Unleashing Your Athletic Potential: A Guide to Sports Scholarships and Grants

Many young people cannot afford college because they come from low-income households. According to a Drexel University study, 86% of college athletes live below the federal poverty line. However, they could receive a sports scholarship or grant if they had remarkable athletic abilities. You might assume that only incredibly talented players are awarded such an opportunity. Yet, although athletic scholarships are indeed hard to get, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try.

Our team has researched how you can acquire financial support from colleges or external organizations for your athletic abilities. In this article, you’ll find answers to common questions, eligibility requirements, and other financial aid options available to college athletes.

💵 What Is a Sports Scholarship?

Simply put, a sports scholarship is financial aid given to student-athletes to cover their educational expenses. These scholarships are awarded based on athletes’ performance in their respective sports and are typically offered by colleges and universities.

Usually, the scholarship covers tuition, room and board, and other educational expenses. In return, the athlete must participate in the school’s athletic program and maintain good academic performance. Sports scholarships are highly competitive but worth applying for, and below, we’ll explain why.

Why Are Scholarships Important?

The importance of sports scholarship extends beyond providing financial assistance. Some other valuable benefits include the following:

• Opportunity to pursue a passion. Athletes with sports scholarships can pursue their passion for sports while earning a degree.
• Access to better facilities. Sports scholarships provide access to better equipment and training programs, which can help athletes improve their performance.
• Exposure to recruiters. Professional recruiters often scout student-athletes with sports scholarships. Thus, athletic scholarships broaden students’ career opportunities.
• Enlarged network. Sports scholarships provide networking opportunities with coaches and other athletes, which can help start a professional sports career.
• Personal development. Sports scholarships provide opportunities for honing your leadership skills, time management, and teamwork.

🏐 Sports That Can Get You a Scholarship

There are a variety of sports that make you eligible for a scholarship. Check them out below!

Football	Tennis	Gymnastics
Basketball	Golf	Wrestling
Baseball	Swimming and Diving	Softball
Soccer	Track and field	Lacrosse
Volleyball	Cross Country	Field Hockey
Bowling	Rowing	Ice Hockey
Fencing	Skiing	Water Polo

However, it’s important to note that the availability and number of scholarships may vary depending on the college or university and the level of competition.

General statistics say that only 2% of high school students get a sports scholarship. However, this data can vary for different sports. Some sports, such as track and field or basketball, have a larger pool of talented athletes competing for scholarships, making it harder for students to receive financial aid. Others, like rowing or fencing, are less competitive and easier to be awarded.

Sports scholarship amounts also vary from sport to sport due to many factors such as popularity, level of competition, and resources available for the sport at the college or university. The sports scholarships for men that offer the most money include football FBS ($36,070 per award), basketball ($38,246 per award), and ice hockey ($31,756 per award). As for female athletes, the most generous scholarships are in ice hockey ($41,693 per award), gymnastics ($40,172 per award), and basketball ($36,758 per award).

🤼 Different Types of Sports Scholarships

Two types of sports scholarships are available for student-athletes: full-ride and partial. Both options are typically one-year agreements, so you will need to reapply every year. We’ll discuss each of them in more detail.

Full Ride Scholarships

The full-ride scholarship is also known as a head count scholarship and is only available in six college sports:

• Football
• Women’s basketball
• Men’s basketball
• Women’s gymnastics
• Volleyball
• Tennis

It covers tuition, fees, room and board, and sometimes even textbooks and other expenses for a student-athlete with exceptional athletic ability in one of these sports. The full-ride scholarship is typically awarded to students who have achieved high-performance levels in their sport, such as winning state championships or breaking records. Universities and colleges often offer this scholarship to attract talented athletes to their sports programs.

Here are some examples of universities offering full-ride scholarships with the average awards:

• Southern Methodist University: $48,544
• Vanderbilt University: $44,645
• University of Miami: $43,982

Partial Scholarships

A partial scholarship, or equivalency scholarship, covers only a portion of the tuition cost, fees, room, and other expenses.

This scholarship is typically awarded to students who have shown promise in their sport but may not have achieved the same level of performance as recipients of full-ride scholarships. The scholarship amount varies depending on the individual athlete’s abilities and the funding available to the educational institution. Recipients of partial sports scholarships are also expected to maintain a high athletic performance throughout their college career to continue receiving the scholarship.

Here are examples of educational institutions offering partial scholarships in different sports:

• Golf: Barry University, Ferris State University, Rollins College
• Skiing: Dartmouth College, University of Vermont, Westminster College
• Ice hockey: Princeton University, Cornell University, Boston College
• Lacrosse: Florida Southern College, Rockhurst University, University of Indianapolis

✅ Eligibility Requirements for Athletic Scholarships

Requirements for getting athletic scholarships may vary from college to college. However, here are some common must-haves:

As for age requirements, colleges don’t set an official age limit for student-athletes to award an athletic scholarship. However, they usually give students a one-year grace period after high school graduation. For tennis players, this period is only 6 months, while skiers and hockey players can wait until their 21st birthday. At the end of the grace period, students should enroll in a college if they want to acquire a sports scholarship.

