How many colleges offer scholarships for cheerleading?

I'm interested in pursuing cheerleading in college and was wondering how many schools actually provide scholarships for it. Are they common, or should I be looking at other ways to finance my education?

Across the United States, there are numerous colleges and universities that offer cheerleading scholarships, though the precise number can vary year by year. They can be offered directly by the college's athletic department, or through the cheerleading program itself. Large universities with competitive Division I sports programs and private colleges are among the institutions most frequently offering such scholarships.

That said, it's important to note that not all scholarship opportunities will be full-ride scholarships, many can be partial scholarships that only cover a portion of tuition or other costs. Your eligibility for these scholarships will depend upon a combination of your academic performance, your skill level in cheerleading, and sometimes even the financial needs of your family.

Additionally, there are external scholarships available through different cheer associations like the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) and the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA), which can also help you finance your education.

Consider using these opportunities as part of a wider financial aid strategy, which may also include other merit or need-based scholarships, as well as federal and state student aid. Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to see what aid you might qualify for.

While cheer scholarships can certainly be a part of funding your college education, it would be a wise move to explore all your options to ensure you have a well-rounded financial aid package.