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Scholarships
Top 81 Athletic Scholarships for Students in March 2024
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Will Geiger is the co-founder of Scholarships360 and has a decade of experience in college admissions and financial aid. He is a former Senior Assistant Director of Admissions at Kenyon College where he personally reviewed 10,000 admissions applications and essays. Will also managed the Kenyon College merit scholarship program and served on the financial aid appeals committee. He has also worked as an Associate Director of College Counseling at a high school in New Haven, Connecticut.Will earned his master’s in education from the University of Pennsylvania and received his undergraduate degree in history from Wake Forest University. Full Bio Learn about our editorial policies
Written byWill Geiger
Updated: April 2nd, 2024
Sports are an important part of the high school experience. Practice, games, matches, and lots of hard work are put into your sport(s). Whether you are a football player, a tennis player, or a cross country runner, you will also have to think about how you willpay for collegewhen the time comes. For athletes, athletic scholarships are one of the best ways to use your talent on the field to win money for college!
While many Division 1 and Division 3 colleges offer athletic scholarships to the top athletes on their varsity teams, many students are not able to going to be star varsity athletes in college. But don’t worry–there are tons of great athletics scholarship opportunities available for other students who do not intend to play sports in college. Keep on reading to learn more!
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We helped over 4 million students find scholarships in 2023
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Scholarship Review Process
The Scholarships360 Research Team reviews all scholarships individually and strives to exclude any scholarship where any of the below applies:
- The scholarship requires a fee to apply
- The scholarship provider’s privacy policy allows for the misuse of student data
- The scholarship requires paid membership in an organization (with certain exceptions for reputable trade organizations and others)
- Student are required to sign up for a site or service to apply*
- The scholarship seems primarily used for lead generation** or idea harvesting purposes***
- The scholarship website has many grammatical errors and/or advertisem*nts
- The scholarship or scholarship providing organization seem untrustworthy
- There is no evidence the scholarship was previously awarded
- The scholarship has not been awarded in the past 12 months
- There is no available contact information
If you believe a scholarship has been published in error, please reach out to [emailprotected] and we’ll take a look!
* There are certain exceptions to this, for example if the sponsoring organization is a major corporation or nonprofit with its own scholarship application system.
** Lead generation scholarships will require students to sign up for an app or website and require minimal (if any) application requirements.
***Idea harvesting scholarships will require students to submit blog posts or other materials that companies may use for marketing purposes.
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80 scholarships
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$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.
Offered by Scholarships360
Exclusive
1 award worth $10,000
DeadlineJun 30, 2024
Grade LevelAll Grade Levels
Apply
Offered by Scholarships360
Exclusive
The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More
The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high…Show More
The Scholarships360 $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship is open to all students who want some extra help paying for their education. Whether you are a high school student who hopes to go to college, a graduate student who’s in a master’s program, or an adult learner who wants to return to school, you are eligible for our no essay scholarship.This scholarship will be awarded to students who get the most out of Scholarships360 scholarships and content. You will be a strong applicant if you apply to scholarships with the Scholarships360 platform. Finalists for this scholarship will be interviewed about their process for funding their education.Show Less
1 award worth $10,000
DeadlineJun 30, 2024
Grade LevelAll Grade Levels
Apply
$2,000 Sallie Mae Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.
Offered by Sallie Mae
Easy Application
1 award worth $2,000
DeadlineApr 30, 2024
Grade LevelHS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
Apply
Offered by Sallie Mae
Easy Application
Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…
Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for…
Sallie Mae will award $2,000 each month to eligible entrants. No essay or account sign-ups, just a simple scholarship for those seeking help paying for school.
1 award worth $2,000
DeadlineApr 30, 2024
Grade LevelHS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
Apply
Morgan Levine Dolan Community Service Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.
Offered by Bold.org
Easy Application
5 awards worth $5,000
DeadlineMay 18, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
Offered by Bold.org
Easy Application
Are you a college-bound high school senior or current post-secondary student from New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania? Further, do you have a passion…Show More
Are you a college-bound high school senior or current post-secondary student from New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania? Further, do you have a passion…Show More
Are you a college-bound high school senior or current post-secondary student from New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania? Further, do you have a passion for (and prior experiences with) either community service or playing sports? If so, consider applying for the Morgan Levine Dolan Community Service Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards $5,000 each to five current or incoming post-secondary students with a history of either playing sports or volunteering in their local community. To apply, interested students must submit an essay detailing how earning this scholarship will help them fulfill their future goals. If you're from New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, or Pennsylvania and love either community service or sports, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less
5 awards worth $5,000
DeadlineMay 18, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
Niche $25,000 “No Essay” Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.
