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Putting on Goggles

Do Division 2 Colleges Give Athletic Scholarships?

Yes, Division 2 Colleges Do Offer Athletic Scholarships! Get expert insights into D2 athletic scholarship opportunities, requirements, and application processes.

The Direct Answer: Yes!

Division 2 colleges absolutely do give athletic scholarships. In fact, D2 institutions provide over $1.5 billion in athletics scholarships annually to student-athletes across various sports, including swimming.

Division 2 Swimming Scholarship Facts

Key Numbers

  •  Women's Swimming Programs: 8.1 scholarships available per team

  • Men's Swimming Programs: 8.1 scholarships available per team

  • Average D2 Scholarship Value: $15,000

  • $40,000 annually

  • Total D2 Swimming Programs: 75+ institutions

How D2 Athletic Scholarships Work

Full-Ride Scholarships: less common but available

  • Full tuition coverage

  • Complete room and board

  • All required books

  • Athletic gear provided

  • Comprehensive meal plans

Partial Scholarships: most common in D2 programs

  • Percentage of tuition covered

  • Portion of room and board

  • Book allowances

  • Training equipment stipends

  • Meal plan contributions

Combining Different Aid Types: options

  • Athletic scholarships

  • Academic scholarships

  • Merit-based awards

  • Need-based aid

  • Work-study opportunities

Qualifying for D2 Swimming Scholarships

Academic Requirements

  • 2.2 minimum core-course GPA

  • 16 core courses completed

  • SAT/ACT score requirements

  • NCAA Eligibility Center registration

  • Ongoing academic progress

Competitive Times for D2Consideration

Times vary dramatically from Division to Division and within Conferences.  Some Division III programs are faster than some Division II programs.  The key to a successful recruiting process is pinpointing the conferences where a recruit could score points and then drilling down to the colleges that need to backfill the events the recruit is strong in.  College Swimming Consulting is the expert in finding the colleges that a High School swimmer fits best at.

Advantages of D2 Athletic Scholarships

Balance and Opportunity

  • Strong academic focus

  • Competitive athletics

  • Better work-life balance

  • Regional competition

  • Community engagement

Financial Benefits

  • Multiple funding sources

  • Merit-based opportunities

  • Need-based options

  • Work-study programs

  • Performance incentives

Application Process

Timeline

  • Sophomore Year:

    • Research D2 programs

    • Maintain high academic standards

    • Prep for ACT/SAT

  • Junior Year:

    • Contact D2 coaches

    • Visit campuses (Official and Unofficial Visits)

    • Create athletic resume

    • Take ACT/SAT

  • Senior Year:

    • Take Official Visits

    • Review scholarship offers

    • Select program

    • Complete commitment process

Documentation

  • Athletic resume

  • Academic transcripts

  • Swimming times history

  • Letters of recommendation

  • Recruiting video (optional but suggested)

Comparing D2 vs Other Divisions

Division 2 Advantages

  • More balanced approach

  • Better academic focus

  • Regional competition

  • Lower time standards

  • Flexible scheduling

Division 2 vs Division 3: Key Differences

  • D2 offers athletic scholarships

  • D3 offers no athletic scholarships

  • D2 has a higher competition level

  • D2 provides more athletic financial support

  • D2 has stricter athletic committment level 

Success Strategies

Academic Excellence

  • Maintain strong GPA

  • Complete core courses

  • Prepare for standardized tests

  • Stay organized

  • Use academic resources

Athletic Development

  • Consistent training

  • Regular competition

  • Time improvements

  • Technical skills

  • Mental preparation

Financial Planning

Understanding Aid Packages

  • Athletic scholarship portions

  • Academic award combinations

  • Need-based additions

  • Merit opportunities

  • Work-study options

Cost Considerations

  • Tuition variations

  • Living expenses

  • Training costs

  • Travel expenses

  • Equipment needs

Making Your Decision

Program Evaluation

  • Team culture fit

  • Academic programs

  • Coaching philosophy

  • Facility quality

  • Location factors

Long-term Benefits

  • Career preparation

  • Athletic development

  • Academic success

  • Leadership opportunities

  • Life skills development

Next Steps to Success

Ready to pursue your Division 2 swimming scholarship? Contact our expert consultants for personalized guidance through the entire process.

  1. Assessment

    1. Review current times

    2. Check academic standing

    3. Research D2 programs

    4. Understand requirements

    5. Set realistic goals

  2. Preparation

    1. Create timeline

    2. Gather documents

    3. Contact coaches

    4. Schedule visits

    5. Track progress

  3. Implementation

    1. Submit applications

    2. Follow up with coaches

    3. Visit campuses

    4. Review offers

    5. Make decisions

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