Yes, NCAA Division 2 schools do give athletic scholarships. Unlike Division 1, D2 scholarships are usually partial, covering a portion of tuition, fees, room, board, or books. This means many student-athletes combine athletic money with academic aid or other scholarships to make college affordable.
In this article, we’ll explain how D2 athletic scholarships work, what amounts you can expect, and how to improve your chances of receiving one.
How Do D2 Athletic Scholarships Work?
Division 2 schools offer athletic scholarships, but they are not full-ride for most sports. The NCAA allows D2 programs to divide a set number of scholarships among multiple athletes. For example, a football team might have 36 full scholarships to distribute, but they can split them into partial offers.
Each sport has a scholarship limit set by the NCAA. Coaches decide how to allocate the money based on your talent, need, and their budget. You might receive a scholarship that covers 20% of costs, or even 70%, but full rides are rare in D2.
What Sports Offer D2 Athletic Scholarships?
Most D2 sports offer some athletic scholarships. Popular ones include:
- Football
- Basketball (men’s and women’s)
- Soccer
- Baseball and softball
- Track and field / cross country
- Swimming and diving
- Volleyball
- Golf and tennis
Each sport has its own scholarship limits. For instance, D2 baseball has 9 scholarships, while women’s basketball has 10.
How Much Money Can You Get?
D2 athletic scholarships are often called “partial” because they rarely cover full cost of attendance. The NCAA does not allow D2 schools to offer full cost-of-attendance stipends like some D1 programs. Instead, the scholarship can cover tuition, fees, books, room, and board—up to the NCAA limit for that sport.
On average, D2 athletes receive about $5,000 to $10,000 per year, but this varies widely. Some athletes get more, some less. The total value depends on the sport, the school’s budget, and your recruiting value to the team.
| Sport | D2 Scholarship Limit (per team) | Typical Award Type |
|---|---|---|
| Football | 36 full equivalents | Partial to full |
| Men’s Basketball | 10 | Partial to full |
| Women’s Basketball | 10 | Partial to full |
| Baseball | 9 | Mostly partial |
| Soccer (women’s) | 9 | Mostly partial |
| Volleyball (women’s) | 8 | Mostly partial |
| Track and Field (men’s) | 12.6 | Partial |
These numbers are set by the NCAA and are public information. Coaches can split them into smaller amounts for more athletes.
How to Get a D2 Athletic Scholarship
Getting a D2 athletic scholarship takes effort and strategy. Here are actionable steps:
1. Build Your Athletic Profile
Create a highlight video that shows your skills. Include your stats, awards, and contact info. Coaches often recruit from videos before they see you in person.
2. Contact Coaches Early
Start emailing coaches in your sophomore or junior year. Express interest in their program and provide your schedule and academic info. Be respectful and professional.
3. Attend Camps and Showcases
Many D2 coaches scout at camps and showcases. Attending these events lets you demonstrate your abilities in person. You can also learn about the school’s culture.
4. Keep Your Grades Up
D2 schools require you to meet NCAA academic eligibility. You need a certain GPA and test scores. Good grades also open doors for academic scholarships that can combine with athletic money.
5. Apply for Other Aid
Even with a partial athletic scholarship, you can apply for federal aid (FAFSA), state grants, and private scholarships. Combining aid can make college affordable.
Important Dates and Deadlines
Recruiting timelines vary by sport. For most D2 sports, coaches can contact you starting June 15 after your sophomore year. Official visits can begin that same time.
The NCAA signing periods for D2 are:
- National Signing Day (early signing period) – usually in mid-November for many sports
- Regular signing period – starts in mid-April and lasts through August
These dates change slightly each year, so check the NCAA website for the current calendar.
What About Academic Scholarships at D2 Schools?
Yes, D2 schools also offer academic scholarships based on GPA and test scores. These are separate from athletic scholarships. You can receive both, but the total cannot exceed the cost of attendance.
Many student-athletes use a combination of academic and athletic money to cover costs. For example, if you get a $3,000 academic scholarship and a $5,000 athletic scholarship, that’s $8,000 toward college.
Are D2 Athletic Scholarships Guaranteed for Four Years?
No, D2 athletic scholarships are typically awarded on a year-to-year basis. Coaches can renew or reduce them each year, depending on your performance and behavior. It’s important to understand your scholarship agreement and communicate with your coach.
Some schools offer multi-year agreements, but they are not required. Always ask about the renewal policy before you sign.
Final Thoughts
In short, D2 schools do give athletic scholarships, but they are often partial and not guaranteed for all four years. To maximize your chances, start recruiting early, build a strong profile, and keep your academics solid. Combine athletic money with other aid to make college affordable. Use the NCAA eligibility center and your high school counselor to stay on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get a full ride at a D2 school?
Yes, but it’s rare. Most D2 athletic scholarships are partial, though some sports like basketball or football might offer full rides to top recruits.
Do D2 schools give athletic scholarships for all sports?
Most D2 sports offer some athletic scholarships, but the number and amount vary by sport and school. Some sports like cross country may have fewer scholarships available.
How much is a D2 athletic scholarship worth?
The value ranges from a few thousand dollars to full tuition and fees. On average, it covers a portion of college costs, so many athletes also receive academic aid.
Can I combine a D2 athletic scholarship with other scholarships?
Yes, you can combine athletic and academic scholarships, but the total cannot exceed the cost of attendance at that school.
Do D2 athletic scholarships cover room and board?
Yes, D2 athletic scholarships can cover room and board, but it depends on the coach’s offer. Some offers only cover tuition, so ask for details.
