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Athletic Scholarships

With the grueling practice schedule and frequent games that comprise the life of a student athlete, figuring out how to pay for school is probably the last thing you want to worry about. Unfortunately, though, the problem of how to find money for college can be even more challenging for student athletes. Federal financial aid can help cover your tuition, but you probably want to avoid student loans, since earning a steady income from athletics can be a difficult task. Working your way through college while playing a sport can be nearly impossible, unless you’ve discovered a way to attain a college degree without actually devoting any time to coursework. And unfortunately, not everyone who plays sports is lucky enough to land a starting position on the team of a top university or to receive the generous scholarship award that comes with such an honor.

However, this doesn’t mean that student athletes need to give up on the prospect of winning scholarships to do what they love to do. Student athlete scholarships are available from a wide variety of sources, ranging from the university you choose to attend to numerous private funds. Both national and local scholarships for student athletes can be found, funded by anyone from the local Dollars for Scholars to multinational corporations. Additionally, you don’t have to be on your college’s official team to win a student athlete scholarship. Several scholarship opportunities are given to students who have played sports in high school, or who otherwise show a commitment to athletics.

University Scholarships for Student Athletes

The most common student athlete scholarships are awards given to players by colleges and universities. These may cover all or part of tuition and can even include a stipend, since being a student athlete is often a full-time job. Students hoping to be recruited by coaches shouldn’t just sit back and hope their dream school finds them. Rather, you should be proactive in conducting a college search to find schools you’d like to attend and teams you’d like to play on, then contact coaches yourself to see if they might be interested in getting you to play on their team and possibly landing you a student athlete scholarship.

Other Student Athlete Scholarships

For students who are looking for other sources of scholarship money instead of or in addition to university athletic scholarships, private scholarship funds do exist. Below is a list of a few popular student athlete scholarships available in our database. For a more comprehensive list, as well as information on other college scholarships for which you may qualify based on your background and interests, conduct a free college scholarship search and go for scholarship gold.

Alabama Golf Association Women's Scholarship Fund

  • Application Deadline: 3/1/2020
  • Amount: $20,000
  • The Alabama Golf Association Women's Scholarship Fund was created to grant scholarships to deserving young women from the State of Alabama who have an interest in golf and are pursuing a baccalaureate degree at an accredited college or university within the State of Alabama. Applicant must be a graduate of an accredited secondary school where she has shown evidence of academic excellence, good [...] More

Augustana College Athletic Grant

  • Application Deadline: Varies
  • Amount: Varies
  • To be considered for scholarships at Augustana based on academic performance and/or talent requires a completed Application for Admission and Scholarship. Students must earn at least a 3.0 GPA while enrolled at Augustana to maintain these scholarships in subsequent years. Augustana Athletic Grants are awarded to outstanding student-athletes; NCAA Division II, Northern Sun Intercollegiate [...] More

Billy Smith Memorial Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 2/1/2020
  • Amount: Varies
  • The Billy Smith Memorial Scholarship was established because Billy was always helping people in any way that he could. It is a sport-related scholarship because it memorializes the activities Billy loved most. Applicant must be a graduating high school senior, reside in Winnebago, Boone, Ogle or Stephenson County, must have played at least three years of baseball or softball in high school, [...] More

Brian Pearson Memorial Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/6/2020
  • Amount: $1,000
  • In honor of former Iowa State University basketball player Brian Pearson, who died of brain cancer in the fall of 1997, the Iowa Games began awarding the Brian Pearson Memorial Scholarship in 1998. Pearson knew the meaning of hard work and recognized the rewards of commitment. He valued the relationships he had with his family, friends, neighbors, and teammates. People who were fortunate enough [...] More

Bruce Shelton Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/1/2020
  • Amount: $1,000
  • The Bruce Shelton Scholarship provides a consecutive four-year renewable award for a graduating high school student from a Forsyth County public high school who displays the traits of athletic excellence, academic achievement, leadership, and social responsibility for which Bruce Shelton will be remembered by those who knew him. To receive consideration, applicants must: have achieved athletic [...] More

