How many colleges provide scholarships for lacrosse?

Lacrosse is a big part of my high school life, and I'm curious about the scholarship opportunities out there. How many colleges typically offer scholarships specifically for lacrosse players?

Lacrosse scholarships are typically provided only by colleges that compete in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I or II. Currently, there are about 70 NCAA Division I and 60 NCAA Division II schools that sponsor men's lacrosse, while for women's lacrosse these numbers are even higher, with roughly 115 NCAA Division I and 105 NCAA Division II programs.

It's worth noting that NCAA Division III schools, which have many more men's and women's lacrosse programs, do not offer athletic scholarships. However, Division III schools could still provide academic scholarships, need-based grants, or other forms of financial aid which would still help offset college costs.

Also, some schools compete in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA), which can offer scholarships as well.

Remember, scholarships are usually distributed on a per-player basis, and the amount can vary widely based on the player's talent level, the school's budget, and the coach's philosophy. In some cases, coaches might spread their scholarship budget among many players, while some schools might award a few full scholarships. Always look into each school's specific athletic department and speak with the coach to understand their scholarship practices.

Worth to remember here too, the recruiting process for lacrosse players starts early. So, if you're a junior or senior in high school and haven't begun reaching out to coaches, now is the time to start. Highlight reels, match stats, and coach referrals are often essential components of this process.

So, while a precise number is hard to pin down due to differing policies and budget allocation, hundreds of colleges across Division I, Division II, and NAIA, offer lacrosse scholarships. Don't forget to explore all possible options and to examine each school's specific approach to distributing their lacrosse scholarship funds.