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Top 81 Athletic Scholarships for Students in April 2024

Written by Will Geiger

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

Updated: April 24th, 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 will pay for college when 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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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 advertisements
  • 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 [email protected] 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.

Learn about our editorial policies
83 scholarships
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Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program

Offered by Foot Locker

20 awards worth $20,000
Expected deadline January 2024
Grade Level High School Senior

Offered by Foot Locker

The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program is funded by the Foot Locker Foundation, an organization that helps “phenomenal student-athletes pursue their goals of attending and…Show More

The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program is funded by the Foot Locker Foundation, an organization that helps “phenomenal student-athletes pursue their goals of attending and…Show More

The Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program is funded by the Foot Locker Foundation, an organization that helps “phenomenal student-athletes pursue their goals of attending and excelling at a two-year or four-year community college or four-year school.” Each year, Foot Locker awards $20,000 to twenty students to help them fund their education. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.Show Less

View Scholarship Profile
20 awards worth $20,000
Expected deadline January 2024
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started View Scholarship Profile

James W. McLamore WHOPPER® Scholarship

Offered by Burger King Foundation

Multiple awards worth up to $60,000
Expected deadline December 2024
Grade Level High School Senior

Offered by Burger King Foundation

The James W. McLamore WHOPPER® Scholarship is looking for exceptional, incoming four-year university students who are citizens of the United States or Canada. High school…Show More

The James W. McLamore WHOPPER® Scholarship is looking for exceptional, incoming four-year university students who are citizens of the United States or Canada. High school…Show More

The James W. McLamore WHOPPER® Scholarship is looking for exceptional, incoming four-year university students who are citizens of the United States or Canada. High school seniors or home schooled students from the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam, or Canada are eligible to apply. Applicants must be current high school seniors applying to attend a four-year accredited college or university in the United States or Canada on a full-time basis. To qualify, students must have a cumulative unweighted GPA of at least 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale or the equivalent. The scholarship committee is also looking for students who have demonstrated leadership in community service, athletics, and/or similar co-curricular activities. Additionally, students who have substantial work experience and financial need will be given preference. If this sounds like a good opportunity for you, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

View Scholarship Profile
Multiple awards worth up to $60,000
Expected deadline December 2024
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started View Scholarship Profile

American Legion Baseball Scholarship

Offered by American Legion

Multiple awards worth $500 - $5,000
Deadline Jul 15, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior

Offered by American Legion

The American Legion Baseball Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for deserving baseball players to receive between $500 and $5,000 in scholarships each year. Each Department…Show More

The American Legion Baseball Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for deserving baseball players to receive between $500 and $5,000 in scholarships each year. Each Department…Show More

The American Legion Baseball Scholarship is a fantastic opportunity for deserving baseball players to receive between $500 and $5,000 in scholarships each year. Each Department Baseball Committee may select a player from its department to receive this scholarship. While Department Baseball Scholarship Winners receive $500, eight players selected by a scholarship selection committee at The American Legion World Series will receive an additional $2,500 scholarship. One other player, selected as the most outstanding member of the All-Academic Team, will be awarded an additional $5,000 scholarship. Scholarship recipients can receive their scholarships immediately upon graduation from an accredited high school and must utilize the total award within eight (8) years of their graduation date, excluding active military time. Don't miss out on this incredible chance to further your education and love of baseball!Show Less

View Scholarship Profile
Multiple awards worth $500 - $5,000
Deadline Jul 15, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started View Scholarship Profile

$10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by Scholarships360

Exclusive
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels

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

View Scholarship Profile
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply View Scholarship Profile

$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
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students

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
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
Apply

Sara Scholarship

Offered by Henry and Sarah Sheehan Foundation

12 awards worth $2,500
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior

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

View Scholarship Profile
12 awards worth $2,500
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started View Scholarship Profile

$40,000 Build a College List Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by The College Board

Easy Application
Multiple awards worth up to $40,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level High School Junior

Offered by The College Board

Easy Application

Create a college list with six schools you're considering - no minimum GPA or essay required!

Create a college list with six schools you're considering - no minimum GPA or essay required!

Create a college list with six schools you're considering - no minimum GPA or essay required!