Buster Lindsay Memorial Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 2/1/2020
  • Amount: Varies
  • Each year, the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois distributes more than $200,000 in scholarship funding to local students. All of CFNIL's scholarship funds were created by individuals or organizations that recognize the importance of helping students achieve their educational goals, now and in perpetuity. The funds' creators selected the criteria for each scholarship, based on their [...] More

Cameron Impact Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 9/13/2020
  • Amount: $50,000
  • The Cameron Impact Scholarship will be awarded annually to approximately 10-15 high-school students. This four-year, merit-based scholarship is intended to cover the full "educational expenses" at the recipient's chosen collegiate institution (estimated to be between $20,000-$50,000 per annum). The Foundation will allocate scholarships to individuals pursuing careers in education, nonprofits, [...] More

Connor Porter Memorial Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/30/2020
  • Amount: $2,000
  • The Connor Porter Memorial Scholarship was created in 2013 through a generous donation from Connor's family members. Connor passed away on July 26, 2012 in a plane crash with his father, Pat, and another friend shortly after winning bronze in the Division III foil event at the Summer Nationals in Anaheim. Connor had many friends in the fencing world and was well known for his sportsmanship and [...] More

CSUB Albert Holloway Memorial Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 12/1/2020
  • Amount: Varies
  • The CSUB Albert Holloway Memorial Scholarship was established in memory of Albert Holloway who served for many years on the academic support, intercollegiate athletics, nominating, and student support committees of the foundation. He was a great supporter of academics, extracurricular, student service programs, and the athletic program. In order to apply, you must be a student-athlete at [...] More

CWGGF Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: 3/6/2020
  • Amount: $8,000
  • Each year the Foundation awards two 4-year scholarships and four 2-year scholarships to high school seniors whose parent or legal guardian is employed by a California winegrape grower. In addition, one Robert Miller Memorial Scholarship is awarded each year. These awards can be used at any California community college, campus in the University of California, or California State University System. [...] More

Deborah Jean Rydberg Memorial Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 2/1/2020
  • Amount: Varies
  • The Rydberg Scholarship requires two recommendations. One of the two required online recommendation forms must be from a Guilford High School athletic coach. Must be involved in athletics. For more information, or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's [...] More

DeSales University Presidential Scholarships

  • Application Deadline: 12/1/2020
  • Amount: Varies
  • The selection process for DeSales University Presidential Scholarships is competitive with awards going to the highest ranking applicants based upon grade point average, class rank, and SAT or ACT scores. Academic scholarships are available for up to eight semesters and awarded annually. Applicants are able to receive $22,000 to full tuition annually through the DeSales University Presidential [...] More

Dr. Pepper Tuition Giveaway

  • Application Deadline: 10/17/2020
  • Amount: $100,000
  • For years, this prestigious program has awarded millions of dollars in tuition to students across the country. Students must be a legal resident of the U.S., may not be an active NCAA collegiate athlete in any sport nor played professional, semi-professional, or Division I collegiate football at any time. No essay required. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's [...] More

First Presbyterian Church of Richardson Mitchell/Tufts Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 5/31/2020
  • Amount: $5,000
  • The Mitchell/Tufts Foundation Scholarship was established for members or persons active in the life of a Presbyterian church in the Presbyterian Church USA (PCUSA)in North Central Texas, or in Los Angeles California, who are students of promise and can demonstrate financial need. Preference is given to members or persons active in the life of the First Presbyterian Church, Richardson Texas, or [...] More

Harold Colby/Ray Barton NH Association of Septage Haulers Memorial Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 3/24/2020
  • Amount: $500
  • NHASH is a professional association that represents committed industry leaders in septic system pumping and maintenance, installation, and repair. Our members are environmentally responsible, engaging in disposal practices that are federal and state approved. Our site is dedicated to helping people in the Granite State find the answers they need for their septic systems. For more information, or [...] More