Offered by Niche
Easy Application
1 award worth $25,000
DeadlineMay 31, 2024
Grade LevelAll Grade Levels
Offered by Niche
Easy Application
Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year!
Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year!
Easy scholarship open to all high school and college students, as well as anyone looking to attend college or graduate school in the next year!
1 award worth $25,000
DeadlineMay 31, 2024
Grade LevelAll Grade Levels
Verplank Foundation Scholarship
Offered by Verplank Foundation
Multiple awards worth up to $10,000
DeadlineApr 15, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Senior
Get Started
Offered by Verplank Foundation
Are you a high school senior with Type 1 diabetes who actively participates on an organized sports or athletic team? Consider applying for the Verplank…Show More
Are you a high school senior with Type 1 diabetes who actively participates on an organized sports or athletic team? Consider applying for the Verplank…Show More
Are you a high school senior with Type 1 diabetes who actively participates on an organized sports or athletic team? Consider applying for the Verplank Foundation scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards up to $10,000 to students who successfully manage their diabetes with medication, exercise, and a healthy diet. This scholarship may be renewed for up to four years as long as students maintain the renewal requirements. If you fit these criteria and are looking for some help to pay off college, we encourage you to apply. Maintain your physical and financial health, all at once!Show Less
Multiple awards worth up to $10,000
DeadlineApr 15, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Senior
Get Started
$25k “Be Bold” No-Essay Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.
Offered by Bold.org
Easy Application
1 award worth $25,000
DeadlineMay 1, 2024
Grade LevelAll Grade Levels
Offered by Bold.org
Easy Application
Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.
Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.
Open to high school students, college students, community college students, and graduate students.
1 award worth $25,000
DeadlineMay 1, 2024
Grade LevelAll Grade Levels
Vermont Golf Association Scholarship Fund
Offered by Vermont Golf Association Scholarship Fund
Multiple awards worth up to $1,000
DeadlineApr 16, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Seniors & College Students
Get Started
Offered by Vermont Golf Association Scholarship Fund
Are you a college-bound high school senior or graduate from Vermont who has a passion for golf and is enrolled in, or has been accepted…Show More
Are you a college-bound high school senior or graduate from Vermont who has a passion for golf and is enrolled in, or has been accepted…Show More
Are you a college-bound high school senior or graduate from Vermont who has a passion for golf and is enrolled in, or has been accepted as a full-time student at a post-secondary institution? If so, you may be eligible for the Vermont Golf Association Scholarship Fund! Each year, up to $1,000 each is awarded to up to 10 incoming college freshmen from Vermont who have a current and active affiliation with the game of golf such as competing on a golf team, working at a golf course, and/or participating in golf programs or events. The scholarship can be renewed for up to three years, giving each recipient a chance to earn up to $4,000 over the course of their college careers. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less
Multiple awards worth up to $1,000
DeadlineApr 16, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Seniors & College Students
Get Started
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation Girls in Football Scholarship
Offered by Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation
Multiple awards worth $5,000
DeadlineApr 19, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Senior
Get Started
Offered by Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation is proud to offer the Girls in Football Scholarship, designed to support female high school seniors who participate in any…Show More
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation is proud to offer the Girls in Football Scholarship, designed to support female high school seniors who participate in any…Show More
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Foundation is proud to offer the Girls in Football Scholarship, designed to support female high school seniors who participate in any form of football and plan to continue their education in college. Administered by Scholarship America, this program awards scholarships without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin. Recipients must plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at an accredited four-year college or university for the entire upcoming academic year, and financial need will be considered. If you're a female high school senior with a passion for football, don't miss out on this incredible opportunity!Show Less
Multiple awards worth $5,000
DeadlineApr 19, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Senior
Get Started
$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.
