Competing on the collegiate stage is a dream high school football athletes work hard to achieve. However, the first step to entering the world of college athletics is to find and secure scholarships that will fund your education. 🏈
There are many amazing colleges with football scholarships in the US alone, and this guide can help you pick the best one. So, lace up your cleats and get ready to explore the fantastic opportunities awaiting you! ✨
- 1. Augustana University
- 2. University of Alabama
- 3. University of Michigan
- 4. Auburn University
- 5. University of Notre Dame
- 6. University of Oklahoma
- 7. West Virginia University
- 8. Pennsylvania State University
- 9. University of Southern California
- 10. Clemson University
- 11. University of Georgia (UGA)
- 12. Louisiana State University (LSU)
- US Colleges with Football Scholarships: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Augustana University
Around 34 percent of student-athletes kickstart their sports journey at this university with the Augustana Athletic Grant — a grant awarded to outstanding student-athletes competing in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II athletics for the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference.
This aid will help pay for tuition by considering academic achievements, talents, interests, and other qualifications, ensuring that all deserving student-athletes receive support. They can snag $20,000 per year (or a full-tuition scholarship) based on their athletic skill, financial situation, and available funds. ✔️
But to qualify, students must excel at the NCAA Division II level, meet academic criteria, and show financial need. Maintaining a minimum 3.0 GPA is also mandatory, emphasizing the university’s commitment to academic success alongside athletic prowess. ⭐
Good to know: All recipients are paired with a dedicated counselor to guide them through the scholarship process. They can also enjoy time management workshops and free tutoring services.
2. University of Alabama
The Crimson Tide football program is renowned for its exceptional talent pool, which includes top-tier players like Derrick Thomas, Julio Jones, and legendary head coach Nick Saban. These players compete in the highest division of college football, the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS).
Alabama provides both automatic merit scholarships and competitive scholarships that ensure balanced distribution to all key positions: 43 scholarships for offense, 42 for defense, and 1 for special teams. Certain awards cover a full four-year tuition and housing package, and unlike most scholarships, the school’s Alabama Prestige Scholarship offers a truly statewide representation. 🏅
Every public high school in Alabama has at least one student recipient, ensuring a geographically diverse scholar community. 📣
Good to know: The academic requirements vary for each scholarship. In-state students need to hit a 3.5 GPA.
3. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan boasts a rich football tradition as an 11-time national champion. But for aspiring student-athletes, what does a Wolverines scholarship entail?
It turns out that being an exceptional football player is not enough because their scholarships prioritize well-rounded individuals, evaluating academic performance, personality, and overall attitude. ✨
The Michigan Wolverines compete in the NCAA Division I FBS, battling it out in the Big Ten Conference. The program is led by Athletic Director David Brandon and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, with a renowned coaching staff to support them. 🐺
Due to the unique nature of athletic scholarships, they require a separate application process. Applicants must be registered with the NCAA for eligibility and meet minimum academic benchmarks, including GPA and ACT/SAT scores.
4. Auburn University
Become a legend under the Southeastern Conference (SEC) lights at Auburn University! This isn’t just another football program — it’s your chance to forge your legacy in the heart of the SEC and NCAA Division I FBS. 👏
At Auburn, the recruiting operations team offers personalized attention to every potential recruit, assisting with communication, visits, tutoring, and counseling to foster academic success. The Jordan-Hare Stadium is equipped with state-of-the-art training facilities, weight rooms, and practice fields, all aimed at enhancing athlete performance. 🏋️
Scholar-athletes at Auburn benefit from a comprehensive athletic scholarship that covers tuition, mandatory fees, room and board (for on-campus living), books, and other necessary course materials. The scholarship can extend for up to ten semesters, with financial aid directly applied to the student’s account and meal money conveniently deducted from their student ID. 🪪
5. University of Notre Dame
Playing for the University of Notre Dame’s Fighting Irish goes beyond a renowned program with a rich history (though that’s pretty amazing, too). As a Catholic school, Notre Dame fosters strong character and service. Their “Play Like a Champion Today” motto extends beyond the field, with a supportive alumni network and an electric game-day atmosphere.
