching
- Similar structure to traditional sports
Club Esports
- Student-run organizations
- Funded through student activities
- Compete in various leagues and tournaments
- Great competitive experience
- Often leads to varsity programs
Academic Programs
- Degree programs in esports management/production
- Combine passion with career preparation
- Currently rare – only 2 in NJ
- Learn business, broadcasting, management
No Current Program
- School doesn’t have organized esports yet
- Opportunity to be a founding member
- Many schools exploring adding programs
- You could start a club!
Schools with Active Esports Programs
These schools have established esports programs where you can compete right away.
Stockton University
⭐Campus: Main campus in Galloway plus Atlantic City campus. Close to beaches and Atlantic City. 160+ undergraduate and graduate programs.
Website: stockton.edu
Camden County College
⭐⭐Facility Highlights – Cougar Esports Arena:
- 1,600 square feet of dedicated esports space
- 22 gaming PCs with competition-grade equipment
- 3 broadcast computers for streaming and production
- Dedicated broadcast booth
- Spectator seating area
Transfer Pathway: 2+2 pathway to Stockton University’s BS in Esports Management
Website: camdencc.edu
Seton Hall University
⭐⭐⭐Major Achievements:
- 2x BIG EAST Champions (League of Legends)
- Top 32 nationally in Rocket League for 6 straight seasons
- BIG EAST Rocket League Champions 2022 & 2023
- National Championship winners
Competes Against: Villanova, Butler, Creighton, DePaul, St. John’s, and other BIG EAST schools
Website: shu.edu/esports
Rutgers University – New Brunswick
⭐⭐Rutgers Esports Center Features:
- 60 MSI gaming computers
- 12 competition-ready stations
- Console gaming area
- VR experience area
- CRT station for retro games
League: Tespa Charter
Website: rutgersesports.club
New Jersey City University
Website: njcugothicknights.com/sports/esports
Ramapo College of New Jersey
Website: archway.ramapo.edu/espo
Brookdale Community College
Website: brookdalecc.edu
Schools with Strong Potential
These schools don’t have formal esports programs yet, but have excellent assets that make them likely to add programs soon. Be a founding member!
New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT)
HIGH POTENTIALWhat You Could Study:
- Computer Science
- Game Design
- Animation
- Engineering
- IT programs
Athletics: NCAA Division I
Website: njit.edu
Montclair State University
HIGH POTENTIALPrograms: Nearly 300 academic programs
Location: Beautiful suburban campus with easy NYC access
Website: montclair.edu
The College of New Jersey (TCNJ)
POTENTIALLocation: Ewing, NJ | Students: ~7,000
Why: Ranked #1 public college in NJ. Strong academics, tight-knit community, NJAC athletic conference member.
Website: tcnj.edu
Rowan University
POTENTIALLocation: Glassboro, NJ | Students: ~19,000
Why: Large South Jersey university with strong engineering and tech programs. Modern facilities. Involved in state esports discussions.
Website: rowan.edu
Kean University
POTENTIALLocation: Union, NJ | Students: ~16,000
Why: State-of-the-art STEM building. Modern facilities ready for esports. NJAC conference member.
Website: kean.edu
All New Jersey Community Colleges
Community colleges are an affordable option to start your college career. Here’s every NJ community college and their esports status.
Community Colleges WITH Esports Programs
- Camden County College (Blackwood/Cherry Hill) – Full varsity program with dedicated arena and Esports Production degree
- Brookdale Community College (Lincroft) – Varsity esports program with new arena facility
Community Colleges WITHOUT Esports Programs (Yet)
Bergen Community College (Paramus)
Size: LARGEST community college in NJ (13,352+ students)
Programs: 70+ degree programs
Campuses: Paramus, Hackensack, Lyndhurst
Potential: HIGH – Size and resources make esports program very likely
Website: bergen.edu
Popular Esports Titles in NJ Colleges
Here are the most common games you’ll find at NJ colleges with esports programs:
Where to Find Your Favorite Game
| Game | Where to Play |
|---|---|
| League of Legends | Seton Hall, Rutgers, NJCU |
| Rocket League | Seton Hall, Ramapo, Camden County, Rutgers |
| Super Smash Bros | Seton Hall, NJCU, Ramapo, Camden County, Rutgers |
| Valorant | Ramapo, Rutgers |
| Overwatch 2 | Seton Hall, Rutgers |
| Madden NFL | Camden County |
| Rainbow Six Siege | Camden County |
| Hearthstone | Rutgers |
| Counter-Strike | Rutgers |
Understanding Esports Leagues
When you compete in college esports, you’ll likely compete in one or more of these leagues:
NACE
National Association of Collegiate Esports
- Premier varsity esports organization
- 170+ member schools nationwide
- Offers scholarships
- Professional structure
- NJ Schools: Seton Hall, Camden County
NJCAA Esports
National Junior College Athletic Association
- For community colleges
- Varsity-level competition
- NJ Schools: Camden County, Brookdale
BIG EAST Conference
- Conference-based competition
- Same schools as traditional sports
- League of Legends and Rocket League
- NJ Schools: Seton Hall
- Competes with Villanova, Butler, Creighton, DePaul, St. John’s
Garden State Esports Collegiate Circuit
GSECC – New Jersey Exclusive
- Face-to-face competition
- Hosted on college campuses
- Connects high school to college
- NJ Schools: Stockton, Seton Hall, Camden County, others
Playfly College Esports
Formerly Collegiate Starleague
- Over $150,000 in scholarships
- Weekly broadcasts
- Annual LAN events
- NJ Schools: Seton Hall
Tespa
Blizzard’s Collegiate Program
- Multiple games (Hearthstone, Overwatch, etc.)
