Cheerleading scholarships are a lifeline for student-athletes passionate about flipping and tumbling their way through college while easing the financial strain. A college cheerleading scholarship can be the difference between becoming a professional athlete and abandoning your athletic dreams.
In essence, these scholarships not only recognize athletic talent but also empower students to thrive in an environment where they can balance academics and athletics seamlessly. Whether you’re a seasoned cheerleader or just starting your journey, exploring these opportunities could be your ticket to an affordable college education and an unforgettable experience.
At Scholarship Institute, we’ve compiled comprehensive lists of scholarship opportunities based on demographics. Check them all out and start saving on college!
Top Cheerleading Scholarships
ICCA Scholarship Program
Official page: ICCA Scholarship Application
Summary: Scholarships for Illinois high school senior cheerleaders who excel in cheer and academics.
Eligibility: Must be an ICCA member, compete at least once at an ICCA Invitational, and be a high school senior planning to attend college.
Award: Multiple awards totaling $30,000 for 2025-2026 season.
Key dates: Application deadline is November 30, 2025. Finalists posted in December, presence required at ICCA Championships on January 10, 2026.
Cowley College Cheer Team Scholarship
Official page: Cowley College Cheer Scholarship
Summary: Institutional support for Cowley College cheerleaders, tied to participation and team commitment.
Eligibility: Must cheer for Cowley, maintain at least a 2.0 GPA, enroll full time, and live on campus or with a parent or guardian.
Award: Varies by year and budget.
Key dates: Indicate interest on Cowley’s scholarship request form, then follow up with the program for timing.
Olivia Noel Rotondo Memorial Cheerleading Scholarship
Official page: Olivia Noel Rotondo Memorial Scholarship
Summary: Awards for graduating cheerleaders from Rhode Island or Massachusetts who show dedication, school spirit, and strong academics.
Eligibility: High school seniors in RI or MA with notable cheer commitment and academic performance.
Award: Up to $2,500.
Key dates: Deadline March 23, 2025 at 10:00 p.m. Eastern.
Texas Tech Spirit Squads Leadership Scholarship
Official page: Texas Tech Spirit Program Benefits
Summary: Leadership scholarships for Spirit Squad members, plus added benefits such as academic tutoring, travel, and training.
Eligibility: Full-time Texas Tech students who meet GPA and program standards and commit to games, practices, and appearances.
Award: $1,000 per academic year in two $500 installments, with an out-of-state tuition waiver for eligible students.
Key dates: Program benefits and tryout timelines are posted by TTU each cycle.
Wisconsin Association of Cheer/Pom Coaches Scholarships
Official page: WACPC Scholarships
Summary: Scholarships for graduating seniors involved in cheer or dance whose coach is a current WACPC member.
Eligibility: Seniors with a cumulative 3.25 GPA or higher and a WACPC member coach, with demonstrated academics and involvement.
Award: $1,000.
Key dates: The 2025 cycle closed March 17. The 2026 deadline is expected March 17, 2026.
North Park University Cheer and Dance Team Scholarships
Official page: North Park Cheer and Dance Team Scholarships
Summary: Annually renewable scholarships for promising student leaders who commit to North Park’s cheer and dance teams.
Eligibility: Must be admitted and enrolled full time, participate for the full academic year, and meet team and academic standards.
Award: Up to $1,000, renewable.
Key dates: Around April 15th of each year.
Sam Houston State University Cheerleaders Scholarship
Official page: SHSU Student Affairs Scholarships
Summary: Cheer scholarships are awarded by the coaching staff after tryouts.
Eligibility: Full-time SHSU students with at least a 2.0 GPA, subject to team selection at spring tryouts.
Award: Up to $2,000 per semester.
Key dates: Tryouts and video submissions are typically in May.
Competitive Cheer Coaches Association of Michigan Senior Scholarships
Official page: CCCAM Senior Scholarships
Summary: Merit-based scholarships for Michigan high school seniors who compete in MHSAA competitive cheer.
Eligibility: Graduating seniors on an MHSAA competitive cheer team, 3.5 GPA threshold, team coach must be a CCCAM member, participation in the CCCAM Scholarship Invitational required.
Award: Amounts vary each season, often in the four-figure range.
Key dates: Strict deadline February 9, 2025 for the 2024–25 season. New dates post each year.
Washington State Cheer Coaches Association Senior Scholarship
Official page: WSCCA Senior Scholarship
Summary: Scholarships for Washington high school seniors in cheerleading or cheer-related roles who exemplify leadership, kindness, integrity, and sportsmanship.
Eligibility: Full-time 12th graders at WIAA member schools with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, in good standing, graduating May–June 2025, coach must be an active WSCCA member.
Award: Two awards of $2,000 and three awards of $1,000.
Key dates: Application opens April 2, 2025 and closes May 9, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific,
Lucy Maddox
Lucy’s international upbringing in Hong Kong and love for literature have shaped her multifaceted background. She attended university in Middlebury, Vermont, before settling in Arlington, Virginia. In her free time, Lucy enjoys True Crime podcasts, thrillers, literary fiction, running, hiking, exploring Washington, D.C.'s newest restaurants, and blogging about her latest travels.
