Track and Field Scholarships by State

Hi, I'm a junior starting the college search and I was thinking it'd be neat to consider schools in states where track and field scholarships are plentiful. Could someone let me know which states are the best for this?

Although it's understandable to want to focus on states where Track and Field scholarships seem plenty, the location of the school doesn't necessarily correlate to the number or amount of scholarships offered.

Let's clarify how athletic scholarships work in general. Track and Field is an equivalency sport in NCAA Division I and Division II, meaning that coaches can divide their allotted scholarship money amongst as many athletes as they feel necessary. There's not a set number of scholarships, and the coach decides how to allocate resources based on a number of factors such as performance, potential, and team need.

It's also important to know that Track and Field isn't a highly funded sport in the NCAA, so full scholarships are relatively rare compared to sports like football or basketball. Most athletes receive partial scholarships.

However, usually schools with larger athletic programs tend to be able to offer more scholarships. These are often larger public universities, or private universities with a strong commitment to athletics. Examples of schools with strong track and field programs include University of Oregon, University of Florida, University of Southern California, and Texas A & M University. These are located in different states but have a strong history of successful track and field athletes and thus may have more opportunities for scholarships.

Don't forget about NAIA and Division III schools that can offer academic and need-based aid. At the Division III level, while they don't provide athletic scholarships, robust academic or need-based scholarships often make up the difference.

It's also valuable to have a conversation with your high school coach. They can offer you personalized advice based on your track and field performance, academic standing, and personal preferences.

Remember, it's not just about the scholarship money but also about finding a good fit, academically and athletically. Some athletes have better experiences and develop more at smaller programs where they might have a greater chance of competing, even if these programs do not have as much scholarship money to offer. Keep these factors in mind as you start your college search.