Standards Engine › 800m
800m scholarships in the USA: what times do you need?
The 800m is one of the most recruited events in US college track and field. Coaches at every level need two-lap runners who can also help over 400m, 1500m or the relays, so a strong 800m PB opens doors from Power 4 programmes to NAIA and junior college.
800m Standards Engine
Enter your 800m 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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800m 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 | 1:47.5 | 1:49.5 | 1:52.0 | 1:51.0 | 1:53.0 | 1:56.0 | 1:57.5 |
| Women | 2:05.0 | 2:08.5 | 2:12.0 | 2:10.5 | 2:14.0 | 2:17.0 | 2:19.0 |
Outdoor, fully automatic timing. Guides, not guarantees. See standards for every event →
What US coaches look for in an 800m recruit
- Your PB and how recent it is. A season's best from this year counts for more than an older mark.
- Range either side. A good 400m shows speed; a good 1500m shows strength. Coaches love athletes who can move up or down, and help the 4x400.
- 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.
- Cross country. Some programmes expect 800m runners to race cross country in the autumn; others don't. It changes which schools suit you best.
Common second events: 400m, 1500m and the 4x400m relay.
OSS athletes in this event
Frequently asked questions
What 800m time do you need for a Division I scholarship?
As a guide, men running around 1:52 and women around 2:12 are in range for mid-major Division I programmes, with the top Power 4 programmes looking closer to 1:47.5 and 2:05. 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 800m could take you?
We'll look at your PBs, grades and goals and tell you honestly where you could compete.
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