League of Legends Can Now Earn You a College Scholarship

Robert Morris University Illinois has just announced that they are adding League of Legends to their athletic program. “Robert Morris University recognizes the value and legitimacy of eSports and is excited to add eSports to its already rich athletic program.” Beginning in September 2014 students admitted to the program may be offered scholarships which can cover up to 50% of tuition and room and board costs. 

RMU recognizes the value and legitimacy of eSports and is excited to add eSports to its already rich athletic program

RMU will be joining the Collegiate StarLeague of competition, which is made up of 103 other institutions such as Arizona State, Harvard, and George Washington University. The Collegiate StarLeague competes for Riot’s North American Collegiate Championship which awards $100,000 in scholarship money. To qualify for the event gamers need to participate in league play or enter the North American Collegiate Open Tournament.

The RMU eSports program is being managed up by Associate Athletic Director Kurt Melcher. Speaking about the program Melcher said “Robert Morris University has always been at the forefront of providing opportunities for a diverse student population with different interests and skills.  League of Legends is a competitive, challenging game which requires significant amount of teamwork to be successful.” 

RMU is especially looking for players who participated in the League of Legends High School StarLeague which consists of 750 schools across the US and Canada. As a sign of how serious RMU is about the new program, applicants to the League of Legends eSports team will have their application fee waved.