U.S Water Polo Scholarships

How do I Get a Water Polo Scholarship in the U.S?

Securing a water polo scholarship to study and compete at a U.S. college is an exciting opportunity for talented athletes around the world. For many student-athletes, it’s a chance to combine a world-class education with high-level athletic development in one of the most competitive and professionally run collegiate sports systems in the world. However, the process is complex and competitive. Understanding how recruitment works, what coaches are looking for, and how to prepare is crucial if you want to turn your water polo talent into a scholarship offer.

If you are between the ages of 15 and 20, actively playing water polo at a competitive level, currently enrolled in school (or have been within the last 12 months), and have a clean academic and behavioral record, you may be eligible to apply for a water polo scholarship in the U.S.

While there are opportunities at multiple levels, the reality is that only the top-performing athletes are considered for scholarships by college coaches. To stand out, you should be competing at a high regional or national level, ideally with experience in club, academy, or national team environments. Strong video footage, statistics, and references from coaches or national federations can all help boost your profile.

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.

Who Is Eligible for a U.S. Water Polo Scholarship?

If you are between the ages of 15 and 20, actively playing water polo at a competitive level, currently enrolled in school (or have been within the last 12 months), and have a clean academic and behavioural record, you may be eligible to apply for a water polo scholarship in the U.S.

While there are opportunities at multiple levels, the reality is that only the top-performing athletes are considered for scholarships by college coaches. To stand out, you should be competing at a high regional or national level, ideally with experience in club, academy, or national team environments. Strong video footage, statistics, and references from coaches or national federations can all help boost your profile.

Why Choose the U.S. for Water Polo?

There are over 100 women’s and 80 men’s varsity water polo programs across the United States. These are spread primarily across NCAA Division I and II schools, with a smaller number in the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics) and NJCAA (Junior College level). The U.S. college system is known for its professional coaching, world-class facilities, competitive match schedules, and strong links to international and professional play.

For female athletes in particular, opportunities are even more promising due to the presence of Title IX legislation, which ensures equitable support and funding for women’s sports.

Because water polo is a smaller NCAA sport compared to swimming or soccer, recruitment can be highly selective—but it also means international athletes who perform well stand a real chance of being recruited and funded.

Top Frequently Asked Questions About Water Polo Scholarships USA

Understanding how the scholarship system works is essential if you want to compete for one. Below are the most common questions student-athletes and parents have about the U.S. college water polo recruitment process.

1. How Do I Begin the Process?

Start by researching universities that sponsor varsity water polo programs. Understand which division they compete in—NCAA Division I, Division II, NAIA, or NJCAA—and which ones offer athletic scholarships. Every level has different expectations in terms of athletic ability, academic achievement, and scholarship funding. If you work with U.S Sports Scholarships, we’ll evaluate your academic background and playing history to help you target schools that align with your profile and goals.

2. What Kind of Athletic Level Is Required?

This depends on the division and the school. NCAA Division I water polo programs are the most competitive, often recruiting athletes who have played internationally or at the highest levels of their national youth teams. These coaches are looking for physically strong, tactically smart, and technically proficient players—typically starters on their current teams. Division II and NAIA schools may still recruit very talented players but may accept athletes with less elite experience if they show strong potential, a great work ethic, and versatility. Video is key—coaches will rarely recruit a player without seeing them in action. Having match highlights, full-game footage, and relevant stats (e.g., goals, steals, saves for goalkeepers) is essential.

3. What Are the Academic Requirements?

Athletic scholarships are only available to student-athletes who also meet academic requirements. For NCAA schools, this means completing a certain number of core high school subjects, maintaining a minimum GPA (usually around 2.3–2.5), and potentially taking standardised tests like the SAT or ACT (requirements can vary). NAIA schools also have academic standards but often offer more flexibility. Strong grades will always improve your chances of scholarship funding and help you stand out in a competitive applicant pool.

4. When Should I Start the Process?

Ideally, you should begin working on your recruitment during your sophomore (Year 10) or junior year (Year 11) of secondary school. U.S. college coaches typically start looking at athletes around the age of 16 or even earlier for top prospects. Starting early allows time to build your profile, prepare video content, research schools, and meet eligibility requirements without rushing.

5. What Should Be in My Recruiting Profile?

A professional recruiting profile includes:
– Personal and contact information
– Position (field player or goalkeeper)
– Height, weight, dominant hand
– Club and national team experience
– Key statistics (goals, assists, blocks, saves, etc.)
– Academic information (GPA, courses, test scores)
– Match video highlights and full-game footage
– A short personal statement outlining your goals

All of our signed athletes receive hands-on support in building and maintaining their recruiting profiles to maximise their exposure.

6. Do I Need an Agency to Get Recruited?

It’s possible to get recruited on your own—but if you’re unfamiliar with the U.S. system, lack access to coaches, or don’t know where to start, using a recruitment service can be a game changer. We’ve helped hundreds of international athletes successfully navigate the process and land scholarships they may not have found otherwise. We provide direct access to coaches, knowledge of the U.S. academic system, and insight into what each team is looking for.

7. What Are the Differences Between the Divisions?

NCAA Division I: Top-tier competition with the most scholarship funding. Very selective.
NCAA Division II: Competitive, but slightly less intense than D1. Still offers athletic scholarships.
NCAA Division III: No athletic scholarships but offers strong academics and generous academic/merit aid.
NAIA: More flexible on eligibility and often more welcoming to international athletes.
NJCAA: Two-year junior colleges that can provide a stepping stone to a four-year program.

8. Can International Players Receive Scholarships?

Yes – U.S. college water polo programs regularly recruit international players. Coaches actively seek diversity and international playing styles to build strong, well-rounded teams. As an international athlete, you’ll need to meet both the athletic and academic standards, and you’ll also need to apply for a student visa and provide proof of English language proficiency (e.g., TOEFL, IELTS).

9. How Likely Am I to Get a Full Scholarship?

Full scholarships are rare in water polo and usually reserved for top-tier recruits. Most coaches divide their budget across multiple players to build a well-rounded squad. That said, a partial scholarship combined with academic and need-based aid can still cover most of your costs. Performance, academics, and your relationship with the coach will all influence the size of your offer.

10. How Can I Gain Visibility With U.S. Coaches?

One of the most effective ways to get noticed is by participating in competitions where U.S. college coaches are scouting. Events like international tournaments, national championships, and showcase camps (especially those held in the U.S.) are common recruiting grounds. If traveling to the U.S. isn’t an option, high-quality video footage from official games is essential. Coaches want to see how you play in real match settings—not just training drills. Even better, if you’re competing against recognised teams or players, make sure to highlight that in your video and profile. We work closely with athletes to identify exposure opportunities and ensure their footage and achievements reach the right coaches at the right time.

Schools Sponsoring Varsity Water Polo Teams

USA Water Polo Scholarships

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

To find out more about the water polo 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.