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.
The objective of the Alabama Golf Association Women's Scholarship Fund is 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. This is an academic scholarship and not based on athletic ability.
Established by Alliance Pipeline in 2001, this scholarship will be awarded on an annual basis to a student-athlete who demonstrates strong academic performance. The student must maintain a 3.0 GPA and participate in an intercollegiate sport. The amount of the scholarship will be determined by January of each year by the Director of the University Advancement based on the interest earnings in the [...] More
Many fields of employment are tied either directly or indirectly to the horse industry. Career path scholarships allow students to obtain a degree in areas such as racing, animal science, journalism, communications, therapeutic/adaptive riding and veterinary medicine. Support for students within these fields is imperative to the sustainability and advancement of our industry. Undergraduate, [...] More
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
Each year, the Washington Beta chapter of Sigma Phi Epsilon awards $5,000 to six incoming freshmen who exemplify our philosophy of the Balanced Man: excellence in academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities. The scholarship will be awarded to the students who best exemplify the ideals of the Balanced Man, and show a strong commitment to personal and academic development. For more [...] More
World Cup Supply (WCS) is pleased to offer the 8th "Fast Skier" Junior Alpine Scholarship Award, now renamed the Berlack/Astle Memorial Fast Skier Award.
The award is intended to provide assistance to USSA U16 athletes who exhibit the personal characteristics required for success both on and off the hill. Each winner will receive a minimum cash prize of $1,000 and an assortment of ski race [...] More
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.
Eligibility: -Applicant must be a graduating high school senior -Must reside in Winnebago, Boone, Ogle or Stephenson County -Must have played at least three years of baseball or [...] More
The scholarship is offered high school senior females who have participated in the Bobby Sox program for a minimum of four seasons. The Bobby Sox year consists of two seasons, the spring and the fall. Participation in Mini Sox, Bobby Sox, or American Girl is considered for eligibility. Primarily, the scholarship committee is interested that those girls who made Bobby Sox a part of their lives [...] More
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
The Bruce Shelton Scholarship was established in June 1991 to provide 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 The scholarship is to be applied to [...] More
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 1700 SAT score. Students must have demonstrated an active leadership role in community service, [...] More
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
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
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. Scholarship amounts vary. Prospective student athletes should contact their specific coach for further [...] More
Scholarships are awarded based on a variety of factors including academic achievement, community service, and significant extracurricular activities such as work, performing arts, and athletics. Financial need is a criterion for several scholarships, but there are also others awarded for academic merit regardless of need. Awardees must attend the annual scholarship dinner to receive the award. [...] More
The Clyde and Martha Aldridge Scholarship was established by Clyde Aldridge in 2012 to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors at Reagan High School. The scholarship provides a non-renewable award for students who will pursue full-time undergraduate degrees from accredited post-secondary institutions. Scholarships will be applied to the cost of undergraduate tuition, fees, room and [...] More
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
Create an original work showcasing your idea for a solution or strategy to fix the very real problem of reckless and distracted driving. Car crashes are the #1 killer of young people in America, and the majority are preventable. Enter your innovative and effective solutions and strategies to end the deadly epidemic of reckless and distracted driving in one of the four categories; Writing, Art, [...] More
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
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
The Rydberg Scholarship requires two (2) recommendations. One of the two required online recommendation forms must be from a Guilford High School athletic coach.
Eligibility: -Applicant must be a female -Graduating senior from Guilford High School -Involved in athletics -Has a minimum GPA of 2.3 -Planning on attending college -Has a strong work ethic
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. A separate application is not required. Academic scholarships are available for up to eight semesters and awarded annually. Applicants are able to receive $22,000 to full tuition annually [...] More
The selection process for Trustee Scholarships is competitive with awards going to top-ranking applicants based upon grade point average, class rank (if available), and SAT or ACT scores (if provided). Trustee scholarships are valued between $5,000 and $15,000 annually.
