Cross Country Scholarships
Long distance runners have many options available to them for scholarship funding
on the college level, so if you have an impressive athletic record from your experiences
on your high school cross country team, use that to land scholarship funding if
you plan on continuing on with the sport on the college level. Schools known for
their running programs will be undoubtedly more competitive when it comes to landing
a spot on the team, but once you do, you’ll have an excellent shot at landing at
least a partial scholarship.
Coaches often want an impressive cross country team, so most of the scholarships
you would be offered by the college will be partial scholarships so that the college
is able to entice more than a handle of athletes with scholarship funding. To supplement
that financial aid package, don’t forget about scholarships based on other criteria.
You’ll need to have and maintain a minimum GPA not only to land a scholarship but
to be on a team, according to NCAA regulations, so seek out awards based on your
academic achievements, as well. Don’t rule out looking outside your college, either.
Are you part of a long distance running group outside of your high school already?
Try contacting them to see whether they provide any funding for cross country runners
looking to land money for college. Look locally and to your state, and you may find
several awards just for participating in cross country in high school. You don’t
need to have the best running time to land scholarship money to supplement that
financial aid package.
Check out some examples of where to find cross country scholarships below. For additional
information about awards based on different criteria, try conducting a free college
scholarship search at Scholarships.com.
NJCAA Scholarships
The NCAA won’t be the only resource for you to investigate if you’re pursuing cross
country on the post-secondary level. The National Junior College Athletic Association
(NJCAA) also awards full and partial scholarships to talented athletes. If you’re
a runner interested in community college, consider contacting those schools about
potential scholarship opportunities in your sport. If you’re at a high level of
skill with a decent academic record, consider your options on the junior college
level, but know that if you transfer to an NCAA college after two years, the GPA
and standardized test score requirements may be stricter.
College-Based Scholarships
If you plan on running cross country in college, your intended college could have
funds and endowments for the sport, often set up by alumni who played the sport
before you ever set foot on that campus. Central Connecticut State University, for
example, offers the Ted Owen Track and Field Scholarship to active members of both
the men’s and women’s cross country or track teams. Make sure you do your research,
and talk to your financial aid office and athletic departments about local and college-based
awards you could be eligible for.
Alliance Pipeline Scholarship
Application Deadlines:
February 15, Annually
Established by Alliance Pipeline, this scholarship will be awarded on an annual basis to a student athlete who demonstrates strong academic performance. The student must maintain a 3.00 GPA and participate in an intercollegiate sport. The amount of the scholarship will be determined by January 1st of each year by the Director of the University Advancement based on the interest earnings in the [...] More
Walter Byers Postgraduate Scholarship Program
Application Deadlines:
January 15, Annually
In 1988, the National Collegiate Athletic Association established the Walter Byers Postgraduate Scholarship Program as a means of recognizing the contributions of the former executive director through encouraging excellence in academic performance by student-athletes. Under this program, one male and one female student-athlete annually will be awarded a postgraduate scholarship in recognition of [...] More
Davis Law Group Scholar Athlete Program™
Application Deadlines:
Varies
Scholar Athlete Program recognizes exceptional student athletes that are performing well in the classroom and on the field. To register for the scholarship, students need to apply online or be nominated by a coach, teacher, parent or friend. Students must be a senior in high school, currently attend a Washington State High School, have a 3.0 GPA or higher and participate in a sport. Students can [...] More
Furman University Athletic Scholarships
Application Deadlines:
Varies
The Furman University Athletic Scholarships are partial to full scholarships awarded in 17 men's and women's intercollegiate sports. For more information, contact the director of athletics or the head coach in the sport in which you are [...] More
Twin Cities Marathon, Inc. College Scholarship Program
Application Deadlines:
March 02, Annually
The Twin Cities In Motion (TCM) College Scholarship is a one-time freshman year $5,000 grant open to all high school seniors who participate in cross country or track and reside within the Twin Cities 11-county metro area.
Scholarship Requirements and Information:
- Student athletes of all abilities are encouraged to apply
- Applicants must have participated in cross country and/or track [...] More
Kyle R. Magoto Scholarship Fund
Application Deadlines:
March 13, Annually
To be eligible for an award from the Kyle R. Magoto Scholarship Fund, applicant must be a Russia High School (Shelby Co., Ohio) graduating senior who is pursuing an associate or a bachelor's degree as a full-time student at an accredited educational institution, have a high school GPA not less than 3.0 on a 4.0 grading scale and must have participated in no less than five (5) athletic seasons [...] More
Dave Mielke Scholarship
Application Deadlines:
March 13, Annually
To be eligible for the Dave Mielke Scholarship, applicant must be a Botkins High School (Shelby Co., Ohio) senior who has earned a minimum of two (2) team letters as a member of Botkins High School cross country and/or track teams. Selection is based upon academic achievement, community and school service and [...] More