Standards Engine › Pole vault
Pole vault scholarships in the USA: what marks do you need?
Pole vault is a specialist event that US programmes take seriously, and good vaulters from overseas are in demand.
Pole vault Standards Engine
Enter your pole vault 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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Pole vault 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 | 5.20m | 4.90m | 4.70m | 4.75m | 4.50m | 4.30m | 4.15m |
| Women | 4.10m | 3.85m | 3.65m | 3.70m | 3.45m | 3.25m | 3.15m |
Outdoor, fully automatic timing; metres, senior implements. Guides, not guarantees. See standards for every event →
What US coaches look for in a pole vault recruit
- Your PB and how recent it is. A season's best from this year counts for more than an older mark.
- Pole length and grip. Coaches want to know what poles you jump on and how you are progressing.
- Speed and gymnastic ability. These signal how high you could go.
- 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: sprints and multi-events.
Frequently asked questions
What pole vault mark do you need for a scholarship?
As a guide, men around 4.70m and women around 3.65m are in range for mid-major Division I programmes. 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 pole vault could take you?
We'll look at your PBs, grades and goals and tell you honestly where you could compete.
Get your free assessmentOpen the Standards Engine