Harvard University, one of the world’s most prestigious academic institutions, has a long and storied history. Founded in 1636, Harvard is one of the oldest universities in the United States and has produced countless notable alumni, including eight U.S. presidents.
Harvard is also known for its strong athletic program. The university fields 41 varsity teams, which compete in the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Harvard student-athletes have won 158 national championships, more than any other university in the country.
Given Harvard’s academic and athletic prowess, it is no surprise that many prospective student-athletes wonder if the university offers athletic scholarships. The answer is yes, Harvard does give athletic scholarships.
How Many Athletic Scholarships Does Harvard Give?
Harvard is a need-blind admissions institution, which means that the university does not consider an applicant’s financial need when making admissions decisions. This means that all admitted students, regardless of their financial need, are eligible for athletic scholarships.
Harvard does not disclose how many athletic scholarships it awards each year. However, according to the NCAA, the average Division I FBS school awards 85 athletic scholarships per year. It is likely that Harvard awards a similar number of scholarships.
What Sports Offer Athletic Scholarships at Harvard?
Harvard offers athletic scholarships in all of its 41 varsity sports. These sports include:
- Baseball
- Basketball
- Crew
- Cross country
- Fencing
- Field hockey
- Football
- Golf
- Gymnastics
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Rowing
- Rugby
- Sailing
- Soccer
- Softball
- Squash
- Swimming and diving
- Tennis
- Track and field
- Volleyball
- Water polo
How to Get an Athletic Scholarship to Harvard
There are no guarantees when it comes to getting an athletic scholarship to Harvard. However, there are a few things that prospective student-athletes can do to improve their chances:
- Be a top student. Harvard is a highly selective university, so prospective student-athletes need to have strong academic credentials. This means getting good grades in high school and scoring well on the SAT or ACT.
- Be a talented athlete. Harvard only awards athletic scholarships to the best athletes in the country. Prospective student-athletes need to have a proven track record of success in their sport. This means winning championships, earning all-conference honors, or being ranked among the top recruits in the country.
- Be a good fit for Harvard. Harvard is looking for student-athletes who are not only talented on the field, but also in the classroom and in the community. Prospective student-athletes should make sure to visit Harvard, meet with the coaches, and learn about the university’s academic and athletic programs.
Conclusion
Getting an athletic scholarship to Harvard is a difficult task, but it is not impossible. Prospective student-athletes who are willing to work hard and put in the time have a good chance of earning a scholarship to one of the world’s most prestigious universities.