Each year, Division I and II schools distribute more than $3.6 billion in college athletic scholarships to over 180,000 students, according to the NCAA. While that seems like a large number, only about 2% of high school students receive athletic scholarships to play and pay for college.
Most of those awards are institutional dollars, meaning they come from the school. However, there are athletic scholarships from private organizations as well.
These private scholarships serve two types of student athletes: those that will go on to play college sports as well as students who played in high school but won’t be playing at the collegiate level. So, whether you’re in it to win it, or you’re transitioning into sports retirement, there could be an athletic scholarship to help you pay for school.
Athletic Scholarships
Kaler Family Rugby Scholarship
Deadline: 8/31/25
Award Amount: $1,500
The Kaler Family Rugby Scholarship is available to graduating high school seniors. You must have a minimum GPA of 2.5, demonstrate financial need, and plan to join a rugby program at an accredited four – year college / university in the Fall to be eligible for this award.
TrophyCentral Sportsmanship Scholarship Award
Deadline: 9/30/25
Award Amount: $1,000
The TrophyCentral Sportsmanship Scholarship Award is available to high school seniors. You must have a minimum GPA of 3.25 and demonstrate a unique or special form of sportsmanship, kindness, or compassion to be eligible for this award. Special consideration will be given to first generation college students and to students entering the military.
NSHSS Student Athlete Scholarship
Deadline: 10/15/25
Award Amount: $2,000
The NSHSS Student Athlete Scholarship is available to high school students who are passionate about and excel within a sport. To be considered, you must submit a 500 – to 800 – word essay on the following topic: “What are the benefits and challenges of balancing your academics with your sport participation? What is it about your sport that makes you passionate? Please provide one example that help to illustrate your point.”