Cheerleading scholarships fund your education at the collegiate level, often rewarding both athletic excellence and academic achievement. Though cheerleading is not a National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sanctioned sport, many universities and colleges offer robust funding packages. These awards are critical for students who aim to highlight achievements on the mat while reducing the financial cost of a four-year degree.
Scholarship committees meet eligibility criteria that typically require elite skills. Recruiters seek athletes who demonstrate a high level of performance in three core areas: tumbling, stunting, and game-day ability. A cheerleader’s skill set (standing tucks, elite tosses, crowd leading) strengthens an application immensely, making them a high-value recruit who can make an immediate impact on a competitive squad.
To secure funding, prospective student-athletes must understand that these scholarships are highly competitive. Only a limited number of awards are available, and the most generous ones are found at programs with a history of success at national competitions (UCA and NCA Collegiate Nationals). A proactive recruiting strategy including attending college clinics, creating a high-quality video, and maintaining a strong GPA increases your chances of winning an award.
Available Programs
There are three main sources of cheerleading scholarships available to student-athletes:
- University Athletic Department Awards: These scholarships fund your education directly through the school’s athletic or spirit program budget. Highly competitive universities offer awards, including stipends, partial funding, and sometimes full scholarships.
- External Organization Scholarships: Cheerleading organizations like the NCA (National Cheerleaders Association), the UCA (Universal Cheerleaders Association), and the USASF (United States All Star Federation) offer independent academic and service awards.
- Academic and Merit-Based Scholarships: A strong academic record meets eligibility criteria for institutional merit awards. These non-athletic scholarships fund your education and are often combined with athletic stipends to cover the total cost of attendance.
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Scholarship Coverage and Details
Cheerleading scholarships secure funding in varying amounts, depending on the university’s program and the athlete’s skill level.
| Coverage Type | Details | Typical Annual Value |
| Partial Scholarship | Covers a portion of tuition costs and is the most common award. | $2,000 – $7,500 |
| Stipend or Grant | Compensates for travel, uniforms, and time commitment. | $500 – $2,000 |
| Full Scholarship | Covers tuition, room, and board (rare, but offered by schools like the University of Hawaii and Morehead State University). | Full Tuition & Fees |
| In-Kind Benefits | Non-monetary perks: paid travel, complimentary apparel, access to athletic trainers, and priority registration. | Varies by program |
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Eligibility Criteria
There are five key requirements you must meet eligibility criteria for a cheerleading scholarship:
- Elite Skill Level: Coaches look for recruits who can immediately contribute with high-level skills, such as a standing back tuck, running full twisting layouts, and advanced co-ed or all-girl partner stunts.
- Academic Standing: Most programs require a minimum GPA of 2.5, but top-tier universities prefer a GPA of 3.0 or higher to stack athletic and academic funding.
- Full-Time Enrollment: You must be accepted as a full-time student at the university, enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per semester.
- Team Roster Spot: The athlete must make the competitive cheerleading roster through the formal tryout process.
- Amateur Status: You must adhere to the rules governing amateur status, which may be set by the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) or other relevant governing bodies.
Application Process
To submit an application for a cheerleading scholarship, you must execute four critical steps:
- Initial Contact: Email the head coach with your athletic résumé and a highlight video to get on their radar.
- Attend Scouting Events: Participate in college clinics, summer camps, and open gyms designed to teach the program’s routines and evaluate your fit.
- Official Tryout: Successfully make the team by performing the required skills during the official tryout process, which often includes interviews and physical evaluations.
- Complete Financial Forms: Submit an application for all institutional and external aid, including the FAFSA, to ensure you are considered for the full financial package.
Deadline
The application process is ongoing, but three key deadlines govern the timeline:
- Priority Recruitment Deadline: December 1 of your senior year is often the deadline for coaches to finalize their top recruits.
- University Admission Deadline: The general admission deadline for the university must be met to be eligible for any funding.
- Official Tryout Deadline: The tryout must be completed (typically late Spring/early Summer) to secure a spot and the associated scholarship.
Apply Now
To begin your scholarship application and recruiting process, please visit the official USA Cheer College Program Directory, which lists program contacts, fees, and scholarship availability at universities nationwide:
Official Apply Link: USA Cheer College Program Directory