Offered by CollegeXpress
Easy Application
1 award worth $10,000
DeadlineMay 1, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Freshmen, Sophom*ores & Juniors
Offered by CollegeXpress
Easy Application
Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophom*ores, and juniors.
Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophom*ores, and juniors.
Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophom*ores, and juniors.
1 award worth $10,000
DeadlineMay 1, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Freshmen, Sophom*ores & Juniors
Sara Scholarship
Offered by Henry and Sarah Sheehan Foundation
12 awards worth $2,500
DeadlineApr 30, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Senior
Get Started
Offered by Henry and Sarah Sheehan Foundation
Are you a female high school senior with a love for the sport of golf? Whether you actively play golf, play it as a hobby,…Show More
Are you a female high school senior with a love for the sport of golf? Whether you actively play golf, play it as a hobby,…Show More
Are you a female high school senior with a love for the sport of golf? Whether you actively play golf, play it as a hobby, or even just work in a pro shop, you might consider applying for the Sara Scholarship! Dedicated to helping low-income, golf-loving high school seniors attend college, the scholarship grants $2,500 each to at least 12 lucky students each year. To apply, you must complete the FAFSA, complete the scholarship application, and respond to a few short-answer questions and one essay question. If you fit the criteria and this sounds like a hole-in-one, we encourage you to apply!Show Less
12 awards worth $2,500
DeadlineApr 30, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Senior
Get Started
Chuck Pezzano Scholarships
Offered by International Bowling Media Association
Multiple awards worth $5,000
DeadlineApr 30, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Seniors & College Students
Get Started
Offered by International Bowling Media Association
Love bowling and writing? If so, the Chuck Pezzano Scholarships may be the perfect opportunity for you! The scholarships are open to any high school…Show More
Love bowling and writing? If so, the Chuck Pezzano Scholarships may be the perfect opportunity for you! The scholarships are open to any high school…Show More
Love bowling and writing? If so, the Chuck Pezzano Scholarships may be the perfect opportunity for you! The scholarships are open to any high school senior or college student who may be interested in a part- or full-time career writing about the sport of bowling. Individuals with any amount of writing experience are welcome to apply, so long as they have a love for bowling and have played the sport. Apply and take your love for bowling to the next level!Show Less
Multiple awards worth $5,000
DeadlineApr 30, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Seniors & College Students
Get Started
$1,000 Appily Easy College Money Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.
Offered by Appily
Easy Application
Monthly awards worth $1,000
DeadlineApr 30, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Freshman, High School Sophom*ore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophom*ore
Apply
Offered by Appily
Easy Application
This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More
This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be…Show More
This easy scholarship from Appily is open to U.S. high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, 2027) and college transfer students. One scholarship will be awarded each month.Show Less
Monthly awards worth $1,000
DeadlineApr 30, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Freshman, High School Sophom*ore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophom*ore
Apply
United States Bowling Congress Dexter All-American Team Scholarship
Offered by United States Bowling Congress
10 awards worth $1,000 - $1,500
DeadlineMay 1, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Students
Get Started
Offered by United States Bowling Congress
Are you a high school member of the United States Bowling Congress with bowling, academic, and extracurricular achievements or involvements? Further, are you a member…Show More
Are you a high school member of the United States Bowling Congress with bowling, academic, and extracurricular achievements or involvements? Further, are you a member…Show More
Are you a high school member of the United States Bowling Congress with bowling, academic, and extracurricular achievements or involvements? Further, are you a member of a recognized interscholastic high school bowling club? If so, consider applying for the United States Bowling Congress Dexter All-American Team Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards $1,000 to five male applicants and five female applicants. One such applicant will also receive the Bud Clapsaddle Award and an additional $500. The scholarship is offered by the United States Bowling Congress, the National Governing Body for bowling and a membership organization that provides standardized rules, regulations, and benefits for bowlers.If you’re a high school bowler and USBC member, we encourage you to apply to the United States Bowling Congress Dexter All-American Team Scholarship. It may be right up your alley!Show Less
10 awards worth $1,000 - $1,500
DeadlineMay 1, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Students
Get Started
Texas Tennis Foundation Scholarships
Offered by Texas Tennis Foundation
Multiple awards worth $750 - $2,500
DeadlineMay 1, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Seniors & College Students
Get Started
Offered by Texas Tennis Foundation
Are you a current or incoming college student who resides in the Texas section and has an interest in tennis? If so, the Texas Tennis…Show More
Are you a current or incoming college student who resides in the Texas section and has an interest in tennis? If so, the Texas Tennis…Show More
Are you a current or incoming college student who resides in the Texas section and has an interest in tennis? If so, the Texas Tennis Foundation Scholarships may be a good opportunity for you! Each year, they award five (5) Ron Woods Excellence Awards worth $2,500 each and ten (10) Foundation awards worth between $750 and $2,000 each. If you are a current or incoming undergraduate residing in the Texas section with a passion for tennis, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less
Multiple awards worth $750 - $2,500
DeadlineMay 1, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Seniors & College Students
Get Started
$5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.
