HomeUS athletic scholarships
United States
College athletic scholarships
In the United States, college sport pays for part of your education, sometimes all of it. You still need to aim for the right division, with a compliant school record and a timeline that starts in Year 10.
The basics
A scholarship is a contract with a university
An athletic scholarship covers all or part of tuition, housing, meals or books. In return, the student represents the university and follows a full degree programme. The result is a real American degree.
Many scholarships are partial. That is normal, not a failure: they are often combined with academic aid based on grades. We always work out the remaining cost before a family commits.
The leagues
Five pathways, five logics
Scroll the table sideways on mobile.
| NCAA Division I | NCAA Division II | NCAA Division III | NAIA | NJCAA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Institutions | 361 large public and private universities | 297 universities, often human-sized | 416 institutions, mostly private | 235 small universities | 525 two-year colleges |
| Athletic aid | Yes. Since July 2025, many universities can fund the whole roster, budget permitting | Yes, mostly partial, combined with academic aid | No athletic aid | Yes, often partial | Depends on the college’s division, from full to none |
| Academics | 16 core courses, 10/7 rule, 2.3 GPA | 16 core courses, 2.2 GPA | Admission set by the institution | 2.3 GPA, or one of three conditions | Secondary school diploma |
| Best for | Exceptional athletes | The best balance of sport, studies and funding | Top students | Late starters, no age limit | Two years to improve before transferring |
NCAA, NAIA and NJCAA data checked in October 2026. Rules change: we recheck them for every file.
Academics
The school record is decided early
For NCAA Division I, the 10/7 rule requires ten core courses, seven of them in English, maths or science, completed before the final year of secondary school. In the Cameroonian system, that is settled from the equivalent of Year 10.
Division II asks for sixteen core courses over eight semesters and a 2.2 GPA. The NAIA accepts a 2.3 GPA, or one of three conditions based on GPA, class rank or a test score. Every transcript is translated and evaluated.
English and age
Two things that do not forgive
Universities require an English test, most often the Duolingo English Test. It takes a few months to prepare, provided you start early enough.
Since 2026, the NCAA uses a continuous five-year window to compete. It starts at the first full-time enrolment in higher education, anywhere in the world, or the academic year after the 19th birthday. A badly timed enrolment can cost seasons.
Timeline
When to start
Indicative milestones, adjusted to the sport and the graduation date.
Age 15 to 16
Check courses and grades, aim for the 10/7 rule if Division I is in view, start English.
Age 16 to 17
Eligibility assessment, first videos, statistics and benchmark competitions, English test preparation.
Final year, 17 to 18
Coach contacts, offers, admission, eligibility certification, then the student visa.
After graduation
Still possible, especially in the NAIA or NJCAA. Watch the NCAA five-year clock.
Our packages
Essential or Complete
Both packages cover assessment, orientation and file preparation. Complete adds full support until arrival on campus. Details and fees are given to you in writing after the assessment.
For families who want structure and clear steps
- Athletic and academic assessment
- Choice of pathway and target universities
- Profile, video and English test preparation
- Coach outreach
For end-to-end support
- Everything in Essential
- Follow-up of offers, admission and certification
- Visa file and departure preparation
- Follow-up after arrival
Test, certification, application and visa fees are paid by the family and listed in the contract.
Next step
Let’s look at your profile
The eligibility test takes two minutes. The discovery call is free, with no commitment.
contact@nsa-football.agency