The University of Silicon Valley (USV) has introduced a 'Max Achievement Scholarship' that recognizes high-difficulty in-game achievements as criteria for academic financial aid.

According to the university's official website, the scholarship supports students with up to $15k annually by evaluating in-game adeptness, persistence, and systems thinking as qualities equivalent to academic achievement.

The university explained the purpose of the scholarship by stating, "The goal-setting, resource optimization, strategic thinking, persistence through failure, and self-directed learning required in gaming environments are no different from the skills that drive innovation and leadership." Defining itself as a 'Polymathic University,' USV maintains that it recognizes the value of skills demonstrated in virtual worlds just as it does code, art, and design.

The scholarship operates on a tiered system. The 'Legendary Tier,' which requires ultra-high-difficulty achievements with a global completion rate of less than 1%, offers up to $5k per semester. The 'Mastery Tier,' requiring 'completionist' achievements with a 1–5% completion rate, offers up to $2500 per semester, renewable for up to three semesters per year. Graduate students are eligible for 50% of the undergraduate award amount, and this scholarship cannot be combined with other graduate awards. Final payouts are calculated based on a weighted scale: 60% for achievement rarity and difficulty, 20% for an essay, and 20% for academic potential.

The list of eligible games includes several titles familiar to domestic users. Smilegate's 'Lost Ark' is listed in the Mastery Tier, with the relatively accessible requirement of 'owning three endgame characters equipped with Legend grade gear.'

'World of Warcraft' is listed in both the Legendary and Mastery tiers with different criteria. The Legendary Tier requires earning the 'Insane in the Membrane' title, reaching max level in all professions, and achieving Exalted reputation with 25+ factions. The Mastery Tier is based on achieving the 'Keystone Master' achievement for all dungeons in the current season. 'Final Fantasy 14' also appears in the Legendary Tier, requiring players to reach level 100 with all 20 combat jobs and 8 crafter/gatherer jobs, while the Mastery Tier requires completing all role quests and 12 Extreme trials.

The presence of the Soulslike genre is also prominent. Completing all achievements in the 'Dark Souls' trilogy and 'Sekiro' (including the gauntlets of strength) is included in the Legendary Tier, while earning the Platinum trophy in 'Elden Ring' and 'Bloodborne' is included in the Mastery Tier.

Other requirements include completing over 115 achievements in 'Minecraft,' achieving 100% completion in 'Stardew Valley,' and clearing all Archon Quests and reaching Friendship level 10 with 8 characters in 'Genshin Impact,' which fall into the Legendary and Mastery tiers, respectively. For games not on the list, students may submit an individual achievement application, including a game description, specific accomplishments, supporting evidence, and a written argument explaining the cognitive and educational significance of those achievements for review.