Top Gymnastics Scholarships to Apply for in 2024

Dreaming of combining your love for gymnastics with a college education? Scholarships are extremely important for college gymnasts who want to pursue a college education.

Athletic scholarships help in the overall development of aspiring college gymnasts, helping either women or men who are competing in gymnastics in different colleges. Below, you will find all the types of scholarships for gymnasts, NCAA programs, and how to apply for these great opportunities.

If you haven’t yet, register on Bold.org and leverage our scholarship search tool to uncover a myriad of exclusive scholarship offerings.

What Is the NCAA?

The National Collegiate Athletic Association is a sports non-profit organization that oversees student-athletes from North American institutions and conferences. The divisions within the NCAA are categorized based on school size and budget. Division 1 schools generally have the largest student bodies and offer many NCAA Gymnastics scholarships. The NCAA awards gymnastics scholarships to talented student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional skill, academic excellence, and a commitment to competing at the collegiate level.

Best Scholarships for Gymnasts

NCAA Division I: Full Ride and Equivalency Scholarships

Full Ride Scholarships

Gymnastics is a head-count sport for offering full scholarships. These coveted NCAA gymnastics programs cover tuition, fees, room, board, and sometimes books, providing comprehensive head-count scholarships that are usually awarded annually.

Typically reserved for the most elite gymnasts who will likely have a roster spot in the team, they offer full scholarships that are often awarded based on athletic prowess. For instance, women who have represented their colleges successfully at national or international events may catch the eye of top Division I schools and be potential candidates for full rides.

Equivalency Scholarships

Gymnastics programs offer athletic scholarships that can be divided among multiple gymnasts or teams. Coaches in Division I programs have the flexibility to allocate partial scholarships as they see fit to build well-rounded teams. This means that either two women gymnasts or a team could share what would traditionally be one full scholarship based on their combined contributions to the teams.

NCAA Division II: Balanced Approach

Division II also provides both full-ride and equivalency scholarships but with a focus on a more balanced approach between athletics, academics, and engagement. These programs tend to be more flexible, allowing student-athletes to enjoy a college gymnastics experience that’s not solely defined by their sport.

Remember: Academic achievements play a significant role here; a gymnast with a strong GPA may find additional opportunities for scholarships that reward academic and athletic excellence together.

NCAA Division III: Scholarships

While NCAA Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships, they do provide academic scholarships. Talented gymnasts with stellar grades and test scores can benefit from these NCAA awards. In fact, excelling in the classroom can be just as important as performance in the team when it comes to securing an athletic scholarship at this level.

Male and Female Athletes' Gymnastics Programs

Both women’s and men’s gymnastics offer abundant opportunities for college scholarships, serving as a gateway for talented athletes to pursue higher education while continuing their athletic careers.

Men’s and women’s gymnastics scholarships are available across NCAA divisions and provide financial support and academic opportunities, rewarding athletes for their dedication and excellence in the sport. Whether securing a full-ride scholarship at a men’s gymnastics Division I institution or earning academic scholarships at Division III schools for women, gymnasts have the chance to maximize their college journey while competing at the collegiate level against different teams.

Remember: There are tons of ways to get scholarships. If you are an athlete and part of any minority, you can also apply to other specific scholarships and use your athlete story for the application.

More Options: Gymnastics Scholarships

Ready to seize your opportunities? Check our blog to find endless information and additional tips on how to apply for scholarships according to your story. Start applying for these scholarships today if you belong to any of these groups:

Scholarships for Minorities

Scholarships for Black Students

Scholarships for Women

Scholarships for Hispanic Students

Muslim Scholarships

How to Apply for a Gymnastics Scholarship

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Academic and Athletic Preparation:

Consider achieving a high level of gymnastics skill. In addition, aim to compete at regional competitions, Level 10, or be part of Elite Gymnasium Training Centers.

2. NCAA Eligibility Center Registration:

Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center to become eligible for recruitment by college coaches.

3. Create a Skills Video:

Compile a video showcasing your gymnastics skills, routines, talent, and competition highlights in the country.

4. Reach Out to College Coaches in the Country:

Contact coaches at institutions within USA gymnastics programs you’re interested in. Send personalized emails, including a video of your skills and sports resume detailing your achievements and talent.

Additional Resources for College Gymnastics Scholarships

Online Scholarship Search Engines

These platforms are invaluable for finding scholarships tailored to college gymnastics athletes. Websites like Bold.org offer a streamlined way to discover opportunities that align with your skills and achievements.

Guidance from a Coach

Your high school or club gymnastics coach is a wealth of knowledge about scholarships. Coaches can provide personalized advice and may even help you connect with accredited college scouts.

Don't forget to explore a men's or women's gymnastics scholarship through your intended school's athletic department to support your athletic and academic journey.

Local Gymnastics Clubs and Organizations

Don’t overlook the support system only from your coaches. Local clubs often have information on University scholarships or may provide a funding program to exceptional gymnastics athletes within their community.

Are you on a college gymnastics team? Start applying for scholarships today to help you pay for school, even if they're partial athletic scholarships–every bit counts!