Your Complete Guide to Athletic Scholarships in the US

Athletic scholarships in the US offer student-athletes financial support to pursue academics and athletics, with opportunities ranging from partial to full-ride scholarships.
Most athletic scholarships in the US are regulated by the NCAA, which categorises schools in three divisions.
Full-ride athletic scholarships are rare and highly competitive, especially for sports less popular than football and basketball.

The role athletic scholarships play in the United States differs from other parts of the world. Universities in the US actively recruit athletes and offer scholarships as part of their competitive and financial strategy. In other parts of the world, elite athletes train through clubs or professional systems separate from school.

What are Athletic Scholarships?

Athletic scholarships in the United States are financial awards given to student-athletes to help cover college costs. These scholarships are primarily offered by colleges and universities with competitive sports programmes. They are regulated by organisations like the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), and NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association).

Some athletic scholarships, called full-ride scholarships, cover almost all college expenses, including tuition, accommodation, books, and other fees. In the United States, full-ride scholarships are typically awarded to student-athletes competing in high-profile sports like football and basketball, especially at NCAA Division I (D1) schools.

Browse hundreds of available Sport and Exercise Science scholarships in the United States.

Athletic Scholarships

Why athletic scholarships are so common in the US

Sports and education go together: In the US, sports are a core part of university life. Colleges compete in national leagues, and strong teams boost a school’s reputation. Scholarships allow schools to recruit talented athletes to improve their teams, making sports an essential part of campus culture. In contrast, countries like the UK or Australia often separate sports from academics, relying on clubs or professional pathways for athlete development.
Sports make money for schools: Unlike in other countries, where sports are less tied to educational funding, US college sports generate massive income. Programmes like football and basketball bring in millions through ticket sales, TV rights, and sponsorships. Scholarships attract top athletes, leading to better teams, more wins, and ultimately more revenue. This also boosts alumni donations and enrolment numbers.
A clear path for athletes: The NCAA and similar organisations provide a formal pathway from high school to college sports, which is rare in other countries. Scholarships are a key part of this system, helping schools attract the best talent while setting academic and athletic standards for athletes. This structure makes it easier for athletes to balance their studies and sports while competing at a high level.

Check out available Sports Management scholarships in the United States.

Divisions and Organisations

NCAA Division I: The most competitive level, offering the largest number of scholarships. High-profile sports often receive full scholarships.
NCAA Division II: Scholarships are usually partial, focusing on balancing athletics and academics.
NCAA Division III: No athletic scholarships are offered, but student-athletes can receive academic or need-based financial aid.
NAIA and NJCAA: Smaller organisations also provide athletic scholarships with varying funding levels.

What are Athletic Scholarships in NCAA Division I, II, and III Schools

The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) governs college sports in the United States, overseeing rules and regulations for athletic programmes at over 1,000 schools. It divides institutions into divisions—Division I, II, and III—based on factors like athletic funding, competition level, and resources.

Athletic scholarships in the three divisions are highly sought because they financially support student-athletes, often covering tuition and living expenses. In NCAA Division I and Division II schools, athletic scholarships are typically awarded directly by the institutions rather than through specific, widely recognised programmes.

Top athletic scholarships for student-athletes (college to postgraduate)

Let’s have a look at some top financial aid for college athletes, from institutional awards to NCAA-sponsored programmes.

Institutional Athletic Scholarships:

Type: School-based athletic scholarships.
Description: Provided directly by universities, these scholarships are designed to recruit and support talented athletes. They often cover tuition, fees, and other expenses, with variations depending on the sport and institution. Examples include scholarships offered at schools like the University of Alabama or Ohio State University.

NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Program:

Type: Merit-based postgraduate scholarship.
Description: Awarded to student-athletes from all NCAA divisions who excel both academically and athletically. This $10,000 scholarship supports graduate studies for individuals who demonstrate outstanding achievements on and off the field.

NAIA Champions of Character Scholarships

Type: Leadership and character-based scholarship.
Description: Offered by the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics), this scholarship recognises student-athletes who excel in academics, athletics, and embody strong leadership and integrity.

Division II Degree-Completion Award Program

Type: Financial aid for degree completion.
Description: Provided by the NCAA to Division II student-athletes who have completed their athletic eligibility but need financial support to finish their undergraduate degree.

NCAA Women’s Enhancement Program

Type: Diversity-focused scholarship.

Description: Supports women and ethnic minorities pursuing careers in athletics administration or coaching. Awards include financial aid for postgraduate studies and professional development opportunities.

Division I (D1): Elite athletics and academic excellence

Division I schools are the largest and most competitive institutions, offering the broadest range of athletic scholarships. These schools often have the best training facilities and large budgets and provide both full and partial scholarships, especially for high-profile sports like football and basketball. However, not all sports receive full-ride scholarships.

D1 schools and the scholarships they award

Known for their competitive athletic programmes, large budgets, and extensive scholarships.

University of Alabama (Football powerhouse): Full athletic scholarships for high-profile sports like football and basketball.
Ohio State University (Top in multiple sports): Athletic scholarships across most sports, including football and track.
Duke University (Renowned for basketball): Full and partial athletic scholarships, especially in basketball.
University of Texas at Austin (Strong across many sports): Scholarships for all NCAA sports; offers significant funding in football and swimming.
Stanford University (Balanced academics and athletics): Athletic scholarships in nearly all NCAA sports, focusing on balancing academics and athletics.Division II (D2) Balancing Sports and Studies

Division II (D2): Balancing sports and studies

Division II schools are smaller than D1 institutions and focus on a balanced mix of athletics and academics. Athletic scholarships are available at D2 schools but are often partial rather than full. Student-athletes may need additional financial support, such as academic scholarships or need-based financial aid, to cover their expenses.

D2 schools aim to allow students to compete in their sport while maintaining a strong academic experience.

D2 schools examples and what scholarships they award

Smaller schools that balance academics and athletics often offer partial scholarships.

University of Central Missouri (Strong sports and academics): Partial athletic scholarships for most sports, combined with academic and need-based aid.
Florida Southern College (Competitive in swimming and basketball): Athletic scholarships in basketball, baseball, and swimming.
Colorado School of Mines (Focuses on both athletics and STEM education): Scholarships for STEM-focused student-athletes in sports like football and soccer.
Wingate University (Prominent in soccer and swimming): Partial athletic scholarships for soccer, swimming, and tennis.
Barry University (Known for tennis and basketball): Funding for basketball, tennis, and other NCAA sports.

Do D3 schools give athletic scholarships?

Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships. Instead, they prioritise a well-rounded college experience where academics and athletics are at the forefront. D3 schools are typically smaller institutions that focus on helping students grow both academically and personally.

To support student-athletes, D3 schools provide other forms of financial assistance, such as need-based financial aid and merit-based scholarships, which can significantly reduce the cost of attendance. This approach ensures that student-athletes at D3 schools can still pursue their passion for sports without the pressure tied to athletic scholarships.

While NCAA Division III schools don't offer athletic scholarships, they offer numerous other financial aid opportunities. Merit-based awards and need-based grants can make attending a D3 school an affordable and rewarding option for those committed to their sport and studies.

Division III (D3) Schools

Focus on academics with no athletic scholarships, but students still compete at a high level.

Amherst College (Elite academics and athletics): Need-based financial aid and merit scholarships (no athletic funding).
Williams College (Top liberal arts institution with strong sports): Comprehensive need-based aid for student-athletes.
Johns Hopkins University (Renowned for lacrosse): Financial aid packages, with no athletic scholarships, though lacrosse is a standout programme.
University of Chicago (High academic and athletic standards): Academic scholarships and need-based financial aid for all students, including athletes.
Middlebury College (Known for winter sports and tennis): Merit-based and need-based aid available, no athletic-specific scholarships.

How to secure an athletic scholarship

Securing an athletic scholarship includes a similar process to other types of scholarships, but it does have it’s particularities. Here are some tips to help you get started:

Create a Sports Resume: Make a detailed sports resume that includes video highlights, key achievements, stats, and awards. Coaches want to see what you can do, and a good highlight reel can make a lasting impression.
Reach Out to Coaches: Don't be afraid to take the initiative and contact college coaches directly. Send them your resume, highlight videos, and let them know you’re interested in their program.

Participate in Camps & Showcases: Exposure is key. Participating in college camps, showcases, and tournaments is a great way to get noticed by coaches and recruiters.

