Cracking the Code: Navigating College Sports Scholarships

If you’re a high school athlete eyeing that coveted D1 scholarship, you’re probably wondering which sports offer the smoothest path and which ones are a bit more like scaling Everest. Let’s break it down, give you the lowdown on the numbers, and help you find your winning game plan.

Easiest D1 Sports: A Closer Look

Men’s Scholarships: The Field of Opportunities

1. Lacrosse (12.6% Chance)

NCAA DI: 17 programs, 12.6 scholarships/team.
NCAA DII: 75 programs, 10.8 scholarships/team.
JUCO: 28 programs, 20 scholarships/team.

2. Ice Hockey (12.1% Chance)

NCAA DI: 60 programs, 18 scholarships/team.
NCAA DII: 7 programs, 13.5 scholarships/team.

3. Baseball (11.5% Chance)

NCAA DI: 299 programs, 11.7 scholarships/team.
NCAA DII: 274 programs, 9 scholarships/team.
NAIA: 184 programs, 12 scholarships/team.

4. Football (7.1% Chance)

NCAA DI: 255 programs, 63-85 scholarships/team.
NCAA DII: 170 programs, 36 scholarships/team.
NAIA: 85 programs, 24 scholarships/team.

5. Swimming (7.0% Chance)

NCAA DI: 143 programs, 9.9 scholarships/team.
NCAA DII: 58 programs, 8.1 scholarships/team.

Women’s Scholarships: Leading the Charge

1. Ice Hockey (18.1% Chance)

NCAA DI: 36 programs, 18 scholarships/team.

2. Lacrosse (12.6% Chance)

NCAA DI: 115 programs, 12 scholarships/team.
NCAA DII: 114 programs, 9.9 scholarships/team.
JUCO: 20 programs, 20 scholarships/team.

3. Soccer (9.3% Chance)

NCAA DI: 338 programs, 14 scholarships/team.
NCAA DII: 262 programs, 9.9 scholarships/team.

4. Field Hockey (10% Chance)

NCAA DI: 79 programs, 12 scholarships/team.

5. Swimming (7.3% Chance)

NCAA DI: 195 programs, 14 scholarships/team.

Toughest D1 Scholarships: The Uphill Battle

Men’s Scholarships: Facing the Challenge

1. Wrestling (2.7% Chance)

NCAA DI: 78 programs, 9.9 scholarships/team.

2. Volleyball (3.3% Chance)

NCAA DI: 23 programs, 4.5 scholarships/team.

3. Basketball (3.5% Chance)

NCAA DI: 337 programs, 13 scholarships/team.

Women’s Scholarships: A Hard-fought Battle

1. Volleyball (3.9% Chance)

NCAA DI: 334 programs, 12 scholarships/team.

2. Basketball (3.9% Chance)

NCAA DI: 64 programs, 15 scholarships/team.

3. Tennis (3% Chance)

NCAA DI: 312 programs, 8 scholarships/team.

Sport with Most D1 Scholarships: The Crown Goes to…

In Division I men’s sports, football reigns supreme, followed by ice hockey, basketball, track & field, lacrosse, and baseball. For women, rowing takes the lead, followed by track & field, ice hockey, and basketball.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions, Answered

Q: Easiest sport for a boy to get a scholarship?

A: Lacrosse, ice hockey, and baseball boast the highest percentages of high school athletes securing collegiate scholarships.

Q: What is the hardest sport to go D1 in?

A: Wrestling takes the crown for men, while volleyball claims the top spot for women.

Q: Easiest college scholarships to get?

A: Sports scholarships can be easier to secure based on the percentage chances outlined, but it ultimately depends on individual talent, dedication, and the sport’s competitiveness.

Q: Easiest sport to play in college?

A: The easier sports to secure scholarships in might also be easier to play in college. Consider lacrosse, ice hockey, and soccer for men, and ice hockey, lacrosse, and soccer for women.

Q: What sport gives the most scholarships?

A: In men’s sports, football offers the most scholarships, while in women’s sports, rowing takes the lead.

Q: Hardest sports to get a scholarship?

A: Wrestling for men and volleyball for women are often considered among the most challenging sports to secure D1 scholarships.

Q: Most unused female college scholarships?

A: Athletic scholarships in sports like NCAA DIII women’s basketball may be underutilized, offering potential opportunities for aspiring athletes.

Securing Your D1 Dream: Asking for a Scholarship