What Are the Opportunities for Athletic Scholarships at Junior Colleges?

I've heard junior colleges offer athletic scholarships too. Can someone share insights on how competitive these opportunities are and what sports are typically funded?

Many junior colleges indeed offer athletic scholarships. They follow the guidelines set by the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA), which permits scholarships for athletes in as many as 15 sports at the Division I and II levels. The funded sports typically include basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, golf, and others.

Junior colleges are very competitive in their recruitment efforts for good athletes. Due to the smaller size of these schools and less competition compared to NCAA Division I, they can be great opportunities for athletes who want to play in college but may not have the skills or grades to attend a larger university right away.

In terms of the scholarship process, junior colleges usually have scouts or coaches who identify potential student-athletes during high school competitions. If they identify a promising athlete, they then offer an athletic scholarship for them to attend their institution and compete for their team. However, the amount of aid offered can greatly vary by institution and sport, and it’s important to note that not all junior colleges offer athletic scholarships at all.

When looking for these opportunities, the student should first identify junior colleges with teams for their specific sport. Then, they should reach out to the respective coaches to express interest, share their athletic history, and inquire about scholarship opportunities. They could also consider making a sports reel or sharing recorded performances, if applicable, to give coaches a better sense of their skill level. Remember to also check the academic reputation and course offerings at the college, as furthering your education should be a primary focus.

Overall, athletic scholarships at junior colleges are competitive opportunities, as many athletes chases these scholarships, but not unfairly so. Thus, it's always good to explore these opportunities if you're considering continuing your sport in college.