Scholarships for athletes are important in supporting their dual aspirations of juggling demanding training schedules with their studies. These scholarships not only acknowledge the hard work required to balance these responsibilities, but also help athletes reach their full potential without financial strain. By mitigating financial barriers, athletic scholarships help dedicated student-athletes achieve their fullest potential across both fields.
For student-athletes looking to lessen the financial burden of higher education while pursuing their athletic careers, we highly recommend exploring the opportunities below for athletic scholarships. With a variety of options tailored to different sports and academic interests, these scholarships can significantly aid in your educational and athletic journey.
Don’t miss out on the chance to support both your academic and athletic dreams—start your scholarship applications today!
Athletic Scholarships to Apply for in 2025
The American Legion Baseball Scholarship
Official page: American Legion Baseball Scholarship
Summary: Department and national awards for standout American Legion Baseball participants.
Eligibility: High school baseball players involved in American Legion Baseball programs.
Award: Department winners $500. All-Academic Team selections at the World Series $2,500. Top All-Academic honoree $5,000.
Key dates: July 15th was the submission deadline for 2025. 2026 deadline expected to be similar.
Annual American Legion 3-Position Junior Air Rifle Championship
Official page: Junior Shooting Sports Scholarship
Summary: Scholarship awards tied to the Legion’s Precision and Sporter air rifle championship.
Eligibility: Junior competitors in the program’s Precision or Sporter categories.
Award: Winners in each category $5,000. Second place in each category $1,000. Funds must be used within eight years.
Key dates: Annual championship cycle for this year was July 24-26, 2025. Check the American Legion site for next year’s dates.
Richard McCurdy Club Sports Golf Scholarship
Official page: LEO Foundation Golf Scholarship
Summary: Supports Grand Canyon University club golf team members with documented financial need.
Eligibility: GCU traditional ground undergrads taking 12+ credits, current registered Club Sports golf team members, meet admissions and need requirements.
Award: $1,000.
Key dates: Next window opens Nov 1, 2025 for the 2026–2027 year.
Alex Acosta Memorial Scholarship
Official page: LEO Foundation Alex Acosta Memorial Scholarship
Summary: Honors the legacy of Alex Acosta Jr. by supporting GCU men’s soccer athletes who show purpose-driven leadership and need.
Eligibility: GCU full-time students on men’s soccer, GPA ≥ 3.0, financial need, Christian and conservative values, meet admissions requirements.
Award: $1,000.
Key dates: Annual. Next window opens Nov 1, 2025 for the 2026–2027 year.
Student Athlete Scholarships — Bellevue University
Official page: Bellevue University Student-Athlete Scholarships
Summary: Institutional scholarships for new, transfer, and continuing student athletes for 2025–2026.
Eligibility: Bellevue student-athletes who complete FAFSA and required forms.
Award: Varies by cycle.
Key dates: General cycle Feb 3–Mar 21, 2025. Late fall cycle Apr 11–May 30, 2025. Awards announced mid-April and early June.
Athletic Scholarships — St. Ambrose University
Official page: St. Ambrose Athletic Scholarships
Summary: Aid for incoming first-year and transfer athletes across 31 varsity sports.
Eligibility: Admitted to SAU and selected by coaching staff for varsity participation.
Award: Up to full tuition, renewable up to four years.
Key dates: Timelines managed by coaching staff.
University of Arizona Adaptive Athletics Scholarships
Official page: UA Adaptive Athletics Scholarships
Summary: Scholarships for recruited adaptive athletes based on ability, academics, and coach recommendation.
Eligibility: Admitted to UA, athletic résumé, minimum cumulative GPA 2.5, meet program expectations.
Award: Recipients could receive: 100% tuition coverage (in-state students), 125% of in-state tuition cost coverage (out-of-state students), up to $6K annually for basic costs (e.g. books, technology, transportation), up to $10K annually for housing support (on or off-campus), up to $15K annually for personal care assistant support.
Key dates: March 3, 2025
Race Entry Student Scholarship
Official page: Race to Inspire Scholarship
Summary: Essay scholarship for students who pursue self-improvement through race preparation and participation.
Eligibility: Must verify enrollment at a U.S. accredited university for the fall of the same year as submission.
Award: $500.
Key dates: Deadline Aug 31, 2025.
Quick Tips for Applicants
- Start with your coach. Many awards require nomination or coach verification.
- Track recruitment and tryout calendars alongside scholarship deadlines.
- Keep proof of eligibility handy, including GPA, enrollment, and participation records.
Michael Alexander
Michael's experience with scientific research foundations informs his work at Scholarship Institute, where he leverages his strong research background to provide valuable insights across various fields. Specializing in review articles on scholarships, particularly in STEM, he ensures that students receive well-informed content to effectively navigate their financial options.
