Are there rowing scholarships available for college?

I'm a high school junior interested in rowing and wondering if there are scholarships for college rowers. What kind of rowing skills or achievements are usually required to qualify for a scholarship?

Yes, there are indeed scholarships available for college rowers. This mainly applies to NCAA Division I and II schools, as Division III schools, consistent with NCAA policies, don't offer athletic scholarships. However, these Division III schools may provide financial aid or merit based scholarships that aren't linked to athletics. For men, the amount of athletic scholarships is generally less due to Title IX restrictions, but they are still available, particularly at schools known for their rowing programs.

To qualify for a rowing scholarship is usually a combination of both athletic and academic performance. Coaches are often looking for strong athletes who will fit well into their team dynamic. Another important aspect is your ergometer (erg) times, which are tracked to gauge a rower's potential. For women, a competitive 2K erg score would be under 7:30, while for men it may be closer to 6:20 or faster. These times can vary quite a bit depending on the level of the collegiate program.

In general, to increase your likelihood of getting a rowing scholarship, you should consider joining a rowing club if available, participating in regattas, especially those at the national level, and reaching out to college coaches directly with your stats and a video of your rowing technique. Coaches want to see not only your current capabilities but also your potential for growth as an athlete.

Similarly, maintaining high grades and standardized test scores also increases your chances because colleges are ultimately academic institutions and must also ensure their athletes meet certain academic standards. Be sure to keep these in mind as you pursue your goal.