Standards Engine › 400m
400m scholarships in the USA: what times do you need?
The 400m is one of the most valuable events in US college track because of the 4x400m relay, which often decides team championships. Good one-lap runners are recruited at every level.
400m Standards Engine
Enter your 400m PB and see the US college level you could compete at, in seconds. Times are only one part of what coaches look at.
This shows the level your times suggest you could compete at. Your overall scholarship package is a combination of multiple factors: your second events, your grades, your attitude and how you come across during the recruitment process, and how long you have before you would start. Our free assessment looks at all of this.
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400m standards by level
Each column shows the level of programme a mark suggests you could potentially compete at. Your overall scholarship package at any level is a combination of multiple factors, not just your times.
| D1 top | D1 large | D1 mid major | D2 large | D2 small | NAIA | JUCO | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men | 46.50 | 47.50 | 48.50 | 48.00 | 49.00 | 50.00 | 50.60 |
| Women | 52.80 | 54.50 | 56.00 | 55.50 | 57.00 | 58.50 | 59.20 |
Outdoor, fully automatic timing. Guides, not guarantees. See standards for every event →
What US coaches look for in a 400m recruit
- Your PB and how recent it is. A season's best from this year counts for more than an older mark.
- Relay value. Coaches want athletes who can anchor or lead off a 4x400m.
- Range. A strong 200m shows speed; a strong 800m shows strength. Both help.
- Your trajectory. How much you have improved over the last one to two seasons, and your training age. A fast-improving athlete can be recruited above their current mark.
Common second events: 200m, 800m, 400m hurdles and the 4x400m.
OSS athletes in this event
Frequently asked questions
What 400m time do you need for a track scholarship?
As a guide, men around 48.00 are in range for leading Division II programmes and around 47.50 for large Division I programmes; for women it is around 55.50 and 54.50. Your overall scholarship package is a combination of factors, including grades, attitude, second events and timing.
Can I get recruited if my mark is just outside the standard?
Often, yes. Coaches recruit on trajectory, range and potential as well as current marks, and many athletes improve significantly in their first US season. A free assessment will tell you where you realistically stand.
Want to know where your 400m could take you?
We'll look at your PBs, grades and goals and tell you honestly where you could compete.
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