U.S Swimming Scholarships

How do I get a swimming scholarship in America?

If you are aged between 15-20, in education or have been in the last 12 months and have a clean criminal record whilst swimming at a competitive level, you are well positioned to become a successful U.S Sports Scholarship applicant. However, only the best young swimmers will be considered for a swimming scholarship by coaches so ideally you need to be swimming at the highest level in your region or nationally.

There are over 600 women’s and 500 men’s swimming programs in American college sport. It is one of the most competitive sporting environments at the collegiate level and regarded by most amateurs as the premier environment to develop your performance. Swimming is a highly competitive sport for obtaining a scholarship, with coaches looking for internationally experienced players.

U.S Sports Scholarships is like no other service provider in the world in that we only offer 50 places on our recruitment programme each year to ensure that every single swimmer receives the necessary time and personal attention to take them through the complex process of finding a suitable school in America; helping them secure the best possible financial package. To help achieve this, each student-athlete is assigned their own designated representative who is with them every step of the way. If you think you have what it takes to play and study in the USA on a rowing scholarship, please complete our free online application now.

To find out more about the swimming scholarship process, fill out our form and a U.S Sports Scholarships consultant will be in touch to answer any questions you may have. Alternatively, you can register for one of our UK swimming Information Days where our expert team will deliver a detailed presentation that will provide you with information on the entire process and how we can help you with securing a rowing scholarship. If this is of interest please complete our free online application now.

Top Frequently Asked Questions

Securing a swimming scholarship at a U.S. college is a dream for many athletes who wish to pursue higher education while continuing their passion for the sport. However, the process can be complex, and there are often many questions about how to make it happen. below are the top 10 most frequently asked questions we receive about securing a swimming scholarship at a college in America.

1. How do I start the process of getting a swimming scholarship?

The first step in securing a swimming scholarship is to research colleges that offer swimming programs and scholarships. Begin by identifying the division level (NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, or NJCAA) that suits your academic and athletic abilities. If you apply on our website we can also assist with this process or reviewing your eligibility for each governing body and division.

2. What level of swimming performance is needed for a scholarship?

Scholarship eligibility often depends on your swim times and how they compare to the team’s current athletes. For NCAA Division I schools, you typically need to be among the top swimmers in your country or region, with competitive times at national or even international levels. Division II and NAIA schools may require lower but still highly competitive times. It’s essential to check each school’s roster to understand their performance benchmarks.

3. What are the academic requirements to get a swimming scholarship?

Swimming scholarships are awarded to student-athletes, so both your swimming performance and academic records matter. For NCAA schools, you must meet the minimum academic eligibility standards, which include completing core courses, maintaining a minimum GPA, and potentially achieving a qualifying score on the SAT or ACT. Coaches will often expect you to be able to handle both academics and athletics, so maintaining a strong academic profile is crucial.

4. When should I start the process?

It’s recommended to start the process as early as your sophomore or junior year of high school. College coaches begin scouting swimmers early, especially for Division I programs. Building relationships with coaches early gives you more opportunities to get noticed.

5. How do I create a good swimming recruiting profile?

A strong recruiting profile includes personal information, your swim times, academic achievements, and links to videos of your races. You should also include a brief personal statement about your goals, both athletically and academically. Make sure to regularly update your profile with new swim times, awards, and any important academic updates. For all our signed athletes our expert time is on hand to assist all of this and to maximise coach exposure.

6. Do I need an athletic recruiting agency to help me get a scholarship?

Hiring the right recruiting agency is an essential part of the process of secure a swimming scholarship, specially if you’re unfamiliar with the process or have limited connections with U.S. colleges and coaches. Agencies can assist with reaching out to coaches, preparing your profile, and navigating the governing body regulations.

7. What should I include in my emails to college coaches?

When emailing college coaches, keep your message concise and professional. Include your full name, swim times, the events you compete in, your academic information (GPA, test scores where applicable), and your upcoming competition schedule. You should also include a link to your swimming videos or recruiting profile. Always personalise your email by mentioning why you’re interested in their program and how you can contribute to their team. For all our signed athletes our expert time is on hand to assist all of this and to maximise coach exposure.

8. What are the differences between NCAA Division I, II, and III scholarships?

The main difference lies in the type and amount of athletic scholarships available. NCAA Division I schools offer the most competitive swimming programs and often have the largest athletic scholarship budgets. Division II schools also offer scholarships but may have fewer funds. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships, but many provide merit-based financial aid to students who meet their academic standards. NAIA and NJCAA schools also offer scholarships and can be excellent alternatives to NCAA programs.

9. Can international swimmers get scholarships at American colleges?

Yes, international swimmers are eligible for scholarships at many U.S. colleges. In fact, many swimming teams actively recruit internationally to diversify and strengthen their rosters. International swimmers must follow the same recruiting process, and they may face additional steps, such as obtaining a student visa. It’s essential to communicate with college coaches early and clarify any requirements specific to international students.

10. What are my chances of getting a full-ride swimming scholarship?

Full-ride swimming scholarships are rare and typically reserved for the most elite athletes, especially at Division I schools. Coaches often divide their scholarship budget among multiple athletes to build a strong team. However, partial scholarships can still cover a significant portion of tuition, and many swimmers combine athletic scholarships with academic or need-based aid. Keep in mind that your performance and continued improvement can affect scholarship renewal each year.

USA Swimming Scholarships

How do I find out more about U.S Swimming Scholarships?

To find out more about the swimming scholarship process, fill out our form and a U.S Sports Scholarships consultant will be in touch to answer any questions you may have. If this is of interest please complete our free online application now.