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    Top 113 Athletic Scholarships🏅 for Students in July 2024

    Will Geiger Written by Will Geiger
    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: July 17th, 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!

    Read 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
    120 scholarships
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    Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program

    Offered by Foot Locker

    20 awards worth $20,000
    Expired 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. Editor’s Note: As of 2023, the Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program appears to be no longer available. If this is incorrect, please reach out to us at [email protected] and we will update this page accordingly. Show Less

    20 awards worth $20,000
    Expired deadline January 2024
    Grade Level High School Senior
    Get Started

    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

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

    American Legion Baseball Scholarship

    Offered by American Legion

    Multiple awards worth $500 - $5,000
    Expected deadline July 2025
    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

    Multiple awards worth $500 - $5,000
    Expected deadline July 2025
    Grade Level High School Senior
    Get Started

    $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, 2025
    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

    1 award worth $10,000
    Deadline Jun 30, 2025
    Grade Level All 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
    Deadline Jul 31, 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 Jul 31, 2024
    Grade Level HS Upperclassmen, College & Graduate Students
    Apply

    Michael Moody Fitness Scholarship

    Offered by Michael Moody

    1 award worth $1,500
    Deadline Aug 1, 2024
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Michael Moody

    Are you a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who is majoring in and planning on pursuing a career in a health or fitness-oriented…Show More

    Are you a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who is majoring in and planning on pursuing a career in a health or fitness-oriented…Show More

    Are you a high school senior, undergraduate, or graduate student who is majoring in and planning on pursuing a career in a health or fitness-oriented field? You might consider applying for the Michael Moody Fitness Scholarship! Each year, the scholarship awards $1,500 to one such student who has demonstrated outstanding achievements both in and out of school. In order to apply, you must answer a series of three essay questions and complete the online application. If selected as a finalist, you will also be asked to send in your transcript and one letter of recommendation. If you’d like some financial help on your journey to improve others’ health, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

    1 award worth $1,500
    Deadline Aug 1, 2024
    Grade Level High School Seniors, College & Graduate Students
    Get Started

    BigFuture $40k Essay-Free Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by The College Board

    Easy Application
    1 award worth $40,000
    Deadline Oct 31, 2024
    Grade Level High School Senior

    Offered by The College Board

    Easy Application

    Open to US-Based high school students in the class of 2025 — no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements.

    Open to US-Based high school students in the class of 2025 — no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements.

    Open to US-Based high school students in the class of 2025 — no essay, minimum GPA, test score, or citizenship requirements.

    1 award worth $40,000
    Deadline Oct 31, 2024
    Grade Level High School Senior
    Apply

    Race Entry Student Scholarship

    Offered by Race Entry

    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Aug 15, 2024
    Grade Level College Students

    Offered by Race Entry

    Are you an undergraduate student in the U.S. with a need for speed (i.e. previous participation in a race)? If so, you might consider applying…Show More

    Are you an undergraduate student in the U.S. with a need for speed (i.e. previous participation in a race)? If so, you might consider applying…Show More

    Are you an undergraduate student in the U.S. with a need for speed (i.e. previous participation in a race)? If so, you might consider applying for the Race Entry Student Scholarship! This $500 scholarship is funded by Race Entry, an online race registration company, in order to support students’ pursuit of health and self-improvement through race participation. In order to apply, you must write a 1,000-2,000 word essay describing what inspired you to participate in a race, the challenges you faced, and what you learned from the experience. If you’ve run a race before and can beautifully detail the experience through words, we encourage you to apply!  The scholarship cycle runs from January 1st to August 15th of each year.Show Less

    1 award worth $500
    Deadline Aug 15, 2024
    Grade Level College Students
    Get Started

    Niche $10,000 “No Essay” Scholarship

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by Niche

    Easy Application
    1 award worth $10,000
    Deadline Jul 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 $10,000
    Deadline Jul 31, 2024
    Grade Level All Grade Levels
    Apply

    NSHSS Student Athlete Scholarships

    Offered by National Society of High School Scholars

    10 awards worth $2,000
    Deadline Sep 19, 2024
    Grade Level High School Sophomore, High School Junior, High School Senior & College Freshman

    Offered by National Society of High School Scholars

    Are you an NSHSS (National Society of High School Scholars) high school member who will be graduating sometime in the next three years, or a…Show More

