How to get a cross country scholarship in the USA
US colleges and universities award cross country scholarships to students who demonstrate exceptional ability in cross country running. Complete our free evaluation to see if you could qualify.
Complete evaluationCross country 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 cross-country scholarships will require that you take certain core subjects in high school and maintain a certain grade point average (GPA). This GPA requirement may vary by school and athletic conference; however, a 2.3 is the minimum GPA requirement for NCAA D1 eligibility.
2. Standardised test scores
Some colleges may require students to take SATs or ACTs and achieve a certain score to qualify for scholarships.
3. Compile a sports resumé
You will need to compile a sports CV and track your performance. Demonstrate your potential by submitting specific track-based performance data, specifically the 1,500m, the 3,000m and the 5,000m. It’s a good idea to include video footage.
4. Compete at a high level
Compete in highly competitive events, which may include regional, provincial and national levels.
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.
Average cross country scholarships can be difficult to find on your own, but we can help you find a dedicated cross country running scholarship that will take your sporting career to new heights, while you study your chosen profession.
A day in the life of a cross-country 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
Ronen Oosthuizen
University: Rice University
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University: University of Mississippi
How do USA college cross country scholarships work?
College cross country 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.
Scholarships are granted based on your performance at highly competitive events and your 1,500m, 3,000m, and 5,000m times. Each university, depending on the division they compete in, will have its own standards for these distances. Coaches will also look at your academic performance when making scholarship decisions, so it is important to keep your high school marks up.
- Athletes need to be competing in provincial/state or national competitions to showcase to coaches that they are competing at a high level.
- You should have an official 5km or 10km time to send to the coaches.
- A strong GPA and test scores can earn you more scholarships.
When you are in the USA, you will be trained five days a week (2-3 hours a day) in the gym, on the track and on the road to enhance your time. You will also need to attend university classes in your chosen area of study, as a percentage of your grade is allocated based on how many of the classes you attend.
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 cross-country scholarship FAQs
1. Which country has the best cross-country programme?
The country with the best cross-country programme depends on the level of competition (high school, collegiate or professional) and the criteria used to define "best" (e.g., dominance in international championships, depth of talent, or consistency in performance). However, the United States and Kenya are often considered leaders in cross-country running, excelling in different ways.
2. When is the college cross-country season?
The US college cross-country season typically spans the fall semester, with most competitions occurring between late August and November.
3. When did US college cross-country start?
US college cross-country started in the late 19th century, with the first recognised collegiate cross-country meet held in 1890. This marked the beginning of organised cross-country competitions at the university level in the US.
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.