- Scholarship opportunities
- NJ Schools: Rutgers
Academic Programs in Esports
Want to study esports, not just play? Here are your options in New Jersey:
Bachelor’s Degree Programs
Stockton University – BS in Esports Management
- 4-year degree
- First public NJ university to offer this
- Started Fall 2023
- Learn: Event management, marketing, business, facility management
- Career Paths: Tournament organizer, team manager, facility director, marketing, event production
Associate Degree Programs
Camden County College – AAS in Esports Production
- 2-year degree
- Only program like this in the region
- Started January 2023
- Learn: Broadcasting, streaming, content creation, production
- Transfer: 2+2 pathway to Stockton for bachelor’s degree
- Career Paths: Broadcaster, content creator, production crew, streaming specialist
Related Programs
NJIT – Game Design & Development
- #1 animation program in New Jersey
- Top game design program on East Coast
- Computer Science with game focus
- Career Paths: Game developer, designer, programmer
Other Related Programs Available at Various Schools:
- Computer Science
- Digital Media Production
- Communication/Broadcasting
- Business (for esports management path)
- Sports Management
Financial Considerations
Can You Get Scholarships for Esports?
YES! Some schools offer esports scholarships.
Schools That May Offer Scholarships:
- Seton Hall University (varsity program)
- Schools in NACE (like Seton Hall and Camden County)
- Any varsity program could potentially offer scholarships
How Much?
Scholarships vary widely – from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. Similar to traditional athletic scholarships, they can be partial or full and are often combined with academic scholarships.
Affordable Options by Cost Level:
Community Colleges (Lowest Cost)
- In-county tuition: $4,500-$6,000/year typically
- Camden County: Top esports program + lowest cost
- Brookdale: Varsity program at affordable price
- Community College Opportunity Grant (CCOG): May qualify for FREE tuition!
Public Universities (Moderate Cost)
- In-state tuition: $12,000-$15,000/year typically
- Much cheaper than private schools
- Stockton, Rutgers, NJCU, Ramapo, TCNJ, etc.
Private Universities (Higher Cost)
- Tuition: $40,000-$60,000/year typically
- Often more financial aid available
- Seton Hall and other private schools
- Check for esports + academic scholarship combos
Money-Saving Tips:
- Start at community college (Camden County!), then transfer to a 4-year school
- Look for esports + academic scholarship combinations
- Apply for FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Check for NJ-specific grants and aid programs
- Community college is FREE for many families through CCOG
Careers in Esports
Why study esports or compete in college? Here are the career opportunities:
Playing/Competing
- Professional Player
- Team Coach
- Analyst
- Content Creator/Streamer
Business/Management
- Team Manager
- General Manager
- Tournament Organizer
- Esports Venue Manager
- Marketing Manager
- Sponsorship Coordinator
Production/Broadcasting
- Broadcast Producer
- Shoutcaster/Commentator
- Video Editor
- Graphic Designer
- Social Media Manager
- Content Director
Technical
- Game Developer
- Software Engineer
- IT Specialist
- Broadcast Engineer
- Network Administrator
Industry Growth:
- Esports industry worth over $1 billion globally
- Growing every year with more jobs being created
- Traditional sports teams investing in esports
- Casinos adding esports lounges
- Colleges building programs nationwide
New Jersey Advantages
- Atlantic City casinos (9 casinos with esports opportunities)
- Close to NYC (major esports hub)
- Philadelphia nearby (additional opportunities)
- Growing industry throughout the state
Frequently Asked Questions
No! Most programs have teams at different skill levels. Some are ultra-competitive, others are more casual. There’s usually a place for everyone, from bronze to challenger.