James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 12/15/2020
  • Amount: $50,000
  • The McLamore Family Foundation created the James W. McLamore WHOPPER Scholarship awards students who have graduated from high school within the last three years or full-time students who are seniors at a high school or home school. A minimum 3.3 GPA is required, along with a minimum 25 ACT score or 1220 SAT score. Students must have demonstrated an active leadership role in community service, [...] More

Jay Cutler Athletic Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/15/2020
  • Amount: $5,000
  • The mission of Diabetes Scholars Foundation is to support activities related to education for and about children with diabetes. This includes, but is not limited to, funding scholarships for diabetes education conferences and higher education.
    Sponsored by the Diabetes Scholars Foundation, the Jay Cutler Athletic Scholarship awards five (5) $5,000 scholarships to incoming freshmen with Type 1 [...] More

Massachusetts Youth Soccer Student Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 5/1/2020
  • Amount: $1,000
  • The Massachusetts Youth Soccer Scholarship Program is for high school seniors who plan to attend a post-secondary educational institution. A scholarship of $1,000 will be awarded to one male and one female each year. To be eligible for this scholarship, the student-athlete must have been associated with Massachusetts Youth Soccer for at least the past two years. Each application (and supporting [...] More

Matrix Health Group Memorial Scholarship Program

  • Application Deadline: 8/1/2020
  • Amount: $2,000
  • At Matrix Health Group our Mission is to provide individualized, focused services to people with bleeding disorders nationwide. Our Vision is to enhance the lives of those we are privileged to serve by providing the best pharmacy and support services possible. Matrix Health Group companies offer nine educational scholarship opportunities to students diagnosed with hemophilia, von Willebrand [...] More

Mike Lozano Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 2/10/2020
  • Amount: $2,500
  • The Mike Lozano Scholarship is given annually to a graduating high school senior athlete from the northernmost 26 counties of the Texas Panhandle. A minimum 2.0 GPA is required and students must be interested in pursuing a degree in education and/or coaching for the purpose of teaching and coaching at the high school level upon graduation from college. For more information or to apply, please [...] More

PBA Billy Welu Memorial Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 6/15/2020
  • Amount: $1,000
  • The Professional Bowlers Association Billy Welu Scholarship is awarded annually, recognizing exemplary qualities in male or female college students who compete in the sport of bowling. The scholarship winner receives $1,000. To be eligible candidates must be amateur bowlers who are currently in college (preceding the application date) and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA or equivalent. The scholarship [...] More

Pittsburg Penguins/Bob Johnson Memorial Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/29/2020
  • Amount: $5,000
  • The Pittsburgh Penguins awards an annual Pittsburgh Penguins/Bob Johnson Memorial Scholarship to a Western Pennsylvania high school senior who has demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, good citizenship, and school/community involvement. The student should demonstrate an intense love for the game of hockey personified by on-ice hustle, achievement beyond his/her talent level, leadership, [...] More

Sean Patrick French Memorial Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 12/1/2020
  • Amount: $2,500
  • The Sean Patrick French Memorial Scholarship Fund was created by the family of Sean Patrick French following his tragic death as a passenger in an underage drunk driving car wreck on January 1, 2002, and is administered by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. Sean was a popular junior at Chatham High School, an honor roll student, and a record-setting runner. The scholarship fund, in [...] More

The John F. & Edith L. Wilsterman Scholarship Trust

  • Application Deadline: 3/15/2020
  • Amount: $20,000
  • The John F. & Edith L. Wilsterman Scholarship Trust program is open to all college and trade/vocational students graduating from Genesee County, Michigan public high schools and from Luke M. Powers Catholic High School. The trust seeks candidates with character and the potential for achievement in post-high-school education. Those whose cumulative grades may not reflect their potential because of [...] More

The Pittsburg Promise Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 5/1/2020
  • Amount: $20,000
  • To receive the Pittsburgh Promise Scholarship, The Promise requires that you live in the City of Pittsburgh, continuously, without interruption, for at least the four years of high school; attend Pittsburgh Public Schools, continuously, without interruption, from at least the beginning of 9th grade, and through to graduation; graduate with a cumulative 2.5 GPA or better; maintain an attendance [...] More

