Yes, many Division 3 schools offer scholarships to their athletes. In fact, over 90% of Division 3 schools offer some form of athletic scholarship, and many of these scholarships cover the full cost of tuition and fees. Financial aid is one of the most important factors that full-ride student-athletes consider when choosing a college, so it is important to research the financial aid options available at your prospective schools.
What is a Division 3 School?
Division 3 is the lowest level of intercollegiate athletics in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Division 3 schools are typically smaller than Division 1 and Division 2 schools, and they offer a more balanced approach to academics and athletics. Division 3 schools do not offer athletic scholarships, but they do offer academic scholarships and financial aid packages that can help you pay for your education.
Types of Scholarships Offered by Division 3 Schools
There are a variety of scholarships that Division 3 schools can offer to their athletes. These scholarships can be based on a variety of factors, including academic achievement, athletic ability, and financial need.
- Academic Scholarships: Academic scholarships are awarded to students who have excelled in their academic studies. These scholarships are typically based on your GPA and SAT or ACT scores, and smaller in amount than athletic scholarships.
- Athletic Scholarships: Athletic scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional athletic ability. These scholarships are typically based on performance on a sports team and calculated based on how much of the cost of attendance is left after other financial aid, such as academic scholarships and grants.
- Need-Based Scholarships: Need-based scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. These scholarships are typically based on your family’s income and assets, as well as expected family income.
How to Get a Scholarship to a Division 3 School
If you are interested in getting a scholarship to a Division 3 school, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances.
- Get good grades. Academic scholarships are awarded to students who have excelled in their academic studies. So, if you want to get a scholarship, you need to make sure you are getting good grades in your classes.
- Be a good athlete. Athletic scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated exceptional athletic ability. So, if you want to get a scholarship, you need to make sure you are a good athlete.
- Apply for scholarships. There are a variety of scholarships available to Division 3 athletes. So, if you are interested in getting a scholarship, you need to apply for them.
Benefits of Attending a Division 3 School
There are a number of benefits to attending a Division 3 school. These benefits include:
- Smaller class sizes. Division 3 schools typically have smaller class sizes than Division 1 and Division 2 schools. This means that you will have more opportunities to get to know your professors and classmates.
- More personalized attention. Division 3 schools typically offer more personalized attention to their students. This means that you will have more opportunities to get the help you need from your professors and advisors.
- More opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities. Division 3 schools typically offer a wider range of extracurricular activities than Division 1 and Division 2 schools. This means that you will have more opportunities to get involved in activities that you enjoy.
- More affordable. Division 3 schools are typically more affordable than Division 1 and Division 2 schools. This is because Division 3 schools do not offer athletic scholarships.
Conclusion
If you are a student-athlete who is looking for a more balanced approach to academics and athletics, then a Division 3 school may be the right choice for you. Division 3 schools offer a variety of scholarships to their athletes, and they provide a more personalized and affordable college experience.
Additional Information
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
Tables
| Type of Scholarship | Criteria | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Scholarship | GPA, SAT/ACT scores | Varies |
| Athletic Scholarship | Athletic ability | Varies |
| Need-Based Scholarship | Financial need | Varies |
| Division 3 School | Location | Tuition and Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Amherst College | Amherst, MA | $57,200 |
| Bowdoin College | Brunswick, ME | $56,900 |
| Carleton College | Northfield, MN | $55,700 |
| State | Number of Division 3 Schools | Total Athletic Scholarships Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| California | 40 | 1,500 |
| New York | 30 | 1,000 |
| Pennsylvania | 25 | 800 |
