Top Rowing Scholarships to Apply for in May 2025

So you’ve fallen in love with rowing—the early mornings on the water, the teamwork, the drive to improve—and now you’re wondering how to turn your time and effort into a college scholarship. Great news: rowing scholarships are available, especially for hardworking student-athletes like you.

Whether you row port or starboard, cox or scull, this article will help you earn college rowing scholarships and get one step closer to graduating debt-free! We've researched opportunities from US Rowing, one of the premier college rowing organizations, and the Next Student College Athlete (NCSA) organization.

Since rowing is an equivalency sport, few universities offer men's rowing scholarships in substantial amounts due to the NCAA school limit on how funds are distributed among male and female teams. Even so, both men and women rowers face difficulty in affording college.

At Bold.org, we're here to support you with our expert insights and tips in the scholarship process! We'll go over the top college rowing scholarships available, how to apply for them, and tips on creating a winning application.

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Best Rowing Scholarships

1. Athletic Scholarships

Rowing was the oldest intercollegiate sport in the United States and has since endured with a strong legacy. As a rower, these athletic scholarships will be perfect for your skill set and the support you may be looking for! Additionally, many college rowing programs across the country offer athletic scholarships to exceptional athletes.

2. Merit-Based Scholarships

If you're a prospective or current student-rower, your talents could land you valuable scholarship money through merit-based scholarships. Aside from getting recruited by Ivy League schools and other top universities, merit-based scholarships are another way for smart athletes to leverage every aspect of their student resumes. These awards like to see students who have dedicated themselves wholeheartedly to their passion, and becoming a collegiate rower is one prime example of that!

Scholarships for College Rowing Students by Major

1. Business Scholarships

Closely related to economics, a business degree is often popular among athletes. A 2015 study found that business was the most popular major among football athletes from the nation's major college conferences. Many athletes go on to leverage their platforms and talents to create or endorse brands, making their business knowledge an invaluable asset.

2. Computer Science Scholarships

Computer science has become one of the most popular majors in recent years, and for good reason. With many of our world's services becoming digitalized, having a mind for the web can make you a very attractive candidate for many fields.

3. Marketing Scholarships

While athletes can sometimes support themselves off prize winnings, many engage with brand deals and sponsorships to support their athletic dreams. Having a background in marketing can be extremely helpful when navigating this commercial side of athletics, which essentially boils down to a popularity game.

Rowing Scholarships by State

1. California Scholarships

As one of the largest states in the country by geography and the largest by population, California students gain access to a plethora of resources for rowing. Many of the top rowing colleges in the nation, like Stanford University, also attract many talented rowers to the sunny shores and rivers of this state! These West Coast schools often offer scholarships to both experienced and novice rowers.

2. Massachusetts Scholarships

Massachusetts is home to one of the participants in the first intercollegiate rowing race, the Harvard-Yale Regatta. It boasts some of the best rowing spots in the US, and East Coast educational institutions like Boston University and Northeastern University lead the way. If you're a rower headed to a prestigious rowing university in Massachusetts, these scholarships are for you!

3. New Jersey Scholarships

Over the past few decades, the NCAA Division I rowing championships have been held in a variety of places, with New Jersey often frequenting the list. From West Windsor to Cherry Hill, this coastal state's challenging and picturesque locations attract many student rowers to its notable institutions, many of which fund rowing programs for athletes.

How to Apply for College Rowing Scholarships

Step 1: Understand the Types of Rowing Scholarships

Start by knowing what’s out there. In the U.S., rowing scholarships are primarily available at the NCAA Division I and Division II levels. Many of these are women's college rowing scholarships.

Women's rowing programs are affiliated with the NCAA. However, men’s rowing is usually considered a sanctioned sport outside the NCAA, governed by the IRA. Opportunities often come in the form of academic-related financial opportunities. Men's rowing scholarships nationwide are limited, and many schools have club rowing teams rather than varsity men's programs.

There are also non-NCAA scholarships, including those from your local rowing club, regional associations, or private organizations like US Rowing. These can help you find rowing scholarships that are not tied to school aid.

Step 2: Build a Rowing Resume

You’ll want a strong rowing-specific athletic resume. Here’s what to include:

1. Your erg scores (2k, 5k, 6k times—include dates)
2. Height and weight
3. Position (port, starboard, sculler, coxswain)
4. Years of experience
5. Regattas raced and results
6. Coach’s contact information
7. Academic stats (GPA, test scores)

Coxswains should also include audio recordings from races or practices, as well as notes on leadership experience, commands, and steering skills.

Apply for financial assistance grants or academic scholarships in addition to rowing scholarships. Your academic history, combined with your rowing resume, can win you full and partial scholarships.

Step 3: Register with the NCAA Eligibility Center

If you’re aiming for a Division I or II scholarship, register with the NCAA Eligibility Center (formerly the Clearinghouse). This verifies your academic and amateur status. It’s essential for being recruited officially.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. High school transcripts
2. Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)
3. A completed amateurism certificate

Step 4: Attend Rowing Camps and ID Clinics

Many college men's rowing programs and women’s teams run summer camps or ID clinics. Camps and clinics allow you to row in front of college rowing coaches, get feedback, and build relationships. These can be powerful recruiting tools and offer valuable exposure, increasing your chances of moving forward in the rowing scholarship process.

Additionally, if you’re aiming for a Division I or II scholarship, register with the NCAA Eligibility Center. It’s a necessary step to compete under NCAA or IRA governance.

Step 6: Apply to a School

Once you’ve connected with a coach and they’re interested, they’ll guide you through the admissions and scholarship process. Some may offer a verbal commitment or National Letter of Intent (NLI), depending on the division. Be sure to apply to the college through the standard application process as well.

Getting accepted and attending college is often recommended, and sometimes a requirement, for many private scholarships. Research colleges to find the right fit among the many collegiate rowing programs.

Tips for Applying to Rowing or Academic Scholarships

1. Use Community Resources

Local organizations are often less competitive since only residents can qualify. They can also connect you with members of the community who may support your academic, athletic, and personal journeys in various ways, including potential connections to many sports teams.

2. Present Yourself Holistically

While it may seem like you should talk about your rowing skills in your scholarship applications, committees also want to see that you have a life outside rowing. Whether this is community service or personal projects, present yourself as a well-rounded individual.

3. Reach Out to Organizations and College Rowing Coaches

Don't hesitate to email the scholarship organization or provider with questions about the application before you apply. It's also good etiquette to send a thank-you note or email to the organization if you are awarded the scholarship!

Additional Resources to Afford Rowing Programs

1. U.S. Sports Rowing Scholarship

This scholarship not only provides financial support (up to a full scholarship!), but it also provides amazing 1-on-1 mentorship and college support. By securing one of the 50 spots in this rowing scholarship program, you'll be guaranteed a strong network of rowers, athletes, and coaches to push you to new heights in collegiate men's rowing competitions or women’s teams.

2. United We Row Scholarship

As one of the nation's premier rowing organizations, US Rowing provides financial aid through United We Row to attend their highly competitive U19 and U23 Selection Camps. While their scholarship opportunities only go towards the cost of the camp, and not school tuition, these camps are invaluable opportunities to further your rowing skills and earn a spot in national championships.

3. NCSA College Recruiting Scholarships

The Next Student College Athlete (NCSA) organization offers two things that may help you with your college finances: a portal where student-athletes can apply for scholarships, and a handy college search tool that provides you with information about the scholarships they offer. The NCSA has a page for women's and men's college rowing scholarships.

Access our blog to find more resources and guides! With the right finance plan, you should be able to afford any rowing programs you apply for. Good funding makes for smooth sailing.