In this article, you will learn:

• What Are Field Hockey Scholarships
• Field Hockey Scholarships in the NCAA Division 1, 2, and 3
• Partial vs Full Field Hockey Scholarships.
• How To Get Recruited To Play College Field Hockey
• Academic Requirements For A Field Hockey Scholarship
• Field Hockey Players Who Have Successfully Earned A Field Hockey Scholarship

What Are Field Hockey Scholarships And Why Are They Important?

In this blog post, you already learned everything about playing college field hockey, but what about field hockey scholarships?

Field Hockey Scholarships in the USA are opportunities for talented players to pursue their sport at a collegiate level while also receiving a quality education. 

For many international students, the idea of studying in the US is appealing, but the reality of tuition fees can be daunting. The total cost of attendance (tuition, housing, meals, etc.) can be up to $85,000 per year. Yes, that’s not a joke.

With a field hockey scholarship, you can significantly reduce the cost of tuition, making the dream of studying in the US more attainable. 

For parents, this means the peace of mind of knowing that their child's education and passion for field hockey are being supported without the overwhelming financial burden.

Field Hockey Scholarships in the NCAA Division 1, 2, and 3

As you may know already, college field hockey is offered at the NCAA Division 1, Division 2 and Division 3 level. Each division has its own set of rules regarding scholarships for field hockey. Here is a quick overview:

NCAA Division 1 (D1)

This is the top tier, where competition is fiercest. Teams in D1 can offer up to 12 field hockey scholarships. Given that the average roster size is around 25 players, not everyone will receive a full scholarship. This makes the competition for these scholarships intense.

NCAA Division 2 (D2)

D2 schools can offer up to 6.3 field hockey scholarships per team. While it's a step down in terms of athletic intensity from D1, the competition for scholarships remains high. 

NCAA Division 3 (D3)

D3 takes a different approach. Instead of athletic scholarships, they offer academic scholarships. This means if you're looking to play field hockey in D3, you won't get a scholarship based on your athletic abilities, but you can still get financial aid based on your academic achievements. 

You can learn more about academic scholarships here.

Ivy League Schools

It's also worth noting that Ivy League schools, some of the most prestigious institutions in the country, don't offer athletic scholarships like other D1 schools. Instead, they provide need-based scholarships, ensuring that financial aid is given based on a family's financial situation rather than an athlete's talent on the field. 

Given the limited number of scholarships and the high number of talented players, it's evident that securing a full scholarship is a challenging feat. 

Partial vs Full Field Hockey Scholarships

While the idea of a full scholarship – where all your tuition, room, and board are covered – sounds appealing, they are rare due to the limited number of scholarships and the high number of talented players. 

Most athletes receive partial scholarships, which cover a portion of the costs. It's essential to understand the difference and manage expectations, but remember, any financial aid can significantly ease the burden of college expenses.

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How To Get Recruited To Play College Field Hockey On A Field Hockey Scholarship

Navigating the world of college field hockey recruitment can be a maze, but with the right steps, you can find your way to a scholarship. Here's a 5 step guide to help you on your journey:

1. Evaluate Your Chances

Before you dive deep, it's essential to know where you stand. The easiest way to do this is to get a free evaluation with Plus31 Sports (yes, that's us!). 

Start a FREE Evaluation here

We'll help you understand if you have the skills for a field hockey scholarship and if you meet the academic requirements.

If you're looking for other opinions, consider asking coaches on your team or at your high school.

2. Research Hockey Programs and Schools

Not all programs are created equal. Spend time researching various hockey programs and schools to find ones that align with your athletic and academic goals.

3. Highlight Reel & Resume

Coaches receive countless emails from prospective players. Stand out by creating a compelling highlight reel showcasing your best plays. Pair this with a resume detailing your achievements, both on and off the field.

Check out a killer highlight reel here from Lauren Storey.

4. Reach Out to Coaches

This step is crucial. While you can do this independently, leveraging our extensive network at Plus31 Sports can give you an edge. We have established relationships with many coaches, which can be invaluable in the recruitment process. Or learn here how to email a college coach.

5. Make a Decision

After all the research, outreach, and perhaps a few campus visits, it's decision time. Consider factors like the school's academic reputation, the field hockey program, location, and, of course, the scholarship offer. Remember, this decision will shape the next few years of your life, so choose wisely!

With determination, the right guidance (especially from us at Plus31 Sports), and a bit of luck, you can secure a field hockey scholarship and embark on an exciting collegiate journey.

Academic Requirements To Be Eligible For A Field Hockey Scholarship

While your talent on the field is crucial, academic performance plays a significant role in determining your eligibility for a field hockey scholarship. Different NCAA divisions have varying academic requirements. Here's a breakdown:

NCAA Division 1 (D1) 

GPA Requirement: You need to have a minimum GPA of 2.3. 

Core Courses: You must complete 16 approved core courses during your high school years. Enrollment: A delay in enrollment after high school graduation is permissible, but it should not exceed 12 months.

Check the full fact sheet here.

NCAA Division 2 (D2)

GPA Requirement: A minimum GPA of 2.2 is required. 

Core Courses: Just like D1, you need to complete 16 approved core courses.

Enrollment: A delay in enrollment after high school graduation is permissible, but it should not exceed 12 months.

Check the full fact sheet here.

NCAA Division 3 (D3)

D3 is a bit more flexible when it comes to academic requirements. There are no set standards for the entire division. Instead, the academic eligibility criteria are determined by the individual school you're applying to.

Staying informed about these academic standards is pivotal. Not only do they determine your initial eligibility for a scholarship, but they also influence your continued scholarship status and playing eligibility throughout your college career.

Field Hockey Players Who Have Successfully Earned A Field Hockey Scholarship

We’re proud to say that we at Plus31 Sports have helped numerous hockey players to earn a field hockey scholarship. Here are a few examples:

Milly Short - University of Iowa

Sabine v/d Eijnden - Syracuse University

Iris Langejans - Rutgers University

You can view all our success stories in the Hall Of Fame

Are you ready to start your field hockey recruitment process?

So now you know everything you need to know about college field hockey and field hockey scholarships.

Are you ready to get recruited?

Start now with a free evaluation and consultation to see if we can help you find your dream school in the USA to play college field hockey.

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