Before applying for an athletic scholarship, it is important to determine which sports association governs your chosen college. The US has three major governing bodies: the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA. We’ll discuss the general requirements of each organization below.

NCAA Requirements

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) is an organization that supports intercollegiate athletics across three divisions (I, II, and III). Colleges are referred to as Division I, Division II, or Division III institutions based on their size, the budget of their athletic program, and their ability to award scholarships. Today, the NCAA consists of 1,098 colleges and universities.

Below are NCAA Division I and Division II eligibility requirements. As for Division III schools, they don’t provide any athletic scholarships but can offer other financial aid packages.

Division I	Division II
Complete 16 core courses for Division I.	Complete 16 core courses for Division II.
Earn a core course GPA of 2.3 or higher.	Earn a core course GPA of 2.2 or higher.
Earn an ACT sum score or SAT combined score matching your core-course GPA on Division I sliding scale.	Earn an ACT sum score or SAT combined score matching your core-course GPA on Division II sliding scale.
Graduate high school.	Graduate high school.
Receive the final amateurism certification at the NCAA Eligibility Center.	Receive the final amateurism certification at the NCAA Eligibility Center.

NAIA Requirements

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is a college athletics organization that governs small college athletics programs. The NAIA offers athletic scholarships in 28 sports at more than 250 schools across the US.

To be eligible for a sports scholarship at a NAIA school, you must be a high school graduate admitted to a NAIA school and meet at least two of the following criteria:

1. Score 18 on the ACT or 860 on the SAT.
2. Earn a minimum of 2.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale.
3. Graduate in the top 50% of your high school class.

NJCAA Requirements

The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) governs athletics in 2-year community colleges. This is an excellent option for athletes seeking scholarships but having lower grades.

Here are the NJCAA eligibility requirements:

1. You must graduate a high school or have a high school diploma equivalent, such as a GED certificate.
2. Non-high school graduates must complete one semester of college and pass 12 credits with a 1.75 GPA or higher.
3. You must be a full-time student while playing the chosen sport.

Ways to Extend Eligibility

If you don’t meet some of the sports scholarship’s requirements, such as athletic abilities or academic performance, you can take a redshirt year. In college sports, a “redshirt” is a term used to describe a student-athlete who does not compete in any games during their first year of college but still practices with the team and receives a sports scholarship.

In case you don’t meet the initial academic eligibility requirement, you can take an academic redshirt. However, to do so, you should meet the following criteria:

1. Earn 16 NCAA-approved core-course credits in the right areas.
2. Have a minimum 2.0 core-course GPA.
3. Submit your proof of graduation to the Eligibility Center.

Athletes can also take a redshirt year if they get injured or experience burnout and need a year to recover.

Besides redshirt, there are other terms that define a student-athlete’s eligibility status: grayshirt, blueshirt, and greenshirt. Here’s everything you need to know about these options.

Shirt type	Sports scholarship	Competition	Practice
Redshirt	✅ Athletes can get scholarships.	❌ Athletes cannot compete for 1 year, but then have another year to complete 4 seasons.	✅ Athletes can practice with the team.
Blueshirt	✅ Athletes can get scholarships, which count toward the next year’s scholarship total.	❌ Athletes cannot take part in competitions for 1 year.	✅ Athletes can participate in freshman practice.
Greenshirt	✅ Athletes can get scholarships.	✅ Athletes can take part in competitions.	✅ Athletes can practice, but they enroll in college a semester early.
Grayshirt	❌ Athletes cannot get scholarships during their part-time semester.	❌ Athletes cannot take part in competitions during their part-time semester.	❌ Athletes study their first semester part-time and cannot practice with the team during this period.

🏆 How to Get a Sports Scholarship

Though getting a sports scholarship takes time and effort, it is worth it. There are specific steps you can take to raise your chances. Let’s discuss them in detail.

1. Start Early

Begin preparing for a sports scholarship as early as possible. Start by researching the requirements and eligibility criteria for colleges and universities offering sports scholarships. The general recommendation is to start your preparation approximately 18 to 24 months before the date you plan to attend college. Use this time to work on your athletic abilities and academic performance.

2. Understand Eligibility Requirements

Before you start trying to earn an athletic scholarship, it’s essential to understand the eligibility requirements. They may vary depending on the specific sport and division level. Note that to get a scholarship from an NCAA school, you must create a Certification Account at the NCAA Eligibility Center during your freshman or sophomore year of high school.