Offered by Christian Connector
Easy Application
1 award worth $5,000
DeadlineMay 31, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Freshmen, Sophom*ores & Juniors
Offered by Christian Connector
Easy Application
Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…
Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian…
Students applying to the $5,000 Christian Connector Scholarship must be current high school students (Class of 2025, 2026, or 2027) interested in attending a Christian university or college.
1 award worth $5,000
DeadlineMay 31, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Freshmen, Sophom*ores & Juniors
New York Ramblers Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.
Offered by New York Ramblers Soccer Club
Multiple awards worth $2,500
DeadlineMay 1, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Senior
Get Started
Offered by New York Ramblers Soccer Club
Are you a student-athlete who identifies as LGBTQI+, or a committed ally to this community? If so, the Ramblers Scholarship could be the perfect opportunity…Show More
Are you a student-athlete who identifies as LGBTQI+, or a committed ally to this community? If so, the Ramblers Scholarship could be the perfect opportunity…Show More
Are you a student-athlete who identifies as LGBTQI+, or a committed ally to this community? If so, the Ramblers Scholarship could be the perfect opportunity to support your undergraduate education in the U.S.! To apply, you'll need to write five brief essays and secure two letters of recommendation. The selected awardees will receive a one-time scholarship of up to $2,500 each, paid directly to their school to cover tuition fees. The scholarship is awarded publicly each summer, with the application process open annually from January 1 to May 1. Keep on reading to learn more!Show Less
Multiple awards worth $2,500
DeadlineMay 1, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Senior
Get Started
Walter J. Travis Memorial Scholarships and The Rudy Zocchi Memorial Scholarship
Offered by The Walter J. Travis Society
5 awards worth $1,000
DeadlineMay 15, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
Get Started
Offered by The Walter J. Travis Society
The Walter J. Travis Memorial Scholarships and The Rudy Zocchi Memorial Scholarship are funded by The Walter J. Travis Society, an organization that promotes an…Show More
The Walter J. Travis Memorial Scholarships and The Rudy Zocchi Memorial Scholarship are funded by The Walter J. Travis Society, an organization that promotes an…Show More
The Walter J. Travis Memorial Scholarships and The Rudy Zocchi Memorial Scholarship are funded by The Walter J. Travis Society, an organization that promotes an awareness and appreciation of the achievements and contributions of golf pioneer Walter J. Travis, and to foster the continuation of his legacy in golf. Each year, the Walter J. Travis Memorial Scholarships and The Rudy Zocchi Memorial Scholarship awards $1,000 to five (5) current and incoming postsecondary students interested in pursuing golf-related careers. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.Show Less
5 awards worth $1,000
DeadlineMay 15, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
Get Started
$2,000 No Essay CollegeVine Scholarship This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.
Offered by CollegeVine
Easy Application
1 award worth $2,000
DeadlineApr 30, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Students
Apply
Offered by CollegeVine
Easy Application
Easy scholarship open to current high school students and college applicants. A free CollegeVine account with a completed chancing profile required to enter.
Easy scholarship open to current high school students and college applicants. A free CollegeVine account with a completed chancing profile required to enter.
Easy scholarship open to current high school students and college applicants. A free CollegeVine account with a completed chancing profile required to enter.
