Can Cheerleaders Get Scholarships? Find Out Why And How

The role of Cheerleading is more than pom-poms and pep rallies—it’s an intense, athletic pursuit that demands dedication, skill, and spirit. If you’re a cheerleader wondering, “Can I get a scholarship for this?”, the answer is hidden in this detailed article. Scholarships for cheerleaders are very real and can be a fantastic way to help fund your college education.

I have detailed in this article how possible it can be for Cheerleaders to land scholarships, what’s required, which schools and organisations offer them, and how to maximise their chances in 2025. Whether you’re in high school eyeing college squads or a current college cheerleader, opportunities are waiting for you.

What Is a Cheerleading Scholarship?

A cheerleading scholarship is financial aid awarded specifically to students who demonstrate exceptional cheer skills, spirit, leadership, and often strong academics. Unlike general athletic scholarships given for NCAA sports like football or basketball, cheer scholarships are typically managed by individual college cheer programs or private organisations.

They can be merit-based (for talent and performance), need-based (for financial need), or a mix of both. Some cover partial tuition, while others may be full rides that include room, board, and more. Scholarships might also come in the form of stipends to help with uniforms, travel, or competition costs.

Can You Get a Scholarship for Cheerleading?

Absolutely Yes!. Each year, thousands of cheerleaders earn scholarships from colleges and private foundations. However, they’re often more competitive than scholarships in larger NCAA sports because funding varies widely by school and division.

A common myth is that cheerleading is purely extracurricular, without real athletic scholarship opportunities. In truth, many colleges consider cheerleaders vital representatives of campus spirit and athletics. They invest in talented teams that can elevate school pride and compete nationally.

Success stories are everywhere—from athletes at SEC powerhouses to students winning local or organisational cheer awards. The key is knowing where to look and preparing early.

How to Get a Cheerleading Scholarship

Build a Strong Cheer Resume

Start by honing advanced cheer skills: tumbling, stunting, dance, and sharp motions. Keep a highlight video showcasing these moves, along with clips from competitions, sideline cheers, and any leadership roles. Judges and coaches want to see consistency, showmanship, and crowd engagement.

Maintain Good Academics

Many scholarships require at least a 2.5-3.0 GPA. Some, especially academic-athletic hybrid awards, look for even higher. A strong academic record proves you’re disciplined—a trait coaches value as much as talent.

Get Noticed by College Cheer Coaches

Attend college-run clinics, open tryouts, and summer camps. Network with coaches, ask thoughtful questions, and express genuine interest in their program. This puts your name and face in front of decision-makers before formal recruiting begins.

Nail the Scholarship Application Process

Most cheer scholarships require more than skills—they want to know your story. Prepare thoughtful essays on teamwork, overcoming challenges, or what cheer has taught you. Secure recommendation letters from coaches or teachers who can speak to your character.

Cheerleading Scholarship Requirements

Requirements vary by program, but most look for:

• Athletic ability: Advanced tumbling, stunts, and dance

• Academics: Typically, a minimum GPA, sometimes standardised test benchmarks

• Leadership: Team captain roles or volunteer experience

• Character: Good sportsmanship and coachability

Some colleges also hold tryout weekends where you must perform live routines. Always check each program’s website for the latest tryout packets and eligibility rules.

Full Ride Scholarships for Cheerleading: Are They Possible?

Full rides exist, but they’re rarer than in major NCAA sports. Most schools offer partial scholarships or stipends, covering a portion of tuition or providing funds for travel and gear. Division I (especially SEC and ACC schools) are more likely to offer substantial aid, while smaller D2, D3, and NAIA schools often have more modest packages.

Even if it’s not a full ride, multiple partial scholarships can dramatically cut costs, especially when combined with academic or local community awards.

How Hard Is It to Get a D1 Cheerleading Scholarship?

Landing a spot on a D1 cheer team is highly competitive, let alone earning scholarship dollars. Many D1 programs recruit nationally, seeking athletes with elite tumbling, flawless stunts, and strong crowd leadership.

That said, dedicated cheerleaders who maintain excellent academics, train year-round, and proactively reach out to programs significantly boost their odds. Filming standout highlight reels and attending camps hosted by your dream schools can make a big difference.

Best Cheerleading Scholarships in 2025

Here are some standout scholarships cheerleaders can apply for in 2025:

• Sammy Meckley Memorial Scholarship: Honouring a spirited athlete, awarded to high school seniors involved in cheerleading.

• Competitive Cheer Coaches Association of Michigan Scholarship: Supports Michigan cheerleaders pursuing college.

