Which colleges offer cheer scholarships?

I'm really into cheerleading and have been doing it throughout high school. I'm curious about which colleges might offer scholarships for cheer. I'm looking at both in-state and out-of-state options, and being able to continue cheer in college while getting some financial help would be awesome. If anyone has info on colleges that are known for cheer scholarships or any personal stories about how they got a cheer scholarship, please share!

While most colleges don't typically offer full scholarships for cheerleading, many do provide partial scholarships or stipends to cheerleaders. However, the specifics can vary greatly from one college to the next.

For instance, the University of Kentucky and the University of Alabama, both of which have highly regarded cheer programs, have been known to provide cheerleading scholarships. These scholarships may cover tuition and fees, room and board, or even books and materials for eligible cheerleaders, though the specifics can differ from year to year.

Similarly, Stephen F. Austin University in Texas offers scholarships ranging from $500 to $2,000 for cheer squad members. On the West Coast, the University of Hawaii Cheerleading Scholarship covers 12 credit hours of tuition for each fall and spring semester.

In addition, there are also several prominent organizations that sponsor cheerleading scholarships. The Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship, National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), and America Needs Cheerleaders are known to offer various scholarships for collegiate cheerleaders.

To apply for cheer scholarships, you'll need to check with the cheer team or athletic department at the colleges you're interested in, as the process can be different at every school. They can provide you with the most accurate and current information about scholarship opportunities. The selection criteria often include a combination of your cheerleading ability, academic performance, leadership skills, and contributions to the community.

Remember, obtaining a scholarship involves a competitive process, so make sure you highlight your skills, achievements, and commitment to the sport in your application. And don't forget to look for other scholarships too, as academic or merit-based scholarships can also assist in financing your education.

Finally, keep in mind that cheerleading at the collegiate level is often quite demanding, requiring a significant commitment of time and effort. Make sure you're ready to balance your academic responsibilities with your cheerleading commitments before you decide to pursue a cheer scholarship.