    Are you an NSHSS (National Society of High School Scholars) high school member who will be graduating sometime in the next three years, or a…Show More

    Are you an NSHSS (National Society of High School Scholars) high school member who will be graduating sometime in the next three years, or a recently graduated high school senior? Further, are you a student-athlete? If so, the NSHSS Student Athlete Scholarships may be a great opportunity for you! Each year, the scholarship awards $2,000 to ten (10) dedicated student-athletes who are passionate about and excel in their respective sports. Applicants must be NSHSS members past their first year in high school or recently graduated high school seniors. Athletes of all genders and of all sports are encouraged to apply. Although optional, applicants may submit pictures, videos, or media showing their leadership in action. If you're a passionate student-athlete currently enrolled in or recently graduated from high school, we encourage you to apply! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

    10 awards worth $2,000
    Deadline Sep 19, 2024
    Grade Level High School Sophomore, High School Junior, High School Senior & College Freshman
    Get Started

    TrophyCentral Sportsmanship Scholarship Award

    This scholarship has been verified by the scholarship providing organization.

    Offered by TrophyCentral

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Sep 30, 2024
    Grade Level High School Senior

    Offered by TrophyCentral

    Are you a college-bound high school senior in the U.S.? Further, do you play a sport and actively demonstrate sportsmanship, kindness, or compassion while doing…Show More

    Are you a college-bound high school senior in the U.S.? Further, do you play a sport and actively demonstrate sportsmanship, kindness, or compassion while doing…Show More

    Are you a college-bound high school senior in the U.S.? Further, do you play a sport and actively demonstrate sportsmanship, kindness, or compassion while doing so? If so, consider applying for the TrophyCentral Sportsmanship Scholarship Award! Each year, the award offers $1,000 to an eligible high school senior who submits a written statement (500 words or less) about their sportsmanship or acts of compassion, in addition to other required application materials. The scholarship is offered by TrophyCentral, an online platform specializing in creating and selling trophies, medals, plaques, and the works. With that said, if you fit the criteria, consider applying and let TrophyCentral reward you for your kindness!Show Less

    1 award worth $1,000
    Deadline Sep 30, 2024
    Grade Level High 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
    Deadline May 1, 2025
    Grade Level High School Students

    Offered by CollegeXpress

    Easy Application

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

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

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

    1 award worth $10,000
    Deadline May 1, 2025
    Grade Level High School Students
    Apply

    Earl Campbell Tyler Rose High School Scholarship

    Offered by East Texas Communities Foundation

    1 award worth up to $5,000
    Deadline Mar 1, 2025
    Grade Level High School Senior

    Offered by East Texas Communities Foundation

    The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose High School Scholarship is available to graduating seniors from a Smith County, Texas high school or homeschool. Students who have…Show More

    The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose High School Scholarship is available to graduating seniors from a Smith County, Texas high school or homeschool. Students who have…Show More

    The Earl Campbell Tyler Rose High School Scholarship is available to graduating seniors from a Smith County, Texas high school or homeschool. Students who have participated in varsity athletics and are seeking an associate or bachelor's degree are welcome to apply.Show Less

    1 award worth up to $5,000
    Deadline Mar 1, 2025
    Grade Level High School Senior
    Get Started

    The Turner Maurice Gauntt, Jr. Exemplary Citizen Award

    Offered by Constituting America

    1 award worth $4,540
    Deadline Apr 4, 2025
    Grade Level High School Senior

    Offered by Constituting America

    Do you know a college-bound high school senior who demonstrates the qualities of academic excellence, leadership, athletic excellence, and community service? If so, The Turner…Show More

    Do you know a college-bound high school senior who demonstrates the qualities of academic excellence, leadership, athletic excellence, and community service? If so, The Turner…Show More

    Do you know a college-bound high school senior who demonstrates the qualities of academic excellence, leadership, athletic excellence, and community service? If so, The Turner Maurice Gauntt, Jr. Exemplary Citizen Award may be a great opportunity for them! Established in honor of Turner Maurice Gauntt, Jr., an impressive West Point graduate, Student Body President, and Air Force Member, the scholarship annually awards $4,540 to one (1) college-bound high school senior who also demonstrates Turner's academic and athletic prowess, leadership abilities, and passion for helping others. To be considered for the scholarship, students must be nominated by a member of school staff or faculty. If you have a student in mind who would be a great candidate for this scholarship, we encourage you to submit a nomination! Keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

