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.
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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.
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 is pursuing a baccalaureate degree at an accredited college or university.
Applicant must be a graduate of an accredited secondary school where she has shown evidence of academic excellence, good citizenship, sportsmanship, [...] More
A nationally recognized university located in Sioux Falls, Augustana is home to students who aspire to become the change-makers and problem-solvers of tomorrow. We believe life is about the journey — the places you see, the experiences you have, the knowledge you gain and the people you meet along the way. It's what being a Viking is all about, and it's why we're proud to partner with families to [...] More
The Billy Smith Memorial Scholarship is intended to provide educational resources for graduating high school baseball or softball players who intend to pursue a sports-related college degree. Applicants must answer the essay prompt: "Taking into consideration the background and criteria of this scholarship, why are you the best candidate to receive it?" You may want to discuss your past academic [...] More
BioMatrix offers six (6) $1,000 scholarships assisting individuals in the bleeding disorders community seeking higher education. Each opportunity is offered exclusively to several demographics within the bleeding disorder community including women, men, inhibitor patients and immediate family members. Our streamlined application process allows interested parties to complete one simple application [...] More
The Brian Pearson Memorial Scholarship recognizes outstanding athletes from Iowa. One $1,000 scholarship annually will be awarded to one male and one female Iowan. Throughout the selection process, the degree of participation in the Iowa Games will be given consideration, as well as the applicant’s display of character. Eligible recipients for the scholarship are those students who will be in [...] More
Recipients will be chosen from both the BURGER KING® General High School Senior Track and BURGER KING® Employee-Based Track applicants based upon the following criteria. Recipients must be citizens of the United States or Canada who who are seniors at a high school or home school in the United States, Puerto Rico, Guam or Canada. Must be applying as a full time freshman to a four-year accredited, [...] More
The Buster Lindsay Memorial Scholarship provides educational resources to student athletes from Jefferson High School to assist them in college. Applicant must be a graduating senior from Jefferson High school, have participated in high school sports for a minimum of 3 years (including senior year), have a minimum GPA of 2.5 and plan to attend a two- or four- year college or university. For more [...] More
The Cameron Impact Scholarship is a four-year, full-tuition, impact-driven undergraduate scholarship awarded annually to 10-15 exceptional high school students who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, community service, extracurricular activities, and academics. The Cameron Impact Scholar is unique among their peers in their desire to directly impact their communities and in the world at [...] More
The Athletics Scholarship is available to student-athletes in CCU's College of Undergraduate Studies who are recommended for scholarship consideration by the CCU Athletics Department. Recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress, unless otherwise noted by the Athletics Department. Prospective student athletes should contact their specific coach for further information. Must be a [...] More
The California Association of Winegrape Growers Foundation offers scholarships to graduating high school seniors. Two types of scholarships are offered - scholarships for four years at any campus in the University of California or California State University System, and scholarships for two years at any California community college. Only the children with a parent or legal guardian employed by a [...] More
The Deborah Jean Rydberg Memorial Scholarship provides educational resources for Guilford High School students to pursue their dreams through higher education. Deborah Jean Rydberg was a coach, friend and mentor to the girls she coached in softball, basketball and volleyball at Guilford High School. Deb knew from an early age that she wanted to get a teaching degree, and she knew just how she was [...] More
Don't let the financial aid process overwhelm you. DeSales' Office of Financial Aid is here to assist. Not only will we help you understand the process but we'll also identify and maximize everything you qualify for. The Office of Financial Aid can help ease the stress that comes from all of the questions surrounding how to finance your DeSales education. While it is your responsibility (or your [...] More
To be eligible for the First Presbyterian Church of Richardson Mitchell/Tufts Scholarship, applicants must: be active members of a Presbyterian church; reside in North Central Texas; be accepted for enrollment or are currently enrolled in a two- or four-year undergraduate program in an accredited college, university, vocational school or trade school; demonstrate financial need; and, have work [...] More
The FMC Skaters Scholarship program was developed to provide financial assistance to ice sports participants and recreational ice skaters that demonstrate personal excellence on and off the ice. The scholarships are awarded to ice hockey, figure skating and recreational skaters. All applicants must be New England residents, high school seniors, and skate at FMC arenas. For more information or to [...] More
In addition to several general scholarships available, several other specialized scholarships are available in: accounting, anthropology, art, athletics, business, construction management, culinary, cultural diversity, diversity, education/early childhood education, first generation, FIT fitness instructor training, GED, healthcare, horticulture/plant science, humanities, journalism/writing, [...] More
The Stonewall Community Foundation strengthens the LGBTQ community and movement by making smart, values-driven investments in dynamic organizations, projects, and leaders. We take education seriously, knowing that it has the power to help LGBTQ people overcome complex social and economic barriers. For nearly 15 years, we have partnered with donors to create scholarships that provide unique [...] More
The Harold Colby/Ray Barton NHASH Memorial Scholarship is open to high school students interested in pursuing a degree in any Environmental Science field. Special consideration will be given to applicants with immediate family members who are NHASH members or with immediate family members who are involved in an industry related business or organization which meets the criteria for membership as [...] More