Absolutely! You can major in anything and still compete in esports, just like traditional sports.
Yes! Esports is open to everyone. Some programs even have specific initiatives to support female gamers. Garden State Esports has a Valkyrie League specifically for women in esports.
You can start a club! Many current programs started as student clubs. Talk to student activities and find interested students. This guide can help you make the case.
Usually yes, depending on time commitments. Some students play multiple titles successfully.
Most programs provide equipment at their facilities. For practice at home, having your own setup helps, but isn’t always required.
Not if you manage your time well! Many esports players maintain high GPAs. In fact, studies show esports participants often have better grades than average students.
Yes! Camden County College has a transfer agreement with Stockton University. Other community colleges have transfer pathways too.
Varies by program, but typically: 2-4 practices per week, 2-4 hours per practice, matches on weekends. Similar to traditional sports.
Next Steps – Your Action Plan
Freshman/Sophomore Year
- Keep your grades up (you’ll need them for scholarships)
- Join Garden State Esports or your high school esports program
- Start competing and building your resume
- Research schools from this guide
- Follow college esports teams on social media
Junior Year
- Visit campuses with esports programs
- Contact esports coaches at schools you like
- Continue competing and improving
- Take SAT/ACT
- Start building your college list
- Look into scholarship opportunities
Senior Year – Fall
- Apply to colleges (October-January)
- Submit FAFSA (October 1st)
- Contact esports programs about tryouts
- Ask about scholarship opportunities
- Keep competing and improving
Senior Year – Spring
- Compare financial aid offers
- Make your decision
- Try out for teams
- Connect with future teammates
- Prepare for college
Important Dates & Deadlines
Early Action/Decision: November 1st typically
Regular Decision: January 1-15 typically
Community Colleges: Rolling admission (apply anytime)
FAFSA Opens: October 1st every year
Priority Deadline: Usually February/March
Apply early for best aid!
Fall Season: September-December
Spring Season: January-May
Summer: Often off-season or tournaments
Ready to Get Started?
Contact schools directly using the links in this guide. Most esports programs have dedicated email addresses, social media accounts, and Discord servers.
Don’t be afraid to reach out – coaches and coordinators want to hear from interested students!
Resources
League Information
Financial Aid
Questions?
Contact schools directly using the websites listed throughout this guide. Most esports programs have:
- Dedicated email addresses
- Social media accounts (Twitter, Instagram, Discord)
- Open houses and information sessions
Quick Reference Chart
| School | Type | Esports Status | Games Offered | Academic Program |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stockton University | 4-Year Public | ✅ Varsity/Club | Multiple titles | ✅ BS Esports Management |
| Camden County College | Community College | ✅ Varsity | 12+ titles | ✅ AAS Esports Production |
| Seton Hall University | 4-Year Private | ✅ Varsity | LoL, RL, OW2, SSBU | ❌ |
| Rutgers-New Brunswick | 4-Year Public | ✅ Club | 11+ titles | ❌ |
| NJCU | 4-Year Public | ✅ Varsity/Club | SSBU, more | ❌ |
| Ramapo College | 4-Year Public | ✅ Club | SSBU, Valorant, RL | ❌ |
| Brookdale CC | Community College | ✅ Varsity | Multiple titles | ❌ |
| NJIT | 4-Year Public | 🟡 Club only | Various | ❌ (Game Design available) |
| Montclair State | 4-Year Public | ❌ None yet | N/A | ❌ |
| TCNJ | 4-Year Public | ❌ None yet | N/A | ❌ |
| Rowan University | 4-Year Public | ❌ None yet | N/A | ❌ |
| Kean University | 4-Year Public | ❌ None yet | N/A | ❌ |
Legend: ✅ Available | ❌ Not available | 🟡 Partial/In development | LoL = League of Legends | RL = Rocket League | OW2 = Overwatch 2 | SSBU = Super Smash Bros Ultimate
Conclusion
New Jersey offers exciting opportunities for high school students who want to compete in esports at the college level. Whether you’re looking at top-tier varsity programs like Seton Hall, academic programs to study esports at Stockton and Camden County, affordable community college options, large universities with huge communities like Rutgers, or schools where you could start a program like NJIT and Montclair – there’s an option for every type of student in New Jersey.
Remember: Keep your grades up, compete in high school, research your options, visit campuses, apply for scholarships, and don’t be afraid to start something new!
The esports industry is growing rapidly, and New Jersey is positioning itself as a leader. You could be part of that growth!
Good luck with your college search and your esports career!