Yes, cheerleaders can get scholarships, but the availability and amount vary widely by school. Many colleges and universities offer cheerleading scholarships to attract talented athletes, while others provide smaller stipends or no financial aid at all. This guide explains how cheerleading scholarships work, where to find them, and how to improve your chances of earning one.
Types of Cheerleading Scholarships
Cheerleading scholarships are not all the same. They range from full tuition coverage to small annual awards. Most fall into one of these categories:
- Full-ride scholarships: Cover tuition, fees, room, and board. These are rare and usually reserved for elite college cheer teams that compete at national levels.
- Partial tuition scholarships: Cover a percentage of tuition costs, such as 25% or 50%. These are more common and may be renewable each year.
- Stipends or annual awards: Provide a fixed amount of money per semester or year, often ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
- Walk-on tryout scholarships: Offered to students who make the team after tryouts, but the amount depends on the school’s budget and your skill level.
Where Do Cheerleading Scholarships Come From?
Most cheerleading scholarships come from the college or university itself, not from the NCAA. That’s because cheerleading is not officially recognized as an NCAA sport, though many schools treat it as a varsity or club sport. As a result, funding is often tied to the athletic department or student activities budget.
Some schools offer scholarships through their admissions office as merit-based awards for cheerleaders. Others may have booster clubs or alumni donors who fund cheerleading scholarships. Always check with the coach or financial aid office to see what’s available.
How to Find Cheerleading Scholarships
Finding cheerleading scholarships takes research and direct outreach. Here are practical steps to start your search:
- Contact the cheerleading coach at each school you’re interested in. Ask if they offer scholarships and what the tryout process looks like.
- Check the school’s financial aid website for athletic or talent-based scholarships.
- Search scholarship databases using keywords like “cheerleading scholarship” or “spirit squad award.”
- Ask your high school cheer coach for advice—they often know which colleges recruit cheerleaders.
Comparison of Scholarship Types
| Type | Coverage | Typical Amount | Renewable? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-ride | Tuition, fees, room, board | Full cost | Yes, with team participation |
| Partial tuition | Percentage of tuition | 25%–50% of tuition | Often yes |
| Stipend | Fixed amount per year | $500–$5,000 | Depends on school |
| Walk-on | Varies by performance | Varies | Usually not |
Qualifying for Cheerleading Scholarships
To qualify, you typically need to make the college cheerleading team through tryouts. Coaches look for strong tumbling, stunting, and cheering skills. Academic performance also matters—most scholarships require a minimum GPA, often around 2.5 or 3.0.
Some schools offer scholarships to incoming freshmen based on their cheerleading experience and competition results. Others award scholarships after you’ve been on the team for a semester or year. Always ask about renewal requirements so you don’t lose funding.
Cheerleading vs. Other Athletic Scholarships
Unlike NCAA sports like basketball or football, cheerleading scholarships are not regulated by the same rules. This means each school sets its own criteria and amounts. Some schools may offer more to competitive cheerleaders, while others treat cheer as a spirit squad with minimal funding.
It’s also important to know that club cheerleading teams rarely offer scholarships. Varsity teams are more likely to have funding, but not always. Be realistic about what each program can offer.
Tips to Improve Your Chances
- Start early—research schools and their cheer programs in your junior year of high school.
- Attend college cheer camps or clinics to get noticed by coaches.
- Keep your grades strong; many scholarships require a minimum GPA.
- Create a highlight video showcasing your tumbling, stunting, and game-day skills.
- Reach out to coaches directly with a polite email and your video link.
What If Your School Doesn’t Offer a Cheerleading Scholarship?
If a school doesn’t provide cheerleading scholarships, you can still apply for general academic or need-based aid. Many cheerleaders combine multiple scholarships to cover costs. Also, consider schools with strong cheer programs that might offer other perks, like free travel or gear, even if they don’t give cash awards.
Summary
Cheerleading scholarships exist, but they require effort to find and win. Start by researching schools that value cheerleading, contact coaches, and prepare a strong tryout. Combine any cheer scholarship with other financial aid to make college affordable. With persistence, you can turn your cheerleading skills into a scholarship opportunity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do cheerleaders get full-ride scholarships?
Yes, but full-ride cheerleading scholarships are rare and typically only offered by top competitive college cheer programs.
Can you get a cheerleading scholarship at any college?
No, not all colleges offer cheerleading scholarships; it depends on the school’s budget and whether they treat cheer as a varsity sport.
What GPA do you need for a cheerleading scholarship?
Most schools require a minimum GPA of around 2.5 to 3.0, but it varies by institution.
How do I get a cheerleading scholarship?
You need to make the college cheer team through tryouts and also meet academic requirements; contacting coaches early helps.
Are cheerleading scholarships renewable?
Many are renewable if you maintain your grades and stay on the team, but always check the specific policy at your school.
