Yes! D2 colleges indeed offer athletic scholarships. These scholarships cover the full or partial cost of tuition, fees, room and board, and books.
Types of Athletic Scholarships at D2 Schools
NCAA Division II schools offer two main types of athletic scholarships:
- Full scholarships: Cover the full cost of attendance (COA), including tuition, fees, room and board, and books.
- Partial scholarships: Cover only a portion of the COA, leaving the student responsible for the remaining balance.
How to Qualify for a D2 Athletic Scholarship
To be eligible for an athletic scholarship at a D2 school, you must meet certain requirements, including:
- Academic eligibility: You must meet the NCAA’s minimum academic requirements, including a specific GPA and SAT/ACT score.
- Athletic ability: You must demonstrate exceptional athletic ability in your chosen sport.
- NCAA eligibility: You must be a student-athlete in good standing with the NCAA and have completed the NCAA Clearinghouse process.
Tips for Getting a D2 Athletic Scholarship
- Start early: Begin researching D2 schools and coaches that might be a good fit for your academic and athletic abilities.
- Build a strong resume: Highlight your athletic achievements, academic record, and community involvement.
- Network with coaches: Attend sports camps, showcase events, and visit D2 schools to connect with coaches.
- Get good grades: Maintain a high GPA to ensure academic eligibility.
- Prepare for Standardized Tests: Do well on the SAT or ACT to improve your scholarship chances.
Pros and Cons of D2 Athletic Scholarships
Pros:
- Financial assistance: Scholarships can help cover the cost of college, reducing financial burden.
- Academic support: D2 schools provide academic support services to help student-athletes succeed.
- Competitive competition: D2 sports offer a competitive level of play while allowing for a balanced academic and athletic experience.
Cons:
- Limited scholarship funds: D2 schools have less scholarship money available compared to D1 schools.
- Less exposure: D2 sports receive less media coverage and attention than D1 sports.
- Increased academic demands: Balancing athletics and academics can be challenging, especially during competition seasons.
FAQs
1. How much do D2 athletic scholarships cover?
Answer: It varies, but full scholarships cover the full cost of COA, while partial scholarships cover a percentage of it.
2. Can I get a D2 athletic scholarship in any sport?
Answer: No, only sports that are sanctioned by the NCAA are eligible for athletic scholarships.
3. When should I start applying for scholarships?
Answer: As early as possible, especially if you plan to play a high-demand sport.
4. What are some popular sports for D2 scholarships?
Answer: Basketball, baseball, softball, football, soccer, volleyball, and track and field.
5. Do I need to be recruited to receive a scholarship?
Answer: While most scholarship recipients are recruited, it’s possible to earn a scholarship through open tryouts or walk-on opportunities.
6. Can I lose my scholarship if I don’t perform well?
Answer: Yes, scholarships are typically contingent upon maintaining a certain level of athletic performance and academic standing.