Challenges and realities of athletic scholarships

High Competition: Only a small percentage of high school athletes receive scholarships, and competition is fierce.
Commitment Required: Balancing academics and athletics can be challenging, and being a scholarship athlete requires significant time, effort, and commitment.
Partial Scholarships: Many athletic scholarships are not full rides, meaning you may still need to pay part of your expenses or combine multiple forms of financial aid to cover all your costs.

Athletic scholarships in other countries

Athletic scholarships outside the US are less common but more available as institutions recognise the value of combining academic and athletic excellence. Here's an overview of athletic scholarships in the UK, Canada, Australia, and Europe:

United Kingdom

In the UK, athletic scholarships are often called "sports bursaries" or “sports scholarships”.

Many universities, including well-known institutions like Loughborough University and the University of Bath, offer sports scholarships to attract talented athletes.
Unlike in the U.S., full-ride scholarships are less common, and support often includes non-monetary benefits such as access to high-performance facilities, coaching, and mentoring.
Universities grant scholarships to athletes competing at a regional, national, or international level
BUCS (British Universities and Colleges Sport) is the national governing body of university sports in the United Kingdom.

Check out available Sport and Exercise Science scholarships in the UK and Sport Management scholarships in the UK.

Athletic scholarships in Canada

Scholarships in Canada usually cover tuition and fees, but the amounts vary, and combining academic and athletic awards can help cover more of the costs.

Canadian universities offer athletic scholarships, commonly referred to as athletic awards which are regulated through U SPORTS, Canada’s governing body for university sports, and the CCAA (Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association).
U SPORTS allows schools to offer up to the cost of tuition and compulsory fees, but the funding is often less generous than in the US.
Athletes must meet academic standards (minimum 80% average in high school) and excel in their sport to qualify.
Canadian scholarships are especially strong in ice hockey, basketball, and track & field.

Check out available Sport and Exercise Science scholarships in Canada and Sport Management scholarships in Canada.

Athletic scholarships in Australia

In Australia, many universities offer athletic scholarships through their Elite Athlete Programs. Institutions like the University of Sydney and the Australian National University provide scholarships supporting student-athletes in managing their academic and sporting commitments.

Scholarships usually provide partial financial aid for tuition and training expenses. Additional support includes access to training facilities, coaching, and sports science resources.
Applicants must demonstrate a high level of athletic achievement and academic capability. Athletes often need to compete at a state, national, or international level.
Many scholarships are linked to Australia’s strong sports culture, focusing on sports like swimming, rugby, cricket, and athletics.
Partnerships between universities and professional sports clubs are common.

Check out available Sport and Exercise Science scholarships in Australia and Sport Management scholarships in Australia.

Athletic Scholarships

Europe

In most European countries, athletic scholarships are less institutionalised than in the US, but opportunities exist through universities, government programmes, and sports clubs.

Sports-specific scholarships in countries like Germany offer athletes support from universities or sports federations. Requirements vary by country and institution but generally include competing at a high level (national or international). Universities may also partner with professional clubs to provide support.
In Europe, student-athletes often have access to club sports systems, which function alongside university programmes. This allows for flexible training and competing at a professional or semi-professional level.

Conclusion

Athletic scholarships can be a life-changing opportunity, helping you continue your passion for sports while earning a valuable college education. It takes dedication, talent, and hard work, both on and off the field, to earn one of these scholarships, but the rewards can be substantial.

Check out these articles and guides about scholarships

FAQs

Which schools offer the best athletic scholarships?

Top schools offering the best athletic scholarships include University of Alabama, Ohio State University, Duke University, University of Notre Dame, and University of Texas at Austin. These institutions provide substantial financial support for student-athletes in high-profile and diverse sports, enabling excellence both on and off the field.

Does Davidson offer full-ride athletic scholarships in Soccer?

Davidson College is an NCAA Division I school offering athletic scholarships. However, full-ride scholarships are not very common, especially for soccer. Most soccer scholarships at Davidson are partial, with the award amount depending on the player's abilities and the coach's discretion.

Are D2 or D3 schools as good as D1?

Division II (D2) and Division III (D3) schools can be just as good as Division I (D1) schools, depending on what you're looking for. While D1 schools are known for their intense competition, large budgets, and significant athletic scholarships, D2 and D3 schools offer unique advantages that might suit some student-athletes better.