Yes, you can get scholarships for cheerleading. Many colleges offer athletic scholarships for cheerleaders who make their teams. Additionally, there are private and national organizations that award money to cheerleaders for their skills and academics.
This guide explains the types of cheerleading scholarships available, how to find them, and what you need to do to qualify. We will focus on the 2026-2027 application cycle.
Types of Cheerleading Scholarships
Cheerleading scholarships come from different sources. Understanding the types helps you know where to apply. Here are the main categories.
Collegiate Athletic Scholarships
Many colleges treat competitive cheerleading as a varsity sport. These schools can offer athletic scholarships that help pay for tuition, fees, and sometimes room and board. The amount varies by school and division.
You usually need to try out for the team to receive this money. Coaches look for strong tumbling, stunting, and leadership skills.
Private and Nonprofit Scholarships
Several private organizations and foundations give scholarships to cheerleaders. These are often based on a combination of athletic ability and academics. Some require an essay or a video of your skills.
National cheerleading associations and local community groups also sponsor awards. These are often smaller amounts, but they add up.
Academic and Merit-Based Scholarships
Many cheerleaders also qualify for general academic scholarships. If you have a good GPA and test scores, you can earn money that is not tied to your cheerleading ability.
You can often stack these with your cheerleading scholarship. That means you could get more than one award to cover costs.
How to Find Cheerleading Scholarships
Finding the right scholarship takes time and planning. Start your search early, ideally in your junior year of high school. Here is a simple process to follow.
- Contact the cheerleading coach at the colleges you are interested in.
- Ask if the program offers athletic scholarships and what the tryout process is.
- Check the college’s financial aid website for cheerleading-specific awards.
- Search national databases for private cheerleading scholarships.
- Talk to your high school guidance counselor for local opportunities.
What Colleges Look For
College coaches want athletes who can contribute to the team immediately. They evaluate your skills during tryouts or through a submitted video. Here are the key areas they assess.
| Skill Area | What They Look For |
|---|---|
| Tumbling | Back handsprings, tucks, layouts, and fulls. |
| Stunting | Strong bases, flyer skills, and group stunts. |
| Game Day | Spirit, crowd-leading ability, and voice projection. |
| Academics | GPA, class rank, and test scores. |
You also need to show that you are a team player. Coaches want athletes who are reliable and positive.
Application Timeline for 2026-2027
Planning ahead is critical. The timeline below shows the typical steps for high school seniors who want to start college in the fall of 2027.
- Summer 2026: Research schools and contact coaches. Start working on your skills video.
- Fall 2026: Attend college fairs and campus visits. Submit your college applications early.
- Winter 2026-2027: Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and apply for private scholarships.
- Spring 2027: Attend official tryouts. Review your financial aid award letters.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
Getting a cheerleading scholarship is competitive. You need to stand out from other applicants. Here are actionable steps you can take starting today.
- Build a strong highlight video that shows your best tumbling and stunting skills.
- Keep your grades up. A high GPA opens more scholarship doors.
- Take extra classes in tumbling or stunting to improve your skill level.
- Ask your coach to write a letter of recommendation.
- Apply to multiple scholarships to increase your odds.
Other Financial Aid Options
Even if a cheerleading scholarship does not cover everything, you have other options. Federal student aid, like Pell Grants, can help if you qualify. Many states also offer grants for residents.
Work-study programs let you earn money while in school. You should always fill out the FAFSA to see what you are eligible to receive.
Summary
You can absolutely get scholarships for cheerleading. Start early, contact coaches, and build a strong skills video. Keep your academics strong and apply for both athletic and private awards.
Follow the timeline and tips above to put yourself in the best position. With effort and planning, you can reduce the cost of college with your cheerleading talent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do colleges give full scholarships for cheerleading?
Full-ride scholarships for cheerleading are very rare. Most colleges offer partial scholarships that cover tuition or fees, but not all costs.
How do I get a cheerleading scholarship for college?
You need to contact college coaches, attend tryouts or submit a skills video, and keep your grades up. Applying for private scholarships also helps.
Can cheerleading scholarships pay for room and board?
Some collegiate athletic scholarships can include room and board, but this is not common. Check with the specific college to see what their offer includes.
Do I need to be on a competitive team to get a scholarship?
Yes, most college coaches expect you to have experience on a competitive or school cheer team. It shows you have the required skills and discipline.
What GPA do I need for a cheerleading scholarship?
A 3.0 GPA or higher is often a minimum requirement for many scholarships. A higher GPA makes you more competitive for academic and private awards.