A separate application is not required. Academic scholarships are available for up to eight semesters, and awarded annually. [...] More
Watching live sporting events has been the most popular reason for watching TV for decades. With the advent of easy-to-use DVR technology in the 1990's, and then it's wide-spread adoption over the last fifteen years, sports remain one of the few types of programming that are consistently watched live versus recorded. Using psychological and sociological principles, attempt to understand and [...] More
The Ernie Davis Scholarship is a $13,000 scholarship awarded to a student who exhibits qualities of integrity, leadership, courage and humility, which were exemplified by Ernie Davis during his life, and who effectively "spreads the word" about Ernie. In addition, the committee will award a Marty Harrigan Scholarship to a nominee who also effectively "spreads the word". The student must be [...] More
The FMC Skaters Scholarship program was developed in 1993 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 and skate at FMC arenas.
The George Doherty Memorial Scholarship is awarded to athletes who established themselves as outstanding wrestlers. Entering freshman selection based on potential for outstanding achievement in intercollegiate wrestling; upperclassmen selection based on previous achievements of wrestling team.
For more information or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website. [...] More
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. [...] More
Jack Diller Education Award will be awarded to four successful students residing within Nashville and Middle Tennessee area. Each recipient will receive a scholarship and be honored in an in-arena presentation at a Predators home game at the Bridgestone Arena in March or April.
Eligibility: -College-bound senior currently attending a Nashville or Middle Tennessee area high school (must be [...] More
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
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
New Wave Lacrosse has always stood behind an ideology that this sport is about not only creating great lacrosse players, but developing young men into upstanding, responsible, and committed people.
Each year we watch as our players grow, shift, and evolve towards meeting those goals, and each year we provide our athletes with support and guidance through those changes. We wanted to go above [...] More
The Lee E. Schauer Memorial Scholarship was established in 1989 by family and friends to honor the memory of this fine young man who lost his life in a tragic accident the summer before his senior year of high school.
It is the wish of the Schauer family that this scholarship be awarded to a college-bound high school senior for whom the award will truly make a difference. For that reason, the [...] More
The Mark Collier Caudill Scholarship was established by Virginia Whichard Caudill in 2010 to honor her husband on his birthday and to provide scholarships to graduating high school seniors from R.J. Reynolds High School. The scholarship may provide a non-renewable award for a minority male student-athlete who will attend an accredited four-year college or university in pursuit of a degree. [...] More
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
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
The Michael Gendreau Community Service Scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors who plan to attend a two- or four-year college.
Eligibility: -Must be a resident and graduating senior of Newark, Fremont, or Union City (CA) -Must have a 3.0 GPA or higher -Must have performed a minimum of 50 hours of volunteer service to the community in your junior and/or senior years -Voluntary [...] More
This scholarship fund was established in 2013 by family and friends of Coach Lozano. The 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 [...] More
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
The New York Ramblers Scholarship for student athletes was create to support student-athletes who self-identify as either lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI), or are demonstrated and committed allies. Awardees will receive a one-time scholarship, paid directly to their college, to cover tuition and fees. Up to two scholarships of $2,500 each will be awarded in the summer [...] 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. The scholarship [...] 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, leadership, [...] More
In 2005, the Prefontaine Memorial Run Committee established a scholarship program to benefit Coos County high school students who have participated in cross-country and/or track and field programs at their respective schools.
To qualify for scholarship consideration, the student must be a high school senior, have earned at least a 3.0 cumulative grade point average, have been a resident of [...] More
Every year, we offer the POE Scholarship to a deserving high school senior male who will be attending the University of Illinois, and who exemplifies outstanding qualities in academics, athletics, altruism and the arts. The scholarship is fully funded by our alumni association.
Any Senior-level male high school student may apply who will be an entering freshman student at the University of [...] More
The Bandit Scholars Program was founded in 2009 by the Quad Cities River Bandits' team owners Dave Heller and Bob Herrfeldt; the program pays the entire first year of college tuition for two Quad Cities area students through the Keith Lucier Memorial Scholarship and the Bandit Scholarship. The deserving recipient of each scholarship will not only have excelled in the classroom, but will have been [...] More
Robert Morris University is the first university to offer gaming scholarships with the addition of eSports to their varsity lineup. The scholarships are for players of League of Legends, and players will compete for Riot's North American Collegiate Championship and $100,000 in scholarships. Qualified gamers can earn scholarships of up to 50 percent tuition and 50 percent room and board. For more [...] More
Named in memory of J.B. Scott and Joe McKenna, founders of RMOWP, the award is given annually to a student with a career interest in communicating about the outdoors. Students need not have a declared major in a communications field. Outdoors subjects include, birding, conservation, science, fishing, hunting, camping, backpacking, paddle and climbing sports. And, the medium may take the form of [...] More
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 Floyd Mayweather Jr. Foundation Scholarship for the Advancement of Women in Sports & Entertainment is intended for eligible college and graduate school women who desire to work and contribute their efforts within the field. Due to the under-representation of this demographic in the industry, this scholarship fund has been established in order to aid women in furthering their education, [...] More
The FMC Skaters Scholarship program was developed in 1993 to provide nancial 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, gure skating and recreational skating participants in June of each year. All applicants must be New England residents and skate at FMC arenas.
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 Pittsburgh Promise scholarship is a big idea and a real commitment: if you live in the city and attend Pittsburgh Public schools from 9th grade on, a Promise scholarship will be waiting for you at graduation. To receive the 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 [...] More
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.
The Scott and Kim Verplank Foundation provides annual college scholarships of up to $10,000 to be used toward tuition, student fees, and books. Scholarships are renewable for up to a maximum of four (4) years for any one recipient based on completing the renewal requirements. Recipients are selected from a pool of applicants meeting the following criteria:
The Travis Memorial Scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing a career in one of the following professions: landscape design/golf course architecture, golf course turf grass management/golf course superintendent, professional golf management, club professional or sports journalism with a special interest in golf.
In addition, as part of our effort to promote amateur golf, outstanding [...] More
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
Tom Besh was first and foremost an educator with an abiding love for the mountains, running, skiing, and adventure. Tom's associations and contributions to the sport of skiing are many and varied commencing with his ski racing career, evolving into a prominent ski coach, and continuing as a driving force behind the Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage. Tom coached at the high school, collegiate, [...] More
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
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
This award annually recognizes star qualities in a female high school senior or college student who competes in the sport of bowling. Star qualities include distinguished bowling performance on the local, regional, state and national levels, academic achievement and extracurricular and civic involvement.
Eligibility: -Be a current USBC Youth member in their senior year of high school or [...] More
This award annually recognizes star qualities in a male high school senior or college student who competes in the sport of bowling. Star qualities include distinguished certified bowling performance on the local, regional, state and national levels, academic achievement and extracurricular and civic involvement. The award winner receives a $6,000 scholarship.
The VFW and one of its major supporters, Sport Clips Haircuts, have again partnered to help our veterans and their families. The VFW "Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship" will provide 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 to sanotepay "thank you" to those who [...] More
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
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
The Women's Western Golf Foundation is renewable each year, for four years, provided the recipient shows continued financial need and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. 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 citizen. Applicant must meet entrance requirements and plan to enroll at an accredited college or [...] More
Awards - ranging from $3,000 to $5,000 - are available for basketball, baseball, cross country, track and field, golf, soccer, softball, tennis, and women's volleyball. Coaches determine recipients of these awards based on demonstrated talent and skill. If the athlete has an ACT of at least 27, they are eligible for this award. A WWU GPA of at least 3.0 is required for renewal.
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos recently proposed a Title IX overhaul for how colleges handle campus-based sexual misconduct. A key requirement would be that colleges allow both the accusers and accused to have advisers cross-examine the other party to "ensure a more transparent, consistent and reliable process for campus hearings." [...]
Scholars will launch an interdisciplinary journal next year, called The Journal of Controversial Ideas, where authors will be able to publish their academic work under pseudonyms due to "recent threats against polarizing academics." There will be no restrictions on academic disciplines, and "both left-wingers and right-wingers" are welcome on the editorial board. [...]
Research indicates that college students are expected to vote in record numbers in today's midterm election, in stark contrast to the nation's lowest youth turnout and voter registration in 2014. While forty percent of 18- to 29-year-olds say they will "definitely vote" in the midterm elections, "doesn't mean they'll actually cast a ballot on Election Day." Here are a few of the issues in higher education on which voters will have a say: [...]
