Each year, NCAA Division I and II schools award more than $4 billion in athletics scholarships to over 180,000 student-athletes—helping them pursue their goals on the field and in the classroom. While Division III schools don’t offer athletics scholarships, all NCAA student-athletes can benefit from a wide range of academic scholarships, grants, and financial aid opportunities.
The reality is that only about 2% of high school athletes earn a college athletics scholarship, and even fewer go pro. That’s why a college education is one of the most valuable benefits of playing sports at the NCAA level. Most scholarships are partial, but student-athletes can combine them with academic awards, NCAA-funded aid programs, and need-based assistance like Federal Pell Grants. Division I schools can also offer multiyear scholarships and provide degree-completion funding after a student-athlete’s playing career ends.
On top of what schools offer, the NCAA directly invests over $10 million each year into postgraduate scholarships, career development grants, and academic success programs for student-athletes who excel in the classroom and in competition. These resources are designed to help you succeed in college—and beyond.
Student-Athlete Scholarship and Grants
The NCAA offers a variety of scholarships and grants to support student-athletes in their academic and personal development. These opportunities recognize athletic and academic excellence, promote degree completion, and provide pathways for postgraduate education. Funding is also available through special initiatives to enhance career readiness and support long-term success. Check out the scholarship and grants available below.
Association-Wide Opportunities:
Division I Opportunities:
Division II Opportunities:
Coaching Development Grants
To support the growth and effectiveness of coaches at all levels, the NCAA provides professional development grants and scholarships. These opportunities help coaches enhance their leadership skills, expand their expertise, and better serve the student-athletes they mentor. Select programs also focus on increasing access and advancement for underrepresented groups in the coaching profession. Check out the grants and opportunities available below.
Division II Opportunities:
Division III Opportunities:
Administrator Grants
The NCAA provides grants to support leadership development within athletics administration. These programs offer resources for entry-level and mid-career professionals to advance in their roles, pursue advanced education, and strengthen athletics programs. Institutions and conferences may also apply for funding to create or expand administrative positions that support campus operations and student-athlete services.
Association-Wide Opportunities:
Division II Opportunities:
Division III Opportunities:
Institutional Support
The NCAA supports research teams, member institutions and campus groups through funding opportunities that drive innovation and improve the student-athlete experience. These grants fund initiatives ranging from mental health and well-being research to projects that strengthen Division III athletics through strategic planning and collaboration. Whether you're a university department or an external research team, these programs are designed to help turn impactful ideas into action.
Association-Wide Opportunities:
Division III Opportunities:
Conference Support
NCAA conference support programs are designed to strengthen collaboration and shared leadership across member institutions. Through targeted funding and structured engagement, these programs help conferences advance strategic priorities, foster collaboration among campuses, and implement initiatives that enhance the student-athlete experience. By working closely with conference leadership, the NCAA supports long-term planning, innovation and alignment with divisional goals.
Division III Opportunities:
