Do D2 Schools Give Athletic Scholarships?

D1 schools get all the glory, but now we're focusing on D2 athletic scholarships—how to win one and other ways to finance your college education!

The higher education scene can be compared to an apocalyptic floor of rising tuition costs and expenses. While the prices rise and rise, students are left floundering to afford quality higher education. Luckily, there are life rings! These life-savers come in the form of financial aid that can help students survive the high tuition costs and even help ensure they graduate college debt-free.

One type of financial aid is an athletic scholarship. Athletic scholarships enable students to compete at the college level and cover some/all of their educational costs. While D1 schools often have the best-funded programs and are therefore able to offer more scholarships, D2 schools can offer a wide variety of financial opportunities for aspiring student-athletes!

In this article, we'll answer the pressing question: "Do D2 schools give athletic scholarships?" Then we'll dive into tips for winning one and what other financial aid options you can look into as a student-athlete!

At Bold.org, you can find scholarships that are specific to the sport you play! Create a free applicant profile and start winning some private athletic scholarships!

Division II Schools & Partial Scholarships

Division II schools do indeed give athletic scholarships. However, they are slightly different from the traditional full-ride D1 scholarships you may be familiar with. This is because Division II college programs are often smaller than their Division I counterparts and don't have the funds to offer many full-ride scholarships. Instead, Division II schools tend to split such an award among multiple athletes.

D2 scholarships are based on a partial scholarship model, which is sometimes known as an equivalency model. Partial scholarships refer to scholarship money that covers only a portion of a student's school costs. This system allows schools to support their student-athletes while also remaining within budget. In fact, it costs a Division II school roughly half as much to support athletic programs as it does Division I schools.

Very few student-athletes at Division II schools will receive full scholarships, but most will receive partial scholarships or some other form of athletic-based financial aid. Additionally, student-athletes can apply for other scholarships, like merit or academic scholarships or other forms of financial aid.

Athlete or not, learn about how much financial aid you can get!

Partial Scholarship Model In Action

The partial scholarship model, or equivalency model, allows schools to give out athletic scholarships and athletic-based financial aid that is equivalent to a certain number of full grants for each of the equivalency sports.

For instance, in D2 football, college coaches are allowed to award up to 36 full grants. However, the roster for a college football team is much more than 36. So, college coaches must decide how to divide up the sum of money to give more students partial scholarships.

Not all students will get a full-ride scholarship, but many players will receive at least partial scholarships. How much scholarship money a student-athlete receives from their coach will depend on a number of factors like academics, financial need, and athletic performance. Therefore, not everyone gets the same amount from a partial scholarship.

To increase your chances of getting an athletic scholarship, boost your grades with these proven study techniques!

Tips for Getting a D2 Athletic Scholarship

1. Determine Your Skill Level

Securing a Division II athletic scholarship begins with understanding where you stand as an athlete. Start by participating in local, regional, and national competitions to gather accurate data on your performance. For example, if you’re in track and field, monitor your times, jumps, or throws and compare them with the performance benchmarks set by D2 programs.

Consult your high school coach or a mentor to help determine which division best aligns with your skills. Coaches can offer valuable insights on how your performance stacks up and what areas need improvement. They may also have experience helping athletes secure scholarships and providing guidance on how to approach the process.

By determining your skill level early, you can focus your efforts on schools where you’re likely to stand out, boosting your chances of receiving an offer.

2. Research Schools & Athletic Programs

Once you’ve assessed your abilities, begin researching schools that have Division II athletic programs in your sport. Create a balanced list that includes schools where you believe you have a strong chance of being recruited, along with a few reach schools. When evaluating schools, consider not just the athletic program but the overall fit. Look into factors like academic reputation, campus life, location, and the financial aid packages they offer.

Many Division II schools balance athletics and academics, so they may provide more flexible options for student-athletes. Research each school’s scholarship offerings, as some D2 schools might offer a combination of athletic, academic, and need-based scholarships to help cover costs. Keep in mind that Division II programs may not offer full athletic scholarships, but the overall financial aid package can still make attending an affordable option.

It doesn't hurt to appeal for financial aid. Become an expert in the process with this guide so you can reduce your family contributions!

3. Reach Out to College Coaches

Now that you have a list of schools, it’s time to reach out to the college coaches. Start by emailing coaches at the schools you’re interested in. Make your email concise but informative. Introduce yourself with your name, current school, grade level, and sport-specific stats that show your potential. Attach an athletic resume highlighting your achievements and experience, along with your GPA and standardized test scores, to demonstrate that you meet academic standards.

Include a link to a competition highlights video, and if you have upcoming events where the coach could evaluate your performance in person, mention them. Personalize each email by addressing the coach by name and explaining why their program stands out to you. This shows you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in the school. Following up after a week or two is acceptable if you don’t hear back, as coaches often manage busy schedules.

