Top athletic scholarships

When does athletic recruiting typically start?

Athletic recruiting often begins earlier than many students expect, though timelines vary by sport, division, and association.

Coaches may start evaluating athletes as early as freshman or sophomore year through club teams, tournaments, showcases, and online profiles—even if direct contact is limited. Recruiting activity usually increases during sophomore and junior year, when athletes attend camps, take unofficial visits, and begin hearing more from coaches.

By junior and senior year, scholarship conversations often become more concrete, with offers and commitments happening on different timelines depending on the sport and school.

Because rules vary, the best approach is to start preparing early—build highlight materials, stay academically eligible, and stay organized so you’re ready when opportunities open up.

Full vs. partial athletic scholarships

Full-ride athletic scholarships get the most attention, but many student-athletes make college affordable with partial athletic aid combined with other scholarships.

Full athletic scholarships may cover (varies by school and association):

• Tuition and fees

• Room and board

• Books and supplies

• Sometimes additional cost-of-attendance items

Partial athletic scholarships may cover:

• A portion of tuition or fees

• A fixed dollar amount per semester or year

• Specific expenses, such as housing or books

If your athletic scholarship doesn’t cover everything, be sure to apply for additional types of scholarships. Even stacking smaller awards can help lower what you’ll pay for school.

NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA eligibility requirements

Eligibility rules depend on where you’re being recruited.

NCAA
Many Division I and II programs offer NCAA athletic scholarships and require athletes to meet academic standards and complete eligibility steps related to academics and amateurism through the NCAA process.

NAIA
NAIA schools follow different eligibility rules and may have more flexible recruiting timelines, depending on the athlete’s background.

NJCAA
Two-year colleges can offer athletic scholarships. For some students, this can be a cost-effective way to compete, gain experience, and transfer later.

No matter what the association, having strong academics can give you more options and help unlock additional merit aid.

How to apply for athletic scholarships

There isn’t one universal application, but there is a reliable game plan:

1. Build your school list based on athletics, academics, and total cost.

2. Create your athlete profile with highlight film, stats, schedules, and academic basics.

3. Start outreach early by emailing coaches and completing recruiting questionnaires.

4. Stay eligible by keeping grades strong and tracking requirements.

5. Apply beyond athletics by adding private scholarships for athletes to your plan.

To expand your options, search athletic-focused scholarships through Scholly Scholarships, and look for time-saving opportunities with Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships.

Tips to boost your chances

• Be proactive and follow up respectfully

• Keep highlight film short, clear, and updated

• Share your competition schedule regularly

• Respond quickly and professionally to coaches

• Strengthen your academics

• Stack athletic aid with private scholarships for athletes whenever possible

To find schools where your athletic goals and budget align, try Scout College Search.

Next step: Apply for the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship.

Additional resources for student-athletes

Athletic scholarships are just one way to pay for college. Many student-athletes reduce their total cost by applying for additional scholarships based on major, background, or interests. Explore these options to keep building your scholarship plan:

• Scholarships by major - Find scholarships tailored to your field of study, whether it’s music, arts, STEM, business, or education.
• Scholarships for high school seniors - Perfect if you're starting your college journey. Many deadlines fall during senior year, so be ready to apply.
• Scholarships for college students - Apply for scholarships throughout college to lower your education costs. New opportunities open up every year.
• Scholarships for first generation students - If you’re the first in your family to attend college, these scholarships are designed to support you.
• Scholarships for adults - Returning to school? These scholarships help adult learners fund their education.
• Scholarships for women - Empowering scholarships for women, including awards specifically for Black women.
• LGBTQ+ scholarships - Scholarships that support students navigating both racial and LGBTQ+ identities.
• Scholarships by state - Find scholarships offered by your state government, as well as local scholarships that usually have fewer applicants, increasing your chances.

Athletic scholarships can make a big difference—but they’re rarely the only way to pay for school. Start early, stay organized, and stack athletic aid with private scholarships when you can.

To jumpstart your private scholarship search, enter our easy $2,000 No Essay Scholarship and browse athletic scholarships on Scholly Scholarships.