Their athletic scholarships cover tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. This financial aid is automatically applied to your student account, making the process smooth and stress-free. ✨
Unlike conference-locked schools, Notre Dame controls its schedule, guaranteeing high-profile matchups and national TV exposure for every game. The weight rooms and recovery centers found at Guglielmino Athletics Complex are also one-of-a-kind.
Good to know: Scholarships cover most expenses, but summer semesters may require separate financial aid approval. On-campus residency is mandatory for the first six semesters.
6. University of Oklahoma
Established in 1890, this school is a member of Division I-A of the Big 12 Conference and boasts a strong coaching staff under the direction of Head Coach Brent Venables and his group of seasoned coordinators. The best high school athletes in the country are drawn to OU because of its seven national titles, seven Heisman Trophy winners, and a distinguished squad that is inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. 🏆
The UO Athletics Department offers full-ride scholarships covering everything (room, board, tuition, and fees) along with academic support, training facilities, and a thrilling game-day atmosphere.
Scholars also get help with their studies through academic advising, tutoring, and resources from The Prentice Gautt Academic Center. 🧑🏫
7. West Virginia University
WVU’s Mountaineer athletic scholarship program is backed by the hard work of the WVU Intercollegiate Athletics Department. Through fundraising, ticket sales, sponsorships, and media coverage, they generate funds to support student-athletes. 🎟️
The scholarship amount will depend on a student’s residency status: in-state students can expect an award of around $16,000 annually, while out-of-state student-athletes may receive closer to $26,000.
Additionally, WVU boasts a top-notch football facility, the Milan Puskar Center, which underwent a $55 million renovation from 2020 to 2021. It includes upgraded locker rooms and training facilities, a players’ lounge with a barber shop and recording studio, a team room, a replica ESPN College GameDay set, and a creative studio for the head coach. 💇
Their Mountaineer Academic Incentive Program also rewards student-athletes who excel academically, awarding $1.5 million annually and recognizing factors like academic progress and retention.
8. Pennsylvania State University
A compelling financial aid program awaits football players who choose Penn State. Currently, 85 student-athletes enjoy full scholarships, covering tuition, fees, room and board, and other expenses. 💰
The NCAA has limited scholarship athletes to only 85 per team, but Penn State strategically allocates these opportunities. With 16 freshmen likely to redshirt (sit out a year), this allows for 64 recruited players to receive full scholarships and participate immediately.
The true value of a Penn State football scholarship extends beyond the base amount. Combined with Pell Grants and cost-of-attendance (COA) stipends, the total package can exceed $223,000 for in-state students and $317,500 for out-of-state students over four years. 💵
9. University of Southern California
Boasting 11 Division I National Championships, seven Rose Bowl victories, and a record-breaking 510 NFL draft picks, USC is a magnet for the nation’s most talented high school football players. 🙌
USC’s athletic scholarships are awarded based on recommendations from the Athletics Department. It can be a fixed amount or a percentage of the total Cost of Attendance (COA).
Scholarship opportunities range from textbook assistance to full financial support — textbooks, tuition, fees, and a stipend for housing, dining, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses. The exact value of the stipend depends on the specific scholarship percentage within the 77 to 100 percent range. 🏠
10. Clemson University
Aspiring student-athletes at Clemson University in South Carolina have nearly unparalleled opportunities, thanks to the university’s impressive 84 football scholarships, just shy of the NCAA’s maximum of 85.
The Tigers’ program provides access to various financial aid such as Pell Grants, the NCAA Student-Athlete Assistance Fund, and other grants. These scholarships cover tuition, fees, books, and housing, and may also include travel to games, meals, and academic tutoring. 💵
Scholarships are awarded annually. To retain their financial support, student-athletes must meet specific academic and athletic performance standards set by Clemson University and the NCAA.
