← Track and field scholarships
Athletics scholarships for women in the USA
How much scholarship money women's programmes have
| Before July 2025 | From 2025-26 | |
|---|---|---|
| NCAA Division I, women | 18 full scholarships across track and field and cross country | Opt-in schools: no scholarship cap, roster limits of 45 (track and field) and 17 (cross country) |
| NCAA Division I, men | 12.6 | Same roster limits as women |
| NCAA Division II | 12.6 for women and 12.6 for men | Unchanged |
Scholarships are usually shared across a squad, so most women receive a partial award topped up with academic scholarships and grants. What matters is what your family pays each year after all aid. See what a scholarship covers and how much a US sports scholarship really costs.
The times and marks coaches look for
These are guide marks from our Standards Engine for women. A "mid-major" is a typical Division I programme outside the biggest conferences. Coaches also weigh how fast you are improving, your age, your grades and what their roster needs.
| Event | D1 top | D1 mid-major | D2 large | NAIA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100m | 11.30 | 11.90 | 11.80 | 12.30 |
| 200m | 23.10 | 24.20 | 24.10 | 25.20 |
| 400m | 52.80 | 56.00 | 55.50 | 58.50 |
| 800m | 2:05.0 | 2:12.0 | 2:10.5 | 2:17.0 |
| 1500m | 4:15 | 4:32 | 4:30 | 4:48 |
| 5000m | 16:00 | 17:10 | 17:05 | 18:10 |
| 3000m steeplechase | 10:05 | 11:00 | 10:55 | 11:45 |
| 100m hurdles | 13.40 | 14.30 | 14.20 | 15.00 |
| 400m hurdles | 58.00 | 62.00 | 61.50 | 65.00 |
| High jump | 1.80m | 1.70m | 1.72m | 1.62m |
| Pole vault | 4.10m | 3.65m | 3.70m | 3.25m |
| Long jump | 6.20m | 5.75m | 5.85m | 5.40m |
| Triple jump | 12.90m | 12.00m | 12.20m | 11.20m |
| Shot put | 15.50m | 13.00m | 13.30m | 11.40m |
| Discus | 50.00m | 42.00m | 42.00m | 35.50m |
| Hammer | 60.00m | 50.00m | 50.00m | 41.00m |
| Javelin | 48.00m | 40.00m | 40.00m | 34.50m |
| Heptathlon | 5,500 | 4,800 | 4,900 | 4,150 |
Each event page has the full table, including D1 large, D2 small and junior college. Not quite there yet? Junior college and NAIA are real routes, and many athletes move up a level after a year or two.
Women we have placed
- Lily Burton was still improving when she came to us. We sold her trajectory to coaches and secured a scholarship at St. Edward's University, before her new personal bests.
- Grace Tuesday came to us late in the process. We guided her step by step to the University of North Florida, a warmer home built around the 800m.
- Rae Le Fay needed a full scholarship to make the US possible. We found her one in California, where she has run faster in every event.
- Charlotte McAuliffe, a four-time world youth silver medallist, needed a coach who would build around her speed. She found the right fit at New Mexico.
- Holly and Sophie Taylor, twins from New Zealand, both went to Davis & Elkins College on scholarships that worked for one family budget.
Recent placements also include Sarah Yates (University of Tulsa, 800m 2:11.35), Paige Scannell (Virginia Commonwealth, 800m 2:13.97) and Brynne Gordon (Elon, 1500m 4:38.23). See all our athletes.
What parents of daughters ask us
- Will she be looked after? Athletes join a team with coaches, teammates, athletic trainers and academic advisers. Read is it safe to study in the USA.
- What if she gets injured? At Division I, athletics aid cannot be cut for injury. Read what happens if she is injured.
- Is it worth it? Read are US sports scholarships worth it, then try the cost calculator.
Want an honest answer for your child?
Tell us about your child's events, results and grades. We will tell you where they could realistically compete and what kind of scholarship package is likely, with no obligation.
Quick answers
Are there more athletics scholarships for women than men in the USA?
Historically, yes. Before July 2025, NCAA Division I women's track and field and cross country could award 18 full scholarships against 12.6 for men. Division I schools that opted into the 2025 settlement now have roster limits instead, with no scholarship cap.
What 800m time does a woman need for a US scholarship?
As a guide, about 2:05 for top Division I programmes, 2:12 for a mid-major Division I programme, 2:10.5 for a large Division II programme and 2:17 for NAIA. Coaches also weigh improvement, age and grades.
Do women's track scholarships cover everything?
Most are partial and are combined with academic scholarships and grants. A full scholarship can cover tuition, fees, housing, meals and books up to the university's cost of attendance. Compare what you pay after all aid.
Can female field event athletes get US scholarships?
Yes. Jumps, throws and multi-events athletes are recruited at every level. Our Standards Engine shows guide marks for each event, from top Division I to junior college.
Sources: NCAA Division I roster limits and previous scholarship limits (June 2025); Olympic Sports Scholarships Standards Engine; Olympic Sports Scholarships athlete pages.