Last Updated on November 24, 2023
Explore top colleges with tennis scholarships in 2023, offering a perfect blend of academics and athletics. From the University of Georgia to Stanford University, discover your path to success. Read more for the full details.
Tennis is a sport synonymous with discipline, agility, and strategic prowess. It has long been a stepping stone for young athletes aiming for both academic and athletic excellence. For many students, a tennis scholarship is a gateway to nurture their athletic talent and obtain a coveted degree from a renowned institution. Over the years, institutions around the globe have recognized the dual appeal of sports and academics. As such they’re now offering lucrative scholarships to promising athletes. The best thing is that you can get a full-ride scholarship while playing your favorite sport.
With so many options available, identifying the best college with a tennis scholarship can be a daunting task. This article sheds light on these premier colleges. The aim is to provide insights to help prospective students write the next chapter of their academic and athletic journey.
5 Colleges with Tennis Scholarships in the USA
Many aspiring tennis players struggle to secure positions in colleges because of the high fees needed to pursue higher education. Thankfully, numerous colleges in the USA offer impressive tennis scholarships. Here’re 5 colleges known for their tennis scholarships.
- University of Georgia
The University of Georgia’s tennis program is one of the best colleges with tennis scholarships in the U.S. for good reasons. The University of Georgia Athletic Association awards about 600 scholarships to deserving students every year. The scholarship covers tuition fee, room and board, required textbooks and accommodation. The Athletic Association shoulders the full cost of both in-state and out-of-state tuition. No funds from the university itself and state and federal revenues are used for athletic scholarships. Instead, alumni and friends make generous donations to the scholarship fund. Just imagine being part of the Bulldogs and getting a free ride on your education as well.
- University of Southern California
The University of Southern California Trojan has won 21 men’s national championships and the women’s Troy has bagged 7 tennis championships. If you decide to become a Trojan, your tennis skills will be put to the test with the program’s rigorous training. However, you must receive a National letter in writing of Intent before considering yourself a Trojan scholar-athlete. Under the NCAA rules, you will be eligible for university-funded scholarship benefits for one academic year. You should also receive the scholarship agreement along with the National Letter of Intent. Cost related to injuries and illnesses during the scholarship period will be covered by the USC Department of Athletics and SAAS
- University of Virginia
The men’s Tennis team from the University of Virginia has won a total of 4 NCAA championships. They emerged victorious in 2013 and grabbed three consecutive titles from 2015 to 2017. Look into athletic scholarships offered by the University if interested in being a Cavalier. The university is the best college for tennis scholarships since upon enrollment the university recognizes all students as prospective scholars. However, students are required to meet the requirements for the tennis scholarship. These requirements include but aren’t limited to:
- High school diploma or its equivalent
- Enrollment in an approved degree program
- Full-time enrollment (at least 12 credit hours every semester)
- U.S. citizenship or eligibility as a non-citizen
- Stanford University
You may well be one of the greatest tennis players in the making whose career started as a Cardinal. The Stanford Cardinals men’s tennis team have won 17 NCAA championships from the 1970s until 2000. Don’t be worried about paying for the education since the university offers full athletic tennis scholarships. The scholarship covers tuition fees, room and board, supplies, health fees, orientation fees, required textbooks and many more. However, student health insurance known as Cardinal Care isn’t included in the scholarship. The university has rules about student-athletes accepting scholarships, aid, and grants from outside sources in conjunction with a university-funded athletic scholarship.
- University of Texas
The Texas Longhorns men’s tennis team may not be among the NCAA’s winningest teams, but it may well be soon! The team won its first-ever NCAA tennis championship in May 2019 against fiercest rivals, Wake Forest. We can surmise that most of the players are on a tennis scholarship for college that covers tuition fees, room and board and required books. Reduction and cancellation of athletics scholarships during the period of eligibility for athletic-related reasons aren’t allowed. However, the university may reduce or cancel the aid if the recipient becomes ineligible, makes a voluntary withdrawal from the team, or violates the agreement’s terms.
But it’s not easy to juggle elite tennis training with academic demands at prestigious institutions. But don’t worry! You can easily get scholarship essay help from professional services like CustomWritings which assists student-athletes balance their schedules and boost their academic writing achievements. In this backdrop, many are drawn to colleges known for tennis scholarships. These institutions provide avenues for students to shine on the court and in the classroom.
Top Colleges with Tennis Scholarships for International Students
The pursuit of athletic excellence often knows no borders. Even international students are lured by the prospect of studying in a foreign land where there’s top-notch tennis training and competition. Several esteemed colleges in the United States offer tennis scholarships specifically tailored to attract talent from across the world.
The Ohio State University
Men’s and women’s varsity teams of Ohio State University are among the best in the NCAA. The men’s tennis team has won 12 Big Ten Championships and has made 8 All-Americans, 23 NCAA singles appearances, and 11 NCAA doubles appearances. The incoming students are not eligible for the athletic scholarship offered under OSU’s Athletic Training program. Only sophomores and upper-level students are eligible once they are enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training degree program. It is important to take note that leadership capability and community service are also considered during the selection process.
Texas Christian University
One of the biggest Mountain West Conference Tournament and regular season teams is the Texas Christian University Horned Frog men’s and women’s teams. You can be a Horned Frog and get a top-notch Christian education by getting an athletic scholarship and being on the tennis team. The full TCU scholarship covers tuition fees, room and board and required books. The partial TCU scholarship will include a reduced stipend and a specific percentage of the cost. According to the scholarship essays, you may get a 25% or 50% scholarship.
University of Illinois
The University of Illinois men’s tennis program was founded in 1908 and it’s enjoying unprecedented success in recent years. The Illini have won nine successive Big Ten Championships (1997-2005) and six Big Ten Tournament Championships (1999-2005). The Illini tennis men’s team has a total of 4.5 scholarships while the women’s team has 8 scholarships. This is due to the rules regarding the number of scholarships given out. The university provides a full scholarship to many of its student-athletes.
Pepperdine University
Pepperdine is one of the colleges for women’s tennis scholarships. Many female tennis players have an athletic scholarship thanks to the university’s inclusive policies. If you’re on a full scholarship and living on-campus, you will receive financial aid for your room and board according to the rules set by the Housing and Residence Life Office. But if you live off-campus, you’ll receive financial aid for your room and board with the amount determined by the Office of Financial Assistance. The award period starts on the first day of classes for a specific term or the first day of practice, whichever comes first.
Baylor University
The Baylor Bears Women’s tennis team plays in the NCAA’s Division I and competes in the Big 12 Conference. The head coach of the women’s tennis team has the authority to award athletic scholarships to women’s tennis players. However, the award itself is subject to the rules and regulations implemented by the NCAA concerning college sports scholarships. Student-athletes can apply to two or more scholarship programs aside from the athletics scholarship offered.
Take the Next Step Now!
As an aspiring tennis player with professional skills, choosing the right college is a monumental decision. It’s important to consider both on-court and off-court factors when making a selection. The above-mentioned institutions stand out due to their commitment to athletic excellence, academic rigor, and comprehensive support systems. Simply select one that fits your preferences and apply.