Multiple awards worth up to $40,000
Deadline Jun 30, 2024
Grade Level High School Junior
Apply

Chuck Pezzano Scholarships

Offered by International Bowling Media Association

Multiple awards worth $5,000
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students

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

View Scholarship Profile
Multiple awards worth $5,000
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students
Get Started View Scholarship Profile

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
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level All 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
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

OnPoint Community Credit Union Scholar Program

Offered by Onpoint Community Credit Union & the Oregon School Activities Association

6 awards worth $5,000 - $10,000
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior

Offered by Onpoint Community Credit Union & the Oregon School Activities Association

Are you a graduating senior at an OSAA (Oregon School Activities Association)-member school who has received a varsity letter in at least one OSAA-sanctioned sport…Show More

Are you a graduating senior at an OSAA (Oregon School Activities Association)-member school who has received a varsity letter in at least one OSAA-sanctioned sport…Show More

Are you a graduating senior at an OSAA (Oregon School Activities Association)-member school who has received a varsity letter in at least one OSAA-sanctioned sport at any point during your high school career? If so, you may be eligible for the OnPoint Community Credit Union Scholar Program! Each year, the program awards between $5,000 and $10,000 to six (6) Oregon student-athletes. Winners will be selected based on success in the classroom, leadership in the community, how participating in OSAA activities has either taught them a lesson or helped them achieve their goals, and two letters of recommendation. If you're an Oregon high school senior whose earned a varsity letter during high school, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

View Scholarship Profile
6 awards worth $5,000 - $10,000
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started View Scholarship Profile

United States Bowling Congress Dexter All-American Team Scholarship

Offered by United States Bowling Congress

10 awards worth $1,000 - $1,500
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Students

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

View Scholarship Profile
10 awards worth $1,000 - $1,500
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Students
Get Started View Scholarship Profile

$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
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level All 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
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level All Grade Levels
Apply

Texas Tennis Foundation Scholarships

Offered by Texas Tennis Foundation

Multiple awards worth $750 - $2,500
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students

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

View Scholarship Profile
Multiple awards worth $750 - $2,500
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors & College Students
Get Started View Scholarship Profile

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
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior

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

View Scholarship Profile
Multiple awards worth $2,500
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started View Scholarship Profile

$10,000 CollegeXpress Scholarship

This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

Offered by CollegeXpress

Easy Application
1 award worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors

Offered by CollegeXpress

Easy Application

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

Annual $10k scholarship from CollegeXpress open to all high school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors.

1 award worth $10,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Apply

FMC Skaters Scholarship

Offered by FMC Ice Sports

15 awards worth $1,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior

Offered by FMC Ice Sports

Are you an ice sports participant or recreational ice skater in your last year of high school who skates at FMC arenas and is a…Show More

Are you an ice sports participant or recreational ice skater in your last year of high school who skates at FMC arenas and is a…Show More

Are you an ice sports participant or recreational ice skater in your last year of high school who skates at FMC arenas and is a New England resident? If so, the FMC Skaters Scholarship may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the scholarship is awarded to multiple high school seniors who play ice hockey or figure skate/recreationally skate at FMC arenas and reside in New England. If you're a college-bound, New England high school senior and FMC Skater, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

View Scholarship Profile
15 awards worth $1,000
Deadline May 1, 2024
Grade Level High School Senior
Get Started View Scholarship Profile

Walter J. Travis Memorial Scholarships and The Rudy Zocchi Memorial Scholarship

Offered by The Walter J. Travis Society

5 awards worth $1,000
Deadline May 15, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

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

View Scholarship Profile
5 awards worth $1,000
Deadline May 15, 2024
Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
Get Started View Scholarship Profile

$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
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshman, High School Sophomore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophomore

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
Deadline Apr 30, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshman, High School Sophomore, High School Junior, College Freshman & College Sophomore
Apply

Novo Nordisk Donnelly Award

Offered by United States Tennis Association

12 awards worth $5,000 - $10,000
Deadline May 15, 2024
Grade Level High School & College Students

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

View Scholarship Profile
12 awards worth $5,000 - $10,000
Deadline May 15, 2024
Grade Level High School & College Students
Get Started View Scholarship Profile

$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
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & 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
Deadline May 31, 2024
Grade Level High School Freshmen, Sophomores & Juniors
Apply
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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 homophobia 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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