Yes, the North West Athletic Conference (NWAC) does offer athletic scholarships, but with important limits. Unlike NCAA Division I schools, NWAC schools are community colleges, and they follow strict rules about how much athletic aid they can give. This article explains exactly how NWAC scholarships work, what you can expect, and how to apply.
What Is the North West Athletic Conference?
The NWAC is a league of community colleges in Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia. It includes more than 35 schools, and most are two-year colleges. The conference focuses on providing student-athletes a chance to play sports while earning an associate degree or preparing to transfer to a four-year university.
Because these are community colleges, the athletic scholarship rules are different from NCAA Division I or Division II. The NWAC follows the guidelines of the Northwest Athletic Conference, which sets its own limits on financial aid.
Do NWAC Schools Give Athletic Scholarships?
Yes, NWAC schools can offer athletic scholarships, but they are not full-ride scholarships. In fact, the maximum athletic scholarship a student can receive at an NWAC school is the equivalent of tuition and fees for 45 credit hours per year. That usually covers only a portion of the total cost of attendance.
For example, a student might receive a scholarship that pays for some or all of their tuition, but they still need to pay for books, housing, food, and other expenses. The exact amount depends on the school and the sport.
How Do NWAC Athletic Scholarships Work?
NWAC athletic scholarships are usually awarded on a year-by-year basis. Coaches decide who gets a scholarship, and the amount can change each year. Most scholarships are renewable, but only if the student-athlete meets academic and athletic requirements.
Here are the key rules you need to know:
- Scholarships are limited to tuition and fees – no money for room and board.
- You must be enrolled in at least 12 credit hours per term (full-time status).
- You must maintain a minimum GPA, usually 2.0 or higher.
- You cannot accept a scholarship from another college while playing at an NWAC school.
- International students may have different rules and should check with the school.
Which Sports Offer Athletic Scholarships in the NWAC?
The NWAC sponsors many sports, and most of them offer some form of athletic scholarship. The exact number of scholarships per team is limited, so not every player gets one. Coaches often use scholarships to recruit key players, while others may receive smaller awards or none at all.
Common NWAC sports include:
- Basketball (men’s and women’s)
- Soccer (men’s and women’s)
- Baseball
- Softball
- Volleyball
- Track and field
- Cross country
- Golf
- Tennis
- Wrestling
How to Apply for an NWAC Athletic Scholarship
If you want an athletic scholarship from an NWAC school, you need to be proactive. Here are the steps to follow:
- Research NWAC schools that offer your sport. Check their athletic websites.
- Contact the head coach directly. Send an email with your athletic resume and game film.
- Fill out the school’s general admission and financial aid forms.
- Ask the coach about scholarship availability and tryout dates.
- Complete the NWAC eligibility form once you are accepted.
Coaches at community colleges are often busy, so be persistent but polite. Follow up after a week if you don’t hear back.
NWAC Scholarship Limits Compared to NCAA
It’s helpful to see how NWAC scholarships compare to NCAA scholarships. The table below shows the main differences:
| Category | NWAC (Community College) | NCAA Division I |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum athletic scholarship | Tuition and fees for 45 credit hours | Full cost of attendance (tuition, room, board, books, etc.) |
| Scholarship length | One year, renewable | Up to 5 years |
| Academic requirements | GPA 2.0 or higher | GPA 2.3 or higher (sliding scale) |
| Can combine with academic aid? | Yes | Yes, but total aid cannot exceed cost of attendance |
| Professional experience allowed? | No | No |
What About Academic Scholarships at NWAC Schools?
Many NWAC schools also offer academic scholarships that are not tied to athletics. These can be based on GPA, test scores, or financial need. You can often combine an athletic scholarship with an academic scholarship, as long as the total does not exceed the cost of attendance.
Be sure to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see if you qualify for federal grants or work-study. Even if you get an athletic scholarship, you may still need other financial help.
Important Dates for 2026-27
For the 2026-27 school year, the NWAC season runs from September through May. Here are some key dates to keep in mind:
- August 2026 – Athletic scholarship offers are made for the fall term.
- September 2026 – Fall sports begin; enrollment and eligibility checks occur.
- October 2026 – Spring sport tryouts may start.
- January 2027 – Spring term begins; scholarship renewals are evaluated.
- May 2027 – End of spring sports; coaches finalize next year’s offers.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the North West Athletic Conference does offer athletic scholarships, but they are limited to tuition and fees. You will not get a full-ride scholarship, but you can reduce your college costs significantly. To maximize your chances, contact coaches early, maintain good grades, and apply for additional financial aid. With the right approach, an NWAC athletic scholarship can be a great stepping stone to a four-year university.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a full-ride athletic scholarship at an NWAC school?
No, NWAC athletic scholarships are limited to tuition and fees for 45 credit hours per year, so they do not cover room, board, or other expenses.
How do I apply for an athletic scholarship at a North West Athletic Conference school?
You should contact the head coach of the sport you play at the specific NWAC school, send your athletic resume and highlight video, and complete the school’s admission and financial aid forms.
Do NWAC athletic scholarships cover books and housing?
No, NWAC athletic scholarships only cover tuition and fees, so you will need other funding for books, housing, and personal expenses.
Are NWAC athletic scholarships renewable each year?
Yes, most NWAC athletic scholarships are renewable for each year you are eligible, but you must maintain a minimum GPA and meet the coach’s expectations.
Can international students get NWAC athletic scholarships?
Yes, international students can receive NWAC athletic scholarships, but they must also meet visa requirements and may have additional restrictions, so check with the school’s international office.