1 award worth $2,000
DeadlineApr 30, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Students
Apply
Novo Nordisk Donnelly Award
Offered by United States Tennis Association
12 awards worth $5,000 - $10,000
DeadlineMay 15, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School & College Students
Get Started
Offered by United States Tennis Association
The Novo Nordisk Donnelly Award annually awards between $5,000 and $10,000 each to twelve (12) high school or college students who play tennis on a…Show More
The Novo Nordisk Donnelly Award annually awards between $5,000 and $10,000 each to twelve (12) high school or college students who play tennis on a…Show More
The Novo Nordisk Donnelly Award annually awards between $5,000 and $10,000 each to twelve (12) high school or college students who play tennis on a team or in tournaments and are living with diabetes. While the $10,000 will be awarded to two (2) National Winners, the $5,000 awards will be given to ten (10) Regional Winners. In addition, two awards of $2,500 will be given each year to tennis professionals or coaches who live wih diabetes. If you're a tennis player and college student, or tennis coach/professional, who lives with diabetes, we encourage you to apply. Keep on reading to learn more! Show Less
12 awards worth $5,000 - $10,000
DeadlineMay 15, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School & College Students
Get Started
Jonathan G. Epstein Spirit of Tennis Scholarship
Offered by USTA Foundation
1 award worth $3,750
DeadlineMay 15, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Senior
Get Started
Offered by USTA Foundation
Are you a high school senior who has participated in an NJTL (National Junior Tennis & Learning) Program & will be enrolling in a four-year…Show More
Are you a high school senior who has participated in an NJTL (National Junior Tennis & Learning) Program & will be enrolling in a four-year…Show More
Are you a high school senior who has participated in an NJTL (National Junior Tennis & Learning) Program & will be enrolling in a four-year college or university? If so, consider applying for the Jonathan G. Epstein Spirit of Tennis Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards $3,750 to one applicant who demonstrates good character, community leadership and sportsmanship, and has participated in an NJTL program. It may be received for up to four years for a total of $15,000 over the course of a four-year undergraduate program. The award money will support the recipient's educational endeavors by covering tuition, room and board, as well as essential educational materials.This scholarship was established in honor of Jonathan G. Epstein, "former President of FILA North America and industry leader whose passion for tennis left an indelible mark on the sport and the brand." If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, and you share Jonathan's passion for tennis, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less
1 award worth $3,750
DeadlineMay 15, 2024
Grade LevelHigh School Senior
Get Started
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Jump ahead to:
- How to win athletic scholarships
- Resources for student athletes
- Frequently asked questions about winning athletic scholarships
- Explore additional scholarship categories
How to win a college athletic scholarship
College scholarships for student athletes are available for students playing college sports at the Division 1 and Division 2 level. These scholarships can range from a partial scholarship to a full ride. Being a scholarship varsity athlete is a bit like having a full time job, which is why these scholarships can be so generous.
The catch is that in order to receive an athletic scholarship at a Division 1 or Division 2 college, you must be recruited to play. The recruitment process tends to be very competitive and can be quite complex.
Related:What is NCSA Athletic Recruiting?
If you are interested in this or wondering if you may be good enough to be recruited, we suggest that you talk to your high school coach for more information. Chances are that they have coached a student or two who has gone through the process and will be able to provide some insight to you.
Also, the National College Athletic Association has rules about eligibility for potential varsity student athletes. Students will need to meet the eligibility requirements, which include specific academic standards.
Related: Top sports related careers
Resources for college athletes
National Collegiate Athletic Association
In the United States, college athletics are pretty much synonymous with the NCAA. This organization runs all the major collegiate sports leagues in the country. They also offer scholarships and engage in a whole host of community initiatives! Make sure to check out all that the organization has to offer that supports student athletes.
Also see: What you need to know about the Big 10 Schools
Athlete Ally
Athlete Ally is a national organization which is working to end transphobia and hom*ophobia in sports. Whether you are a member of the LGBTQ+ community or not, this could be a good resource to make sure you are a conscious athlete.
Women’s Sports Foundation
This national organization pushes for equal representation for women in sports. They offer athlete ambassador programs, sports programs for girls, and more. Subscribe to their newsletter to keep up to date!
Also see: What schools make up the Southeastern Athletic Conference?
Frequently asked questions about athletic scholarships
What sports give out full scholarships?
