Athletic Scholarships and Grants for 2025 and 2026

Are There Scholarships for Student Athletes?

Yes, scholarships for student-athletes are widely available, especially through NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA colleges and universities. These athletic scholarships help cover the cost of tuition, housing, and other college expenses while allowing students to compete in their chosen sport at the collegiate level.

Scholarships are offered in a wide range of sports—not just football and basketball. Student-athletes may receive aid for sports like soccer, tennis, gymnastics, golf, baseball, softball, track and field, swimming, and more.

Types of athletic scholarships include:

• NCAA Division I & II Scholarships: Offered by top athletic programs. Division I schools tend to offer more full scholarships (especially in “headcount” sports), while Division II schools often provide partial awards.
• NAIA Scholarships: Provided by smaller colleges. NAIA schools offer competitive athletic scholarships with more flexibility in recruiting and scholarship limits.
• NJCAA (Junior College) Scholarships: Two-year colleges that compete in organized athletic conferences may also offer full or partial scholarships for athletes looking to transfer to four-year schools later.
• Private and Community Organization Scholarships: Groups like the Foot Locker Scholar Athletes Program and Women’s Sports Foundation provide scholarships for high school athletes who demonstrate leadership and academic success.

To qualify, student-athletes should:

• Maintain strong academic performance (some scholarships have GPA minimums)
• Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center if pursuing Division I or II athletics
• Build an athletic resume and highlight video to share with college coaches
• Begin contacting coaches early in high school and attend camps or showcases

While athletic scholarships can be generous, they are competitive. Combining them with academic and need-based aid can help cover the full cost of college.

Myth: Every Athlete Gets a Full-Ride Scholarship

Fact: Full-ride athletic scholarships are rare. While they exist, especially in NCAA Division I “headcount” sports like football (FBS) and men’s/women’s basketball, the vast majority of student-athletes receive partial scholarships that cover only a portion of their college expenses.

In “equivalency sports”—which include baseball, soccer, track and field, swimming, golf, and others—coaches have a set number of scholarship dollars they can divide among the team. This means a single scholarship may be split across multiple athletes based on need, talent, or team priorities.

Examples of full-ride sports (Division I only):

• Football (FBS only)
• Men’s Basketball
• Women’s Basketball
• Women’s Gymnastics, Tennis, and Volleyball

All other sports are considered equivalency sports, where partial scholarships are more common. Athletes may receive help with tuition, books, housing, or a combination of costs, depending on their athletic and academic profile.

Key takeaway: A strong academic record, leadership, and proactive communication with coaches can help student-athletes secure a better scholarship package—even in sports that don’t offer full rides.

What Are the NCAA Division I Athletic Scholarships?

NCAA Division I Athletic Scholarships are awarded to student-athletes who compete at the highest level of collegiate sports in the United States. These scholarships help cover tuition, room and board, books, and other college expenses. While some Division I sports offer full scholarships, others provide partial aid depending on the sport and the student-athlete’s performance and potential.

To be eligible for a Division I athletic scholarship, students must:

• Meet academic requirements: This includes a minimum GPA in core high school courses (currently 2.3 for incoming freshmen), and a qualifying ACT or SAT score as determined by the NCAA sliding scale.
• Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center: All prospective Division I athletes must register at eligibilitycenter.org and be certified as academically and athletically eligible.
• Maintain amateur status: Athletes must not receive payment for playing their sport or have signed with a professional team prior to college participation, per NCAA amateurism rules.
• Sign a National Letter of Intent (NLI): This official agreement binds a student-athlete to attend a specific school for at least one academic year in exchange for scholarship aid.

Full-Ride vs. Partial Scholarships:

Division I sports are categorized as either headcount sports or equivalency sports:

• Headcount sports (full scholarships only):
  • Football (FBS only)
  • Men’s Basketball
  • Women’s Basketball
  • Women’s Gymnastics, Tennis, and Volleyball

  These sports offer full scholarships to each athlete on scholarship—no splitting allowed.

• Equivalency sports (partial scholarships):
  • Baseball, Soccer, Swimming & Diving, Track & Field, Golf, Wrestling, and many others

  Coaches in these sports have a limited pool of scholarship dollars that they can divide among team members.

Because full-ride scholarships are limited, student-athletes should aim to strengthen both their athletic and academic profiles. Many Division I schools also offer academic and need-based aid that can be combined with athletic awards.

Statistics About Athletic Scholarships

Here are some important statistics about athletic scholarships:

• Only about 2% of high school athletes receive athletic scholarships to play in college.
• On average, athletic scholarships cover less than 50% of college costs for most student-athletes.
• The NCAA awards more than $3.6 billion annually in scholarships across its member institutions.
• Football, basketball, and track and field are the sports with the highest scholarship funding.

What Is the NAIA Athletic Scholarship Program?

The NAIA Athletic Scholarship Program provides funding for athletes competing in NAIA schools. Key details include:

• Scholarships can be full or partial and are available for various sports.
• NAIA schools often have more flexible eligibility requirements compared to NCAA programs.
• Many NAIA schools prioritize athletic and academic excellence, making them a great option for well-rounded student-athletes.

Myth: Only the Best Athletes Get Scholarships

Fact: While elite athletes are more likely to receive athletic scholarships, many programs look for students with strong academic performance, leadership skills, and dedication to their sport. Smaller colleges and less prominent sports often provide opportunities for student-athletes who may not be competing at the national level.

Are There Scholarships for Women Athletes?

Yes, there are many scholarships specifically for female athletes, such as:

• Women’s Sports Foundation Scholarships: Awards for female athletes in various sports.
• NCAA Women’s Enhancement Program: Scholarships for women pursuing collegiate sports and related careers.
• Annika Foundation Scholarship: For women excelling in golf.

These scholarships aim to promote gender equity in collegiate sports.

What Are Some Sports With Lesser-Known Scholarship Opportunities?

Scholarships aren’t limited to high-profile sports. Here are some lesser-known sports with scholarship opportunities:

• Bowling Scholarships: Many colleges offer scholarships for talented bowlers.
• Esports Scholarships: Scholarships for students competing in collegiate video gaming programs.
• Rodeo Scholarships: Funding for students competing in rodeo events.

These niche scholarships provide unique opportunities for student-athletes.

What Is the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Scholarship?

The NJCAA Scholarship provides funding for student-athletes competing at junior colleges. Key details include:

• Scholarships can cover tuition, fees, and housing for up to two years.
• Many NJCAA athletes transfer to NCAA or NAIA programs after completing their associate degree.
• Athletes in sports like soccer, baseball, and track and field are commonly awarded scholarships.

Myth: Athletic Scholarships Are Only for Big Universities

Fact: Scholarships are available at all levels of college sports, including Division II, Division III (academic merit scholarships for athletes), NAIA, and NJCAA schools. Smaller programs often provide opportunities for athletes who may not qualify for scholarships at larger schools.

How to Apply for Athletic Scholarships?

To apply for athletic scholarships:

• Create a Highlight Reel: Showcase your athletic skills and achievements in a video.
• Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center: Required for Division I and II athletes.
• Contact Coaches: Reach out to college coaches and express interest in their programs.
• Attend Camps and Showcases: Increase your visibility by participating in recruiting events.
• Maintain Academic Performance: Strong grades and test scores improve eligibility for scholarships.

Are There Scholarships for Injured Athletes?

Yes, some programs provide scholarships for athletes who sustained injuries, such as:

• Redefining Limits Scholarship: For athletes overcoming injuries and pursuing new goals.
• Athletic Trainers Association Scholarships: For students interested in athletic training after experiencing injuries themselves.

These scholarships highlight resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.

While athletic scholarships are highly competitive, they provide valuable opportunities for student-athletes to fund their education. By understanding the myths and facts, exploring lesser-known programs, and focusing on both academics and athletics, students can maximize their chances of receiving scholarship funding.