• NSHSS Student Athlete Scholarships: $2,000-$5,000 awards for student athletes in any sport, including cheer.

• Athlete Honors Scholarship Program: Recognizes leadership and sportsmanship in all athletics.

• TrophyCentral Sportsmanship Scholarship: $1,000 for students showing exemplary character in sports.

Creative fan-based scholarships (like the Lady Gaga Fan No-Essay or NYT Connections Fan Scholarship) are also worth pursuing—they’re often open to all students, including cheerleaders.

Cheerleading Scholarships for High School & College Students

Many scholarships target high school seniors prepping to cheer in college. But don’t overlook awards for current college cheerleaders, which often reward continued excellence, leadership on the squad, or taking cheer to competitive nationals. Check with your college’s cheer program and local associations for annual contests.

Top Colleges That Offer Cheerleading Scholarships

While many schools offer cheer opportunities, some also provide significant scholarships. Top programs include:

• University of Kentucky

• Louisiana State University (LSU)

• University of South Carolina

• University of Florida

• Texas Tech University

• University of Kansas

These schools compete at the highest national levels and often invest in strong cheer squads with robust support packages.

How to Win Cheerleading Scholarships

Write a Winning Scholarship Essay

Focus on your journey—how cheer taught resilience, teamwork, or helped you overcome obstacles. Specific stories resonate more than generic praise.

Show Community Service & Leadership

Judges and coaches want athletes who uplift others. Highlight volunteer work, mentoring younger cheer teams, or organising charity events.

Does Harvard give cheerleading scholarships?

Harvard does not offer athletic scholarships for any sport, including cheerleading. As part of the Ivy League, Harvard follows a strict policy that prohibits athletic scholarships, focusing instead on need-based financial aid. However, cheerleaders at Harvard can still receive generous financial support through the university’s extensive need-based aid programs.

This means students demonstrating financial need—regardless of sport—can receive substantial assistance that may cover most or all costs. So while there’s no direct cheerleading scholarship, athletes can still afford Harvard through robust financial aid packages.

Does LSU give cheer scholarships?

Yes, Louisiana State University (LSU) does provide scholarships for cheerleaders. As a powerhouse SEC school with a nationally competitive cheer program, LSU offers both partial and sometimes full scholarships to cheer team members. These awards often help cover tuition, books, and other fees, depending on an athlete’s role and skill level. Additionally, cheerleaders at LSU receive benefits like priority class scheduling and athletic academic support. Students interested should attend LSU’s clinics and tryouts, which play a big role in recruitment and scholarship decisions.

Does Texas Tech give cheer scholarships?

Texas Tech University offers cheerleading scholarships to athletes on its cheer and mascot teams. These are typically partial scholarships that help cover tuition or provide stipends to assist with educational costs. As one of the top competitive cheer programs in the country, Texas Tech invests in high-level athletes who contribute to their strong national performances. Scholarship amounts vary by position, experience, and leadership. Cheerleaders also enjoy athletic department perks such as specialised academic advising and access to athletic facilities.

Does USC give cheerleading scholarships?

The University of Southern California (USC) does not provide formal athletic scholarships specifically for its spirit leaders, including cheer and song girls. USC’s Trojan spirit squads are considered extracurricular programs supported by the athletic department, with costs such as uniforms and travel often covered, but without traditional scholarship packages. However, students can apply for USC’s substantial merit or need-based university scholarships. Spirit team members also benefit from extensive networking, professional support, and opportunities tied to USC’s prominent athletic scene.

Cheerleading Organisations That Offer Scholarships

• National Cheerleaders Association (NCA)

• Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA)

• Local state or regional cheer federations often run annual scholarship contests. Always ask your gym or coach for leads.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get recruited for cheerleading?
Yes! Many colleges actively recruit through clinics, nationals, and high school competitions.

Are scholarships counted as income?
Typically, tuition scholarships aren’t taxed, but stipends for non-tuition expenses might be. Check IRS rules.

Does UCLA give cheer scholarships?
UCLA offers strong cheer programs but typically funds them through spirit stipends rather than formal scholarships. Contact their spirit coordinator for details.

What colleges have the best cheer teams?
Programs like Kentucky, LSU, South Carolina, and Texas Tech dominate national competitions and often have the best funding.

So, can cheerleaders get scholarships? The answer is a resounding yes. From major college programs to local community grants, there are countless ways to turn your passion for cheer into educational funding. Start early, train hard, keep your grades up, and tell your story boldly. With preparation and spirit, you can leap into college with both pom-poms and scholarships in hand.