3. Research Schools

Many universities and colleges offer athletic scholarships, and it’s crucial to weigh all your options and find the perfect match for you academically and athletically. Don’t miss out on college tours, meeting with other student-athletes, and contacting the administration in case of questions.

4. Create a Strong Academic and Athletic Profile

You’ll need a strong academic and athletic portfolio to be able to compete for a sports scholarship. Maintain good grades throughout high school and take challenging courses to demonstrate your academic ability. You might also want to create a sports scholarship video showcasing your best performances and skills. This can be shared with coaches and recruiters to help them evaluate your athletic potential.

5. Make Contact with College Coaches

Reach out to college coaches and recruiters directly to express your interest in their programs. Share your sports scholarship video and any relevant stats or accomplishments to demonstrate your potential as a scholarship athlete. It’s necessary to be proactive and ensure that coaches are aware of your interests and skills.

6. Apply for Financial Aid

Prepare all the documents you need to apply for an athletic scholarship: academic transcript, athletic resume and video, and letters of recommendation. One more piece of advice is to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Even if you don’t think you’ll get federal aid, you should still do it because most colleges require students to submit their FAFSA to be considered for financial assistance.

7. Evaluate Scholarship Offers

When you’re getting ready to lock down your offer, you should compare the financial aid packages available at each college that has made you an offer. If a program doesn’t have a full-ride athletic scholarship, the college will often try to make up the difference with academic, merit-based, or other types of scholarships. Don’t underestimate other financial aid options as you’re making your final decision.

❓ Athletic Scholarship: Common Questions

If you still have questions concerning the athletic scholarships, don’t worry. This section will address the most common concerns and dispel the myths about sports scholarships.

🌐 Sports Scholarships and Grants Abroad

Many colleges and universities around the world offer athletic scholarships for international students. If you’re an athlete and wish to study abroad, you can consider schools in Canada, the United Kingdom, and other countries.

Here are 6 sports scholarships for international students outside the US.

1. The Trinity Sports Scholarships at Trinity College Dublin.
   Trinity College Dublin, located in Ireland, is a great destination for high-performance athletes who want to practice with experienced coaches and have world-class facilities. Six different scholarships are available to student-athletes, from emerging sports talents to Olympic-level athletes.
2. WLV Sports Scholarship Program at the University of Wolverhampton.
   The University of Wolverhampton, situated in the UK, offers three athlete scholar packages with different amounts of financial awards – Bronze (500 pounds), Silver (1,000 pounds), and Gold (1,500 pounds).
3. Sports scholarships and funding at Newcastle University.
   Newcastle is a well-known UK sports city and home to the Newcastle Football Club. Newcastle University offers many sports scholarships and funding for students enrolled at the university, including disability sports scholarships.
4. International Sports Scholarship Program at the University of Stirling.
   The University of Stirling has one of the largest high-performance sports programs in the UK. The International Sports Scholarship Program offers generous financial aid of up to 5,000 pounds annually.
5. The University of Calgary Award for International Student Athletes
   The University of Calgary in Canada offers scholarships to international students who play for the Calgary Dinos team. The award covers up to $10,000 in tuition and fees. To be eligible, you must meet the English Language Proficiency requirement and have a minimum GPA of 2.0.
6. UL Sports Scholarships at the University of Limerick.
   Like Newcastle University, the University of Limerick offers sports scholarships in three levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Depending on the level, you can receive an award of up to 10,000 euros, covering training, accommodation, and gym membership.

🏅 Tips for Maximizing Your Chances

Consider these tips from student-athletes with scholarships and experts to maximize your chances of receiving financial aid:

1. Start early. Begin your search for sports scholarships as early as possible, preferably in your sophomore or junior year of high school.
2. Make the right coaching connections. Contact college coaches and attend their games to show your interest and dedication.
3. Be proactive. Participate in camps and showcases to get noticed by college coaches and scouts.
4. Improve your academics. Good grades and test scores are essential for most sports scholarships, so ensure you are doing well in your classes and taking challenging courses.
5. Build your character. Remember that coaches could be watching you on and off the field. Be careful about how you act and demonstrate your attitude.
6. Create a profile with an online recruiting service. Post your profile on Next College Student Athlete or SportsRecruits because many college programs use services like these.
7. Use social media. Post your best plays and performances to showcase your skills to coaches and enlarge your athletic network.
8. Choose the program wisely. Remember that the amount of scholarship money isn’t the only thing that matters. Ensure the team, campus, and academics are all a good match for you.
9. Be realistic. Consider schools that match your academic and athletic abilities rather than only focusing on the most prestigious programs.
10. Negotiate offers. The best strategy to get a scholarship is to have more offers. When negotiating with a coach about money, consider how much the college will cost you after the scholarship is deducted.

⚖️ How to Balance Sports and School

Balancing sports and classes can be challenging for a student-athlete. However, here are some tips that can help you succeed in both areas.

