The NAIA supports student-athletes at 300 colleges and universities in the United States and Canada, providing $450 million annually in full and partial scholarships. Freshmen college students must meet two of three requirements: high school graduation in top half of their class, 18 on the enhanced ACT and 860 on the SAT or a 2.0 grade point average. Students with a GED must have the required ACT and SAT scores. Beginning in 2010, students must register with the online Eligibility Center.
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
1200 Grand Blvd.
Kansas City, MO 64106
816.595.8000
playnaia.org/
The NCAA awards $1 billion dollars annually in undergraduate athletic scholarships. Nearly 130,000 full and partial scholarships are awarded to students attending Division I and Division II schools. Student athletes must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center at the start of their junior high school year and fulfill all requirements: submission of transcripts and SAT scores, graduation from high school with the required GPA depending on division, completion of NCAA-approved core courses and completion of the amateurism certification process.
The National Collegiate Athletic Association
P.O. Box 6222
Indianapolis, IN 46206
317-917-6222
ncaa.org
State high school athletic associations offer scholarships or provide information about scholarships. For instance, the Ohio association provides scholarships and stipends to graduating high school athletes--36 scholarships for $1,000 each and two $2,000 scholarships. The National Federation of State High School Associations provides a listing and links for state associations on its website.
National Federation of State High School Associations
P.O. Box 690
Indianapolis, IN 46206
317-972-6900
nfhs.org
Colleges and universities attract athletes by providing full or partial scholarships. A good example is Tulane University, which offers full or partial athletic scholarships to all student athletes who meet eligibility criteria. Contact financial aid offices or the appropriate athletic department to ask about scholarships at specific schools.