4. Increase Your Chances

Maximizing your chances of receiving a D2 athletic scholarship requires consistent effort. After your initial email, stay engaged with the coach by updating them on any improvements in your performance, such as new personal bests or recent awards. Coaches appreciate seeing growth, so maintaining communication is key.

Additionally, attend camps, showcases, and tournaments where coaches will be present. Division II coaches often rely on these events to evaluate potential recruits in person. Showcasing your skills at these events is a great way to make a strong impression. If possible, schedule campus visits to meet coaches and tour the facilities. This demonstrates your commitment to the program and gives you a chance to see if the school is a good fit for you beyond athletics.

Read this overview of the NCAA Division 1 to increase your chances of securing a D1 scholarship!

5. Evaluate Scholarship Offers

Once you receive scholarship offers, take the time to compare them carefully. Division II scholarships are often partial, so consider the full financial package. An academic scholarship or need-based aid might end up covering all your costs. Factor in tuition costs, living expenses, and other financial commitments when making your decision.

Don’t hesitate to negotiate with the school if you have multiple offers. Division II programs may be open to increasing your scholarship amount if you have other competitive offers on the table. However, ensure that your final decision isn’t just based on the amount of money offered. The right balance between athletics, academics, and your personal well-being is crucial for long-term success.

6. Maintain Your Scholarship

After accepting a Division II athletic scholarship, your next challenge is maintaining it. Most athletic scholarships are renewed annually, and you’ll need to continue performing well both academically and athletically to keep your scholarship. Stay disciplined, seek academic support when necessary, and keep pushing yourself in your sport to meet the required standards. Consistent effort will ensure you can retain your scholarship and make the most of your college experience.

Balance your athletics and schoolwork better with these tips on how to survive college!

Scholarship Opportunities

Both Division I and Division II athletes should note that there are plenty of scholarship opportunities available outside of athletic scholarship programs. Attending a Division I school as a student-athlete does not guarantee that you will receive an athletic scholarship. In fact, some Division I schools, like the Ivy League Schools, don't offer athletic scholarships at all and instead distribute need-based aid.

Here are some other forms of financial aid targeted towards student-athletes:

• Academic Scholarships: Many schools offer merit-based scholarships for students with high academic achievement. These scholarships can often be combined with athletic scholarships or other forms of financial aid to help cover tuition costs.
• Need-Based Financial Aid: Schools that do not offer athletic scholarships may provide need-based aid to student-athletes, helping those who demonstrate financial need cover the cost of attendance. This is common at institutions like Ivy League schools.
• Private Scholarships: Numerous private organizations and foundations offer scholarships specifically for student-athletes, recognizing both athletic talent and academic achievement. Check out these athletic scholarships from Bold.org!
• State Scholarships and Grants: Many states offer scholarships and grants for students, including athletes. Eligibility criteria may vary, but these funds can supplement any athletic or academic scholarships you receive from your school.
• Work-Study Programs: While not specific to athletes, work-study programs provide an opportunity to earn money through part-time employment, helping students offset the cost of tuition and other expenses.
• NCAA Scholarships and Awards: The NCAA itself offers postgraduate scholarships and awards that recognize both athletic and academic excellence, as well as leadership and community involvement.

Private Athletic Scholarships by Sport

At Bold.org, we have exclusive, sports-specific scholarships for student-athletes. Each scholarship includes upcoming deadlines, the scholarship amount, and all the eligibility requirements to make the application process as smooth as possible.

• Track Scholarships
• Football Scholarships
• Baseball Scholarships
• Softball Scholarships
• Hockey Scholarships
• Soccer Scholarships
• Volleyball Scholarships
• Lacrosse Scholarships
• Swimming Scholarships
• Basketball Scholarships
• and more!

This list is just a selection of the many scholarships Bold.org offers for student-athletes. Check out some general athletic scholarships, or simply search your sport in our scholarship search engine!

Frequently Asked Questions About Division II Scholarships

What is the hardest sport to get a scholarship in?

All sports scholarships are very competitive. NCAA Division I and II schools provide over $3.6 billion in scholarships to more than 180,000 athletes annually, but only about 2% of high school athletes receive athletic scholarships.

While playing less popular sports like fencing or badminton may offer fewer competitors, they also typically have fewer scholarships available. In contrast, sports like football and basketball have more scholarships but are highly competitive.

Do Division III schools offer scholarships?

Unfortunately, Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships. However, 75% of student-athletes at Division III schools receive some sort of merit or need-based financial aid. Furthermore, if you are a Division III athlete, you can still find an athletic scholarship for you by applying to private scholarships that are not funded by your school.

Can D2 athletes get paid?

For many years, it was illegal for student-athletes to make a profit off their name and image. In fact, both the athlete and the athlete's school could face major punishment. However, in 2019 the National Collegiate Athletic Association made it legal for student-athletes to begin making money off of their names and images, including Division II athletes.

If you're a student-athlete concerned about finances, education, and athletics, you'll want to check out more handy articles on our scholarship blog!