About College Bowl

Since 1959, College Bowl has been the premier academic competition where America's brightest minds compete for intellectual supremacy and substantial scholarships.

The Ultimate Test of Knowledge

College Bowl is more than just a quiz competition—it's the Olympics of the mind. Teams of four students represent their universities in fast-paced rounds of questions spanning every academic discipline imaginable.

From literature and history to science and mathematics, from current events to fine arts, our competition challenges participants to demonstrate breadth of knowledge that extends far beyond their major fields of study.

With over $1 million in scholarship prizes annually and recognition as the most prestigious academic competition in America, College Bowl continues to identify and celebrate intellectual excellence.

Academic Excellence

Fostering intellectual growth since 1959

Interdisciplinary

Questions span all academic fields, testing comprehensive knowledge

Team-Based

Four-person teams collaborate under pressure in real-time

Fast-Paced

Quick thinking and rapid recall create thrilling competition

Prestigious

National recognition and substantial scholarship awards

How to Compete

Join thousands of students nationwide in the ultimate test of academic knowledge and quick thinking.

1

Team Formation

Assemble a team of four undergraduate students from your university to represent your school.

2

Qualification Round

Compete in regional qualifiers to earn your spot in the national championship tournament.

3

Tournament Play

Battle through elimination rounds against the nation's top academic teams.

4

Championship

Compete for the national title and claim your share of over $1 million in prizes.

Toss-Up Questions

10 Points

Individual questions where any player can buzz in. First to answer correctly earns points for their team.

Bonus Questions

20-30 Points

Multi-part questions for the team that answered the toss-up. Collaboration is encouraged.

Lightning Round

10 Points Each

Rapid-fire questions in the final minutes. Speed and accuracy determine the winner.

Competition Highlights

  • Over $1 million in scholarship prizes annually
  • 500+ participating universities nationwide
  • Live television coverage of championship rounds
  • Recognition as America's premier academic competition

Quick Facts

15 min
Average match duration
20+
Academic categories covered
64
Teams in national tournament
1959
Year College Bowl was founded