🗓️ Create a schedule.	Make a schedule that includes time for homework, studying, practice, games, and other activities.
️🗣️ Communicate with professors and coaches.	Let your teachers and coaches know about your schedule, and make sure to communicate any conflicts or concerns.
🏥 Take care of your health.	Ensure you eat well, get enough sleep, and take care of your body to avoid burnout and injury.
🎯 Set realistic goals.	Set realistic goals for both academics and sports and work towards them consistently.
👍 Stay motivated.	Remember why you love your sport and keep working towards your goal, even when it gets tough.
👨‍👩‍👧 Have a support system.	Surround yourself with supportive friends, family, coaches, and teammates who understand the demands of balancing sports and school.

⭐ Success Stories: Inspiring Athletes Who Earned Scholarships

You might be surprised how many famous athletes started their careers with an athletics scholarship. Below are three motivating stories for you to enjoy. We hope that one day you’ll also become an inspiration for other young athletes.

Basketball Scholarship: Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler is a professional basketball player who plays for the Miami Heat in the NBA. He is known for his defensive skills, work ethic, and leadership on and off the court.

After graduating from Tomball High School, Jimmy Butler entered Tyler Junior College in Texas and was one of the lower-ranked players in his recruitment class. However, during his senior year, he averaged 20 points and 8 rebounds per game, enough to earn a full athletic scholarship.

Soccer Scholarship: Dom Dwyer

Dom Dwyer is a professional soccer player who plays for Orlando City, SC, in Major League Soccer (MLS). He is known for his goal-scoring ability and physicality on the field.

Although Dom Dwyer was born and raised in the UK, he went to the US on a soccer scholarship and played for Tyler College Apaches, where he had a successful two-year period.

Football Scholarship: Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson is a retired professional wrestler and actor. He gained fame in the late 1990s and early 2000s as a wrestler for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) and has since transitioned to a successful career in Hollywood.

Dwayne Johnson initially pursued athletics as a student at the University of Miami, where he received a full-ride scholarship in football. After his success in this sport, he transitioned into professional wrestling, eventually becoming a household name through his work with the WWE.

💰 Bonus: Other Financial Aid Options for Student Athletes

An athletic scholarship isn’t the only option for you to obtain opportunities to pursue your passion and study at college. Here are some alternative types of financial aid you can consider.

Type of Financial Aid	Explanation + Examples
✅ Academic scholarships	Also known as merit-based aid, academic scholarships are given to students with exceptional academic achievement. To be eligible for a merit scholarship, students must maintain a high GPA or achieve a specific score on standardized tests. Some universities offering merit-based aid include: The University of Alabama Arizona State University The University of California-Berkeley
✅ Private scholarships	Private scholarships are given by private organizations or individuals. These scholarships are usually based on criteria other than academic achievements, such as community involvement, leadership skills, artistic or athletic talent, or specific fields of study. Examples: Cameron Impact Scholarship ($20,000) Coca-Cola Scholars Program Scholarship ($20,000) Equitable Excellence Scholarship ($2,500, $10,000, or $25,000)
✅ Need-based aid	Need-based aid is designed for students who cannot afford the cost of attending college or university without financial assistance. The amount of money a student receives depends on various factors, including family income, assets, and other financial resources. To apply for federal need-based aid, you need to complete the FAFSA form.
✅ Grants	Students receive grants based on financial need, academic merit, or their combination. Grants can come from various sources, including federal and state governments, private organizations, colleges, and universities. Examples: FSEOG Grants TEACH Grants Pell Grants
✅ Loans	Student loans are financial aid that must be repaid with interest. They are designed to help students pay for educational expenses, such as tuition, books, and living expenses. Examples: Stafford loans Direct PLUS loans Private student loans
✅ Work-study jobs	Work-study jobs allow students to earn money to help pay for educational expenses. These jobs are typically offered by colleges and may be available to students who demonstrate financial need. Work-study jobs take place on-campus or off-campus and may involve various tasks, such as working in the library, assisting with research projects, or providing administrative support.

We hope that our article has answered any questions you might have about athletic scholarships. If you have friends who could benefit from our tips, please share this article with them!

🔗 References

1. Scholarships, Grants, and Bursaries: Sports — UCAS
2. 5 Tips for Scoring Athletic Scholarships — Discover
3. How to Get Athletic Scholarships — The Princeton Review
4. NCAA Eligibility Center Checklist — NSCA
5. Athletic Scholarships — Education USA
6. Eligibility & Compliance — The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
7. Guide to Playing Sports in College — Bucknell University
8. How to Balance Sports and Studies as a Student-Athlete — Azusa Pacific University
9. What Are NCAA Divisions? Division 1 vs 2 vs 3 — PrepScholar
10. Guide for the College-Bound Student-Athlete 2022-23 — NCAA