    1 award worth $4,540
    Deadline Apr 4, 2025
    Grade Level High 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
    Deadline Aug 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 Aug 1, 2024
    Grade Level All Grade Levels
    Apply

    Joan Myers Brown Equity Scholarship

    Offered by Francisco Gella Dance Works

    Multiple awards worth Varies
    Deadline Biannual
    Grade Level High School & College Students

    Offered by Francisco Gella Dance Works

    Are you a prospective college student who's an intermediate or advanced dancer? If so, you may be interested in applying for the Joan Myers Brown…Show More

    Are you a prospective college student who's an intermediate or advanced dancer? If so, you may be interested in applying for the Joan Myers Brown…Show More

    Are you a prospective college student who's an intermediate or advanced dancer? If so, you may be interested in applying for the Joan Myers Brown Equity Scholarship! The scholarship is open to college-bound, intermediate and advanced dancers between 7 and 22 years of age. It is offered by the Francisco Gella Dance Works with the intention to teach young dancers and support them on their dance journey, and was created in honor of Joan Myers Brown. Joan was a famed entrepreneur, artist, and visionary, who believed that every motivated student can succeed when given the right opportunities. Thus, the scholarship allows young and passionate applicants to earn awards in varying amounts (up to 100% of their tuition) to help them fulfill their dance and educational dreams. If you are a dancer looking for a way to fund your dancing education, we encourage you to apply!Show Less

    Multiple awards worth Varies
    Deadline Biannual
    Grade Level High School & College Students
    Get Started

    Entertainment Community Fund Professional Development Scholarship

    Offered by Entertainment Community Fund

    Multiple awards worth up to $1,000
    Deadline Rolling
    Grade Level College & Graduate Students

    Offered by Entertainment Community Fund

    The Entertainment Community Fund Professional Development Scholarship is funded by the Entertainment Community Fund, an organization that fosters stability and resiliency, and provides a safety…Show More

    The Entertainment Community Fund Professional Development Scholarship is funded by the Entertainment Community Fund, an organization that fosters stability and resiliency, and provides a safety…Show More

    The Entertainment Community Fund Professional Development Scholarship is funded by the Entertainment Community Fund, an organization that fosters stability and resiliency, and provides a safety net for performing arts and entertainment professionals over their lifespan. Every year, their Professional Development Scholarship awards up to $1,000 to multiple professional dancers of 5+ years who are seeking occupational skills training in a certification or licensure program outside of dance. If this scholarship sounds like a fit for you, keep on reading for more application details.Show Less

    Multiple awards worth up to $1,000
    Deadline Rolling
    Grade Level College & Graduate 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
    Deadline Jul 31, 2024
    Grade Level High School Students & College Underclassmen

    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 Jul 31, 2024
    Grade Level High School Students & College Underclassmen
    Apply

    Edith, Louis and Max S. Millen Memorial Athletic Grant

    Offered by Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America

    1 award worth $4,000
    Expected deadline July 2025
    Grade Level High School Senior

    Offered by Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America

    The Edith, Louis and Max S. Millen Memorial Athletic Grant is available to athletic, college-bound high school seniors who are direct descendants of Jewish War…Show More

    The Edith, Louis and Max S. Millen Memorial Athletic Grant is available to athletic, college-bound high school seniors who are direct descendants of Jewish War…Show More

    The Edith, Louis and Max S. Millen Memorial Athletic Grant is available to athletic, college-bound high school seniors who are direct descendants of Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America members in good standing. If the member has passed away, they must have been in good standing at the time of their death. All members, including posthumous, must have joined before the January 1st three years before the year of the application deadline. To be considered, applicants must also have had significant, documented athletic achievements during his/her high school career. To apply, send your application to the appropriate Department Commander, and keep on reading to learn more.Show Less

    1 award worth $4,000
    Expected deadline July 2025
    Grade Level High School Senior
    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
    Deadline May 31, 2025
    Grade Level High School Students

    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, 2025
    Grade Level High School Students
    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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