Hey everyone! I'm really passionate about cheerleading and was wondering if there are any colleges known for offering scholarships to cheerleaders. Does anyone have experience with this or know which schools I should be looking at?
Absolutely, there are certainly colleges out there that offer cheerleading scholarships. Since cheerleading isn't an NCAA-sanctioned sport, the funding for such scholarships is typically more at the discretion of each individual college, and amounts and availability can vary.
While you might normally think to look exclusively at Division I or II schools for athletic scholarships, don't discount smaller colleges! NAIA schools, for example, are often known for offering athletic scholarships to student athletes in sports that aren't traditionally funded, and this includes cheerleading. Schools like Lindenwood University in Missouri have been honored by the NAIA for their competitive cheerleading teams and do offer scholarships in this area.
Other universities known for strong competitive cheerleading programs with scholarship opportunities include the University of Alabama, University of Kentucky, and Baylor University. These schools have top-tier cheer programs and have been known to offer substantial scholarships to athletes.
Remember, while cheerleading scholarships can be a great way to help with tuition costs, they're typically quite competitive. Aside from physical skill, good academics will also make you a more attractive scholarship candidate, so keep your grades up as well. Good luck on your college search, and cheers to you for pursuing your passion!
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