The Sara Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 4/30/2020
  • Amount: $2,000
  • The Sara Scholarship was established as part of the final will of Sara Sheehan, who passed away in 2011. The award is granted annually to female high school seniors who plan to pursue a college degree and who demonstrate academic achievement, excellence of character, financial need and active engagement with the sport of golf. Skill in playing golf is not a criterion. For more information, or to [...] More

The Walter J. Travis Memorial Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 5/1/2020
  • Amount: $1,000
  • The Walter J. Travis Memorial Scholarship is an annual award given since 2009 to honor the remarkable accomplishments and contributions of Walter J. Travis in the game of golf. Applicants for The Walter J. Travis Memorial Scholarship must be enrolled/matriculated as a full-time undergraduate or graduate student at an accredited two-year or four-year college/university in Landscape Architecture, [...] More

The Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellowship in Women’s Studies

  • Application Deadline: 10/15/2020
  • Amount: $5,000
  • The Woodrow Wilson Dissertation Fellowship in Women's Studies encourages original and significant research about women that crosses disciplinary, regional, or cultural boundaries. Previous Fellows have explored such topics as transnational religious education for Muslim women, the complex gender dynamics of transidentity management, women's electoral success across racial and institutional [...] More

University of Cincinnati Balanced Man Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 5/31/2020
  • Amount: $4,000
  • The University of Cincinnati Balanced Man Scholarship is based upon the Balanced Man ideals upon which Sigma Phi was founded. At the University of Cincinnati, our chapter awards 15 scholarships at the beginning of each year to incoming freshman that have proven to be scholars, athletes, leaders, and balanced men throughout high school. The scholarship process consists of three simple steps: [...] More

USA Gymnastics Men's Scholarship Program

  • Application Deadline: Varies
  • Amount: Varies
  • The National Gymnastics Foundation provides opportunities for individual, corporate, foundation and government gifts and grants to support, nurture and steward the special programs and initiatives of USA Gymnastics that build scholarship; develop grassroots model programming; strengthen international relationships through world education and competition; and address the mental and physical [...] More

VFW "Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship"

  • Application Deadline: Varies
  • Amount: $5,000
  • The VFW's "Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship" provides service members and veterans with the financial assistance they need to complete their educational goals without incurring excessive student loan debt. It’s just another way for us to say “thank you” to those who fought for our freedoms. Today's veterans can face any number of obstacles while furthering their education. Taking advantage of [...] More

Winston Churchill Foundation of the USA Scholarship Program

  • Application Deadline: 10/31/2020
  • Amount: Varies
  • The prestigious Churchill Scholarship was set up at the request of Sir Winston Churchill in order to fulfill his vision of US-UK scientific exchange with the goal of advancing science and technology on both sides of the Atlantic, helping to ensure our future prosperity and security. An applicant for the Churchill Scholarship must be a citizen of the United States, either native born or [...] More

Wisconsin Sports Awards Scholarship Contest

  • Application Deadline: 2/28/2020
  • Amount: $7,500
  • Are you a Wisconsin high school senior athlete with big plans for the future? As part of our Wisconsin Sports Awards Scholarship Contest, we've helped some of the top student-athletes across the state reach their academic and athletic goals - and we're here to help you reach yours too! You must be a second semester senior in high school, have participated in a WIAA-sanctioned sport during his/her [...] More

Women's Western Golf Foundation Scholarship

  • Application Deadline: 1/30/2020
  • Amount: $8,000
  • In 1971 the WWGF charitable trust was formed to receive and distribute funds to advance women in scholastic achievement and intercollegiate golf program. Must actively participate in golf, earn a 3.5 GPA (on 4.0 scale), and demonstrate outstanding character. Applicant must be a female high school senior who intends to graduate high school in the year of application, and must be a United States [...] More

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Last Reviewed: January 2020

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