Long-distance runners have the ability to push through when the finish line seems far away. These endurance skills can also be useful in the hunt for college scholarships. Many colleges in hopes of building an impressive track team offer athletic scholarships to cross country runners. While talent may be necessary for many NCAA awards, cross country runners also need to maintain a minimum GPA in order qualify for financial aid and to participate on a school’s track team. NCAA scholarships aren’t the only options available to cross country athletes. There are several long-distance running groups and organizations that also help runners pay for college. You don’t need to have the best time in order to qualify for cross country awards. Just take a look at this directory for scholarships that can help you add to your college funding.
The Race to Inspire Essay Contest is available for undergraduate and graduate students in the U.S. who are active runners. Click here to learn more about how you can apply today!
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors who are athletes and have cystic fibrosis. Applicants must demonstrate scholastic ability, athletic ability (as evidenced by regular exercise), character, leadership, service to the community, need for financial assistance, and daily compliance to cystic fibrosis therapy.
This scholarship is available for high school seniors in Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Grainger, Jefferson, Knox (TN), Loudon, Roane, Sevier, or Union Counties of TN. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and must participate in the Youth Athletic Program (YAP) of the Knoxville Track Club.
Current undergraduate women in Nevada are eligible to apply for this scholarship. Applicants must be majoring in public relations, communication, media studies, marketing or journalism and must be planning to pursue a career in sports or sports broadcasting.
The John A. McCluskey and Helen McCluskey Scholarship scholarship is available for graduating African American seniors at Middleton High School in Middletown, Ohio who display a passion for athletics. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.5 or higher and demonstrate a commitment to community service.
This award is available for graduating high school seniors in Massachusetts who identify as gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender. Applicants must participate in athletics and serve as a constant role-model or advocate for LGBT causes.
Established in 2016, the Ramblers Scholarship supports student athletes pursuing an undergraduate education who self-identify publicly as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex (LGBTQI). This scholarship is available for student athletes who identify as LGBTQI or committed LGBTQI allies.
This scholarship is open to high school seniors in the North Central Florida area (Columbia, Dixie, Marion, Alachua, Gilchrist, Bradford, Hamilton, Madison, Putnam, Suwanee, and Union counties). Students must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and be a major contributer in their sport.
This scholarship is available for upