Scholarship information
Understand how athletic and academic aid can help make the U.S. college experience possible.
Athletic and academic scholarships
Two different pathways that may become part of the same university offer.
Talent, recruiting and university fit
An athletic scholarship is financial aid a university may offer to a student-athlete whose athletic ability, academic profile and personal qualities fit the needs of its program.
The coach plays an active role in recruiting and evaluating the athlete, but the student must also meet admission requirements and, when applicable, NCAA eligibility requirements.
Division I and II universities may offer athletic aid. Division III institutions do not award scholarships based on athletic ability, although they may provide academic, institutional or need-based aid.
The amount depends on the university, team budget, program needs and the athlete’s profile. Final conditions must be confirmed in writing.
Performance that expands opportunities
Academic scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement and may consider high school GPA, standardized test scores such as the SAT or ACT, and overall academic merit.
Strong academic performance can increase scholarship opportunities and also strengthen an athlete’s recruiting profile, since college coaches value students who are prepared for university-level work.
International students should confirm the requirements of each institution because standardized-test policies and scholarship criteria vary by university.
Costs and financial considerations for international students
Studying in the United States involves more than tuition. Families must also consider housing, food, health insurance, books, transportation and personal expenses. International students may face additional costs associated with admission, athletic eligibility and the student-visa process.
What may be included in the university offer?
How is an offer structured?
A university offer may combine athletic scholarships, academic scholarships, institutional aid, need-based assistance when available and other authorized benefits.
Can coverage be full or partial?
The offer may cover all or only part of the expenses considered by the university. What matters is identifying the specific items included and the estimated amount the family would still be responsible for.
What may it include?
- Tuition and university fees.
- Housing and food.
- Books and supplies.
- Health insurance.
- Authorized personal or educational expenses.
- Transportation.
- In certain cases, international airfare or other additional expenses.
Can the offer cover these expenses?
Coverage depends on the program’s available budget, university policies and the institution’s total Cost of Attendance. In some cases, particularly when additional resources are available and the athlete is a recruiting priority, the university may authorize support for additional expenses.
These benefits are not automatic and are not available at every university. They should only be considered part of the offer when expressly confirmed in writing by Athletics, Financial Aid or Compliance.
View real university cost examples
The following 2026–2027 examples show estimated costs before athletic scholarships, academic scholarships or institutional aid are applied.
Kent State University
Kent State is an Ohio public university with NCAA Division I field hockey.
- Tuition and fees: $24,300
- Housing and food: $14,380
- Books and supplies: $800
- Transportation: $2,620
- Personal expenses and other fees: $2,770
General estimated cost: $44,870
Kent State identifies its 2026–2027 rates as proposed and subject to approval. The final international budget may be higher because mandatory international health insurance and certain immigration expenses are not clearly included.
University of Iowa
Iowa competes in NCAA Division I field hockey in the Big Ten Conference.
- Tuition and fees: $35,442
- Living expenses: $14,022
- Health insurance: $2,628
- Books: $950
Liberal Arts & Sciences total: $53,042
Estimated totals vary by college: Engineering $54,630; Business $56,447; Nursing $56,916. Housing and food costs vary by student.
Duke University
Duke competes in NCAA Division I field hockey in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
- Tuition: $73,740
- University fees: $3,019
- Double-room housing: $11,560
- Food: $10,469
- Books and supplies: $536
- Personal expenses: $3,274
- Domestic transportation: $582–$1,318
Estimated total: $103,180–$103,975
International travel, visa expenses and other international-student costs may increase this amount.
Methodology: These examples are illustrative and do not constitute a ranking of universities by price. Figures reflect official information available as of August 4, 2026, and may vary by academic program, housing, meal plan, health insurance and personal expenses. All amounts are before scholarships or financial aid.
Official sources: Kent State University · University of Iowa · Duke University · NCAA Eligibility Center · Duolingo English Test · SEVIS · U.S. Department of State.
Other costs to consider during the final stage of the process
University application
During athletic recruiting, the formal application is generally submitted after the program has expressed concrete interest and the conditions of the proposed offer have been discussed.
- Kent State: $70
- University of Iowa: $80
- Duke: $85
The athletic proposal does not replace admission, NCAA certification or formal confirmation of financial aid.
NCAA Eligibility Center
- International Division I or II certification: $170
- Division III Athletics Certification Account: $75
A free Profile Page account does not replace the certification required to compete in Division I or II.
English proficiency examination
Duolingo English Test: $70 per test.
Students should confirm that the university accepts the exam and verify its minimum score. A retake may be necessary.
Student visa and SEVIS
- I-901 SEVIS fee: $350
- F-1 visa application: $185
Basic immigration-processing total: $535. Payment does not guarantee visa approval, and nationality-based fees may apply.
Your athletic profile can be built strategically.
US Full Ride helps turn your athletic and academic experience into a profile prepared for college recruiting. We organize your information, develop your highlights, define an exposure strategy and connect you with our network of coaches.
I WANT TO BUILD MY PROFILEThe perfect combination: study and sport in the United States
One of the greatest advantages of studying in the U.S. is the opportunity to combine elite sports with top-level academics. As a student-athlete, you grow both as a player and as a future professional.
Academics
U.S. universities offer a wide variety of majors and academic programs, along with strong institutional support to help student-athletes manage their schedules, study effectively and take exams while fulfilling athletic commitments.
Athletics
Athletes are part of the university’s official team, competing in high-level college leagues such as the NCAA. The experience includes intense training, tournaments, national travel and everything needed to develop as an elite athlete.
Coordinated schedules
Universities understand the demands of sports and adapt academic calendars so athletes can attend classes, practices and games.
Institutional support
Tutors, mentors and academic advisors help athletes stay organized and succeed academically.
Competitive and motivating environment
You will be surrounded by like-minded student-athletes in a culture of discipline, motivation and teamwork.
Comprehensive preparation
While excelling in your sport, you also earn a degree and develop skills for a professional career inside or outside athletics.
Benefits of college sports in the United States
- High-level competition: Compete in a top-tier athletic environment while earning a university degree.
- Financial support: Many universities offer athletic scholarships, facilitating access to higher education without an excessive financial burden.
- International experience: Living and studying in another country greatly enriches your personal development and broadens your cultural horizons, providing greater professional opportunities.
- Holistic development: U.S. education emphasizes academic, athletic and personal growth, including crucial skills such as time management, leadership, teamwork and resilience.
- World-class facilities: U.S. universities have world-class sports facilities that allow you to optimize your performance and development as an athlete.
- Professional networking: Being a student-athlete connects you with valuable professional networks, facilitating contacts and job opportunities after graduation.
- Vibrant campus life: University life in the United States is dynamic, diverse and full of energy, offering unforgettable experiences both on and off the field.
- Athletic visibility: College competitions receive significant media attention, which can increase your exposure to professional recruiters and sponsors.
- Career preparation: The demands of college athletics develop essential skills such as discipline, commitment and perseverance, which are highly valued in the job market.
The special case of Ivy League universities
Ivy League universities—Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, University of Pennsylvania, Dartmouth, Brown and Cornell—are renowned not only for academic excellence but also for athletic competitiveness.
Unlike other U.S. institutions, Ivy League schools do not offer athletic or academic scholarships. Financial aid for all students, including athletes, is awarded solely on the basis of financial need as determined by each university’s Financial Aid Office. A coach may support an athletic recruit in the admissions process, but only the Admissions Office can make an admission decision and only the Financial Aid Office can determine the aid package. This model can be especially relevant for international students with strong academic and athletic profiles who need support to finance their education.
These universities are also among the most expensive in the United States, but they seek to make education accessible through need-based financial-aid programs. For the 2026–2027 academic year, Harvard publishes $91,634 in billed costs—tuition, fees, housing and food—and a total estimated cost of $95,134 to $100,134. Brown publishes $97,116 in direct charges and a total estimated cost of $99,984. At both universities, health insurance and certain individual expenses may be added depending on the student’s circumstances. These figures are before financial aid and may vary.
Admission is extremely competitive. These institutions seek students with excellent academic credentials as well as talent and leadership in other areas, including sports. Outstanding athletic performance combined with strong academic achievement can be decisive in the admission process.
If your dream is to attend an Ivy League university, do not consider it impossible.
Updated with the official 2026–2027 Cost of Attendance published by Harvard and Brown. Each university determines financial need and the final aid package individually.
Frequently asked questions
Clear answers about timing, tests, scholarships and the personalized support provided by US Full Ride.
When should I begin the process?
The earlier, the better. As a general reference, beginning 18 to 24 months before your intended college enrollment allows time to strengthen your athletic profile, prepare video, improve your English, take any required exams and begin strategic contact with coaches. If you are closer to graduation, we can still evaluate your situation and determine whether there is a realistic pathway.
What if I do not have a recruiting profile yet?
You do not need to arrive with a finished profile. US Full Ride evaluates your athletic and academic background, organizes your information, works with you on your highlights and supporting materials, and helps position your profile for the U.S. college recruiting process.
What does a Full Ride mean?
A Full Ride is an offer that covers 100% of the university costs specified in the scholarship package. Depending on the institution, this may include tuition, mandatory fees, housing, meals, books and other university expenses. US Full Ride reviews the written offer with the family so everyone understands exactly what is covered, for how long and under which conditions.
Are the SAT or ACT required?
It depends on the university and the admission cycle. Harvard and Brown currently require the SAT or ACT, while other institutions maintain different policies. Even when a test is optional, a strong result may help a university evaluate the academic profile. US Full Ride verifies the current requirement for every target university.
Which English-language certificate do I need?
International applicants whose secondary education was not completed in English will generally need to demonstrate English proficiency. Universities commonly accept the TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo English Test, but accepted exams, minimum scores and possible waivers vary by institution. An English proficiency test does not replace the SAT or ACT when one of those exams is required.
How does US Full Ride connect players with coaches?
After preparing the profile, we develop a targeted outreach and exposure strategy and connect players with our network of college coaches. We also create opportunities through national and international showcases, including The Orlando Experience and participation in the Winter Escape Showcase in January 2027. Coach interest and university admission always depend on the program and the institution.
What happens when a university presents an offer?
We help the player and her family understand the athletic, academic and financial terms, organize conversations with the coaching staff and compare the available options. Once a decision is made, our support continues with the university application, NCAA eligibility, requested documentation, the student-visa process, the embassy appointment and preparation before traveling.
How does the US Full Ride service model work?
Our model is personalized and accompanies the player and her family throughout the process. It begins with an initial evaluation and a realistic action plan, continues through profile development, exposure and coach contact, and extends to offer analysis, decision-making and the transition to university. The scope and timeline are defined according to each player's profile, goals and stage of the process.
Ready to explore your opportunities?
Tell us about your academic and athletic profile. We will help you understand the process and identify realistic next steps.