The Amarillo Area Foundation is the only nonprofit community foundation serving the more than 400,000 people in the Texas Panhandle. As a leader in philanthropic, nonprofit, and community issues, the Foundation is a catalyzing force that addresses the community’s most critical challenges by providing significant, shared and lasting results. Throughout their generosity, the Amarillo Area [...] More
The Joyce Komperda Athlete Support Fund fund is intended to provide financial assistance for intermediate, novice and junior-level athletes who demonstrate financial need. Applicants can be singles, pairs or ice dancing competitor at the intermediate through junior levels and must be a current member of U.S. Figure Skating. A 250-word essay is required as well. For more information or to apply, [...] More
The Lee E. Schauer Scholarship is intended to reach students who may not qualify for other scholarships - "average" students who are involved in their community and in school activities, who are leaders and display character traits like caring, honesty, respect and responsibility, but whose GPA may eliminate them from consideration for other scholarships. The criteria for the scholarship are: [...] More
The Massachusetts Youth Soccer Scholarship Program is for high school seniors who plan to attend a post-secondary educational institution. A scholarship 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. For more information or to apply, please [...] More
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. For more [...] More
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, [...] More
SABR Scholarships are designed to provide opportunities for students to learn, grow, and succeed through the award of monetary grants or participation in SABR events, such as the Analytics Conference, Annual Convention, Jerry Malloy Negro League Conference, Frederick Ivor-Campbell 19th Century Base Ball Conference, and the Women in Baseball Conference. For more information or to apply, please [...] More
To be eligible for the The Scott and Kim Verplank Foundation Scholarships, applicants must: be a high school senior; have Type 1 diabetes and are properly managing in; have participated in athletics; and, have a 3.0 GPA. Candidates are notified in June. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website. [...] More
Team Type 1 offers scholarships in order to recognize young, talented athletes with Type 1 diabetes who demonstrate an ability to balance both academic and sporting commitments, promote good health with successful management of their diabetes through exercise, and support families already burdened with additional expenses associated with diabetes care. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, Type [...] More
The John F. & Edith L. Wilsterman Foundation scholarship program is open to all college and trade/vocational students who have graduated from a high school located within Genesee County, Michigan. Applications may be submitted in any of the six years following the year of graduation from high school.
The foundation seeks candidates with character and the potential for achievement in [...] More
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
Women’s Studies Fellows shape how we understand women and gender in history, society, politics, and more. Fellows are late-stage Ph.D. candidates completing original, interesting, and interdisciplinary dissertations that address issues involving women and gender. Fellows demonstrate a commitment to the study of women and gender, and they go on to shape their fields of study and teach new [...] More
The Thomas K. Besh Memorial Scholarship Fund is offered to skiers. Eligible applicants must be Alaskan residents, have a 2.75 GPA, and be a high school senior, high school graduate, or attending an accredited university. Preference will be given to people attending college/university in Alaska. For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website. [...] More
Ninety percent of college takes place outside of the classroom. It’s in this part of the college experience — the unplanned, unstructured hours — that students discover their passions and plan their futures. For our brothers, much of this time is spent with their chapters — it’s where they build close bonds of friendship and learn how to communicate and work with others, to lead, and to speak in [...] More
Since 1899, the VFW has been the nation’s leading veterans service organization in the fight to better the lives of all those who’ve worn the uniform of the United States military. Today's veterans can face any number of obstacles while furthering their education. Taking advantage of all the benefits you've earned and DESERVE shouldn't be one of them! This is why we have teamed up with Student [...] More
The prestigious Churchill Scholarship offers American students the opportunity to attend, for one year of study, the University of Cambridge for one of two Master’s degrees: the MPhil (Master of Philosophy) or MASt (Master of Advanced Study). An applicant for the Churchill Scholarship must be a citizen of the United States, either native born or naturalized, and must be a senior who is enrolled [...] More
The WWGF charitable trust was formed to receive and distribute funds to advance women in scholastic achievement and intercollegiate golf program. Applicant must be a female high school senior who actively participate in golf, earn a 3.5 GPA (on 4.0 scale), demonstrate outstanding character and require financial assistance to attend a four year college in the U.S. For more information or to apply, [...] More
That’s right, if you live in one of 68 Texas counties and are graduating high school this year, you qualify for a $20,000 scholarship over four years of college. You still have time to complete the profile and upload the necessary documents online. Make sure your FAFSA has been completed and review all the other eligibility requirements as well. You could be one of the 79 students awarded this scholarship and take a huge chunk out of your tuition each of the next four years at any accredited, not-for-profit Texas college or university. [...]
The new Invest in My Education program has been created to help provide access to education as well as ongoing support to the underserved Black and Latino community. [...]
It’s nearly mid-January already and by now you all should have completed the FAFSA and, if you are on top of things, be applying to scholarships on a daily or at least semi-weekly basis. Even if you haven’t started the scholarship application process yet, you still have a ton of opportunities ahead of you. We are in the heart of scholarship season, with the most scholarships coming online in January of any month in 2023. Below, we put together a list of five great examples of very significant scholarships ranging from ten grand all the way up to $40,000. [...]
