Hey guys, I've been doing some research and I'm a bit confused. Do Division 3 schools offer athletic scholarships to their athletes? How does that work?
Division III schools, unlike Division I and II schools, do not offer athletic scholarships to their athletes. The philosophy of Division III athletics places a greater emphasis on the holistic student-athlete experience as opposed to primarily performance-based. Hence, athletics at this level are seen to be closely integrated with the overall educational experience, and student-athletes are not awarded scholarships based solely on their athletic talents.
However, this doesn't mean that financial assistance isn't available for DIII athletes. They are very much eligible for academic scholarships, needs-based grants, and other financial aid opportunities. So while you won't get a scholarship specifically for your sport, if your academic performance is solid and/or you demonstrate financial need, there's a good chance you could still receive substantial financial aid.
Remember, when choosing a school, it's important to consider all aspects like academic fit, the athletic program, culture, size, location, and so on. Ultimately, the best choice will depend on what balance of academics, athletics, and other aspects of university life is the best fit for you.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.