Theoretically, students could earn a full scholarship for any sport. There are no specific rules as to which sports qualify students for a full scholarship. That being said, there are certain sports that schools tend to allocate more resources to. These sports, such as football, soccer, hockey, and baseball, might be the ones that offer the highest number of full scholarships.
But you should also note that these more popular sports also have the toughest competition. You’ll be one of many talented student athletes vying for a limited number of spots. So, don’t make your sporting decisions purely based on the sports that give the highest scholarships!
Head-count vs Equivalency scholarships
Some D1 sports have rules as to how their teams can spend scholarship money. Some mandate that all teams offer full rides to each player, but only offer a certain number of full rides. These are called head-count sports. Others mandate that schools only offer a certain amount of scholarship money, but they can divide it however they want. This means that they may have a larger spread of players who don’t all get full rides.
To read more about how this works and which category your sport falls under, you can check out Athletic Scholarships’ article on the topic.
Related: What does being a D1, D2, or D3 athlete mean?
Which sports are good for getting scholarships?
According to RecruitRef, lacrosse, ice hockey, and baseball are the easiest sports to get a scholarship in. This is a complicated question, however, as the sports that often have the most money for scholarships are also the most competitive. So, you might have a better shot at a partial scholarship at a more obscure sport, but if you try to earn a scholarship in a more popular sport, you could end up with a more substantial aid package — even a full ride!
Ultimately, you’ll always have the best shot at a scholarship in the sport that you are best at and most passionate about. Sports scholarships are far from a sure thing, and if you devote yourself to a sport, you should do it because of your interest in the sport rather than a scholarship payoff. You’ll be a better player, enjoy yourself more, and have a better shot of earning a scholarship if you make your choice based on your interest and abilities.
Do student-athletes qualify for need-based financial aid?
Yes, student-athletes do qualify for need-based financial aid! You’ll have the same need-based aid opportunities as any other student. Any student athletes should ensure to fill out the FAFSA, and the CSS Profile (if your school requires it). If you show financial need, you should qualify for the Pell Grant, subsidized student loans, and other opportunities.
Furthermore, student-athletes can apply for external need-based scholarships through other organizations. In addition to the scholarships on our list, you should check out our scholarship search tool. It’ll custom-match you to vetted scholarship opportunities and auto-update as deadlines close and re-open.
Do Division 3 athletes get scholarships?
Division athletes might get scholarships connected to their athletic potential, but it won’t function the same as D1 or D2 athletes. They will typically be a lower award, but they will also come with more flexibility. The student won’t be obligated to continue playing the sport through their college education. That means that you can earn a scholarship for your athletic achievements in high school, and should you decide not to continue the sport in college, you won’t be under financial stress to do so.
Also see: How to get soccer scholarships
What GPA do you need for an athletic scholarship?
The answer to this question can depend on a lot of different factors. If you are looking at D1 and D2 athletic scholarships, the schools will probably be less concerned with your grades; you’ll want to have maintained a passing average, but if your main selling point is your athletics, your GPA won’t be the deciding factor. That being said, a high GPA is always a plus when applying for schools.
If you are hoping to play as a D3 athlete, your GPA will be very important in determining whether you receive a scholarship. When you’re applying to a D3 school, your athletic achievements are just a demonstration of your well-rounded potential and versatility as a student. They are not the main selling point, and even if you are a good athlete, you probably won’t have a good shot at a D3 athletic scholarship if you don’t keep a high GPA.
Also see: Do colleges use weighted or unweighted GPA?
Do Ivy League colleges give scholarships?
Ivy League colleges give strong need-based scholarships but do not award merit or athletic scholarships. This applies as a rule to each school that is a member of the Ivy League. However, they have committed to meet 100% of accepted students’ financial need.
Although the term “Ivy League” as acquired a colloquial meaning for any prestigious college, these rules only apply to the actual Ivy League in the technical sense of the term. These schools are as follows:
- Brown University (Providence, RI)
- Columbia University (New York, NY)
- Cornell University (Ithaca, NY)
- Dartmouth College (Hanover, NH)
- Harvard University (Cambridge, MA)
- University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)
- Princeton University (Princeton, NJ)
- Yale University (New Haven, CT)
Related: Ivy League Scholarships: What you need to know
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