Additionally, the total value of the scholarship cannot exceed the total cost of attendance. If a student receives non-athletic aid, they must report it promptly to ensure compliance with NCAA regulations. ✅
11. University of Georgia (UGA)
UGA has an impressive track record of back-to-back national championships and 16 conference titles, including 14 in the competitive Southeastern Conference, where they rank second all-time. 🥇
Their dominance extends to bowl games, with a record-setting 61 appearances, the second-highest number in college football history.
These impressive achievements are built upon a program steeped in tradition. Prominent alumni athletes like Herschel Walker and Bob McWhorter stand as testaments to UGA’s rich history, inspiring current players to add their chapters to the legacy. 📣
The excitement of competition is just one part of the UGA experience. Their athletic scholarship program is committed to developing successful players, both on and off the field, with its state-of-the-art facilities and coaching staff dedicated to student-athlete success.
12. Louisiana State University (LSU)
Louisiana State University (LSU) is a breeding ground for football champions — think national titles, Heisman winners, and the NFL — because the school invests in its players. Take its competitive scholarship package, for example! 🔊
LSU offers full athletic scholarships to its Division I athletes, and the top-tier exposure these students get from competing in prestigious conferences can set them for the future. 🤝
Not only does LSU offer full athletic scholarships to cover all costs, but the Tigers compete in the prestigious Southeastern Conference, giving student-athletes a chance to play against the nation’s best, like the University of Alabama (Crimson Tide).
Good to know: LSU coaches are convinced by skill, so create highlight videos with your best moves and attend boot camps to expose you to college-level play.
You are fortunate to be studying in a country that has plenty of colleges with football scholarships. If this is the path for you, time to get serious and hustle your way to earning that aid.
Do your research, reach out to coaches, and showcase your skills — your next touchdown could lead you to incredible college experiences. 🔍
US Colleges with Football Scholarships: Frequently Asked Questions
How to get football scholarships in America?
The most crucial step is to ensure that both academic and athletic eligibility requirements are met. Be aware of the minimum GPA required and comply with NCAA rules on core course completion, amateur status, and more.
Next, create an online profile with highlight reels of your best plays. This helps scouts and coaches see your skills easily. Playing competitively in a strong high school team will also help you gather impressive footage for these profiles.
What is a full-ride football scholarship?
A full college football scholarship, covering housing, meals, textbooks, tuition, and fees, can be worth up to $300,000 over four years. In exchange, student-athletes must maintain high academic standing and participate in college football.
How many US college football teams are there?
There are currently 131 FBS college football teams that compete for the national championship title each year.
These teams are part of different conferences, such as the Big Ten Conference, Southeastern Conference (SEC), Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Pac-12 Conference, Big 12 Conference, American Athletic Conference (AAC), Mountain West Conference, and Sun Belt Conference.
Do US football scholars get paid?
No. US football scholars do not receive a direct salary, but they receive a generous financial aid package to cover a significant portion of their education costs. Student-athletes are expected to do well on the field and in the classroom in exchange.
How many football scholarships are awarded annually?
There’s no single, definitive figure. Football scholarships are awarded annually in varying numbers depending on factors like the competition level and university policies. In NCAA Division I, each team typically offers 85 scholarships, leading to thousands awarded annually due to the large number of teams.
Division II schools can offer up to 36 scholarships per team, while Division III focuses more on financial aid than athletic scholarships. Additionally, NAIA schools and Junior Colleges also provide football scholarships at different rates.
What are partial scholarships?
Full football scholarships are competitive, but partial scholarships and walk-on opportunities do exist. Partial scholarships cover a portion of a student-athlete’s tuition and fees, while walk-on opportunities allow students to try out for a spot on a college football team without having a prior scholarship offer.