While many athletic students may have the grades to get academically based scholarships, athletic scholarships are still in high demand and competition for them can be intense. Athletic scholarships are often quite generous and students who feel their athletic skills make them stand out among the competition shouldn’t hesitate to apply for them.

A majority of athletic scholarships are based on the premise that the student will continue to play their sport at the university where they choose to go. For students who have the skills to perform well currently as well as the time and commitment to continue to play once in college, athletic scholarships can be a great way to take away some of the costs of college. Students should keep in mind that they will likely have to maintain a minimum GPA and refrain from injury in order to keep their scholarship throughout the duration of their education.

Almost all athletic scholarships, outside of those given directly by universities, are given out through the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). This association divides colleges up by their size and puts them into three different divisions with the smallest receiving few, if any scholarships so students planning to attend one of these schools may not be eligible for funding. These scholarships can be at the undergraduate, graduate or division level and vary in value.

Students who are exceptional in their field may be recruited directly by a university and be given a scholarship to entice them to play for the school’s sports teams. Depending on the sport, these may cover all educational costs and expenses. Students who are recipients of scholarships either through their school of choice or through the NCAA will have to have a competitive drive that allows them to stay at the top of their game throughout their studies.

Athletic Scholarships

• NCAA Undergraduate Scholarships: Given out in varying amounts through participating Division I and II schools to deserving undergraduate students.
• Bryan Nelson Scholarship: $1,000 awarded to one undergraduate or graduate student with interest in golf.
• Pro Bowlers Association Award: $1,000 awarded each year to an undergraduate student who is a competitive bowler.
• National Little Britches Rodeo Association Scholarship: $1,000 to $2,000 to a mix of male and female high school seniors who have competed in the NLBRA for at least three years.
• National Archery Association Scholarship: $500 to 8 students who compete on college level teams.