How to get an athletic scholarship in the USA
US colleges and universities award athletic scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional ability in athletics or track and field. Complete our free evaluation to see if you could qualify.
Complete evaluationAthletic scholarship requirements will vary depending on each college and the level at which you wish to compete. Most college coaches will require students to meet certain athletic and academic standards before issuing a scholarship. Here are a few things you can do to increase your chances:
1. Maintain high academic standards
College coaches who issue athletic scholarships will require a certain grade point average (GPA) for prospective student-athletes and want you to take certain core subjects in high school.
2. Standardised test scores
Some colleges may require students to take SATs or ACTs and achieve a certain score to qualify for scholarships. Make sure you do your research and see if these are required of you.
3. Compile a sports resumé
You will need to compile a sports CV and track your performance, showing how your times and distances have improved over time. Times and distances are the first factor that coaches will consider when awarding athletics scholarships. Coaches want to see you posting competitive personal best times and distances.
4. Compete at a high level
Take part in highly competitive events, which may include regional, provincial and national levels. Doing this will help you understand what the competition will be like at the US college level.
5. Be of good character
Many schools strongly emphasise personal character when awarding scholarships. A student may need to demonstrate leadership qualities, a strong work ethic, and good sportsmanship before coaches will grant them substantial scholarships.
6. Be proactive
Speak to professional recruiters, such as those from Sable International, who can help you identify potential scholarships, guide you through the application process, and put you in contact with coaches at the universities you're interested in.
We have worked with and placed students at world-class universities like Oregon University and USC, who have launched the careers of some of the world’s most accomplished athletes.
A day in the life of a student athlete
Our service
By offering personalised guidance and support, we aim to help student-athletes achieve their goals of competing in collegiate sports while obtaining a world-class education in the United States.
Athletic and academic assessment
We'll evaluate your skills, performance and potential to compete at college level. We will also review your academic record to determine your eligibility for college admissions and sports scholarships.
College selection
We'll help you identify suitable colleges and universities based on your athletic and academic goals.
Recruitment process
We'll help you create a compelling sports profile, introduce you to college coaches and assist you with navigating the complex recruitment process.
Scholarship negotiation
We'll guide you through the scholarship negotiation process to maximise your financial support.
Application and admissions support
Our expertise with US universities and educational institutions allows us to effectively assist and guide student-athletes throughout the application process.
Student visa assistance
We'll provide support and guidance around obtaining your visa to study and compete in the USA.
Do you believe you have what it takes to become a student-athlete at an American university?
Our placed athletes
Mine De Klerk
University: The University of Nebraska
Chris van Niekerk
University: High Point University
Willem Coertzen
University: Arkansas State University
How do USA college athletic scholarships work?
College athletic scholarships in the United States work similarly to other sports, where the coaches award the scholarship based on the student's athletic and academic ability.
Firstly, US college coaches will want to know your personal best times and distances, your converted GPA, and what you would like to study.
As athletics (or track and field) is an objective sport, coaches are looking for athletes with specific times or distances.
- The better your times or distances, the more scholarships you could receive
- Keep records of your progress
- A strong GPA and test scores can earn you more scholarships
If a coach is interested based on this information, they will want to meet you either in person or via video call to ensure you are a good cultural fit and have good character. Many coaches who recruit top athletes will not bring in a great athlete of bad character. They strongly believe that lesser athletes who enhance the team dynamic are more valuable than a top performer who is a bad apple who is likely to poison the entire team's season with their attitude and behaviour.
We can connect you with the right college coaches and universities who will meet both your academic and athletic goals.
Who awards sports scholarships in the USA?
Athletic scholarships are awarded by institutions and colleges that belong to the athletic associations National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), National Association of Intercollegiate Athletic (NAIA) and National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA).
The number of scholarships available can vary from college to college, but generally the NCAA Division I colleges have more scholarships to offer than Division II and III schools and other associations.
Each athletic association has strict rules for renewing scholarships based on athletic and academic performance; thus, students must maintain their performance throughout their college career to keep their scholarships.
It is important to note that not all athletes receive athletic scholarships. Even if you receive a scholarship, it may only be partial, meaning you may still have to pay for some of the costs associated with attending college.
USA college athletic scholarship FAQs
1. What is an athletics scholarship?
An athletics scholarship is a financial award offered to student-athletes who compete in events like sprints, distance running, jumps, throws and hurdles. These scholarships are provided by colleges and universities to attract talented athletes to join their athletic programmes.
2. Are athletics scholarships full-ride or partial?
Athletics scholarships are often partial, meaning they cover a portion of tuition, fees, room and board. However, full-ride scholarships are possible for elite athletes who are top performers in their events.
3. Can international students earn athletics scholarships?
Yes! US colleges actively recruit international athletes.
International athletes should meet performance standards and academic requirements. English proficiency tests like TOEFL or Duolingo may be required.
4. What other factors do athletics coaches consider?
- Potential for improvement: Coaches value athletes who show the ability to improve over time.
- Work ethic and attitude: A positive attitude and dedication to training are essential.
- Versatility: Athletes who excel in multiple events are often more attractive recruits.
Speak to one of our expert recruiters today about what GPA (and other requirements) you need to qualify for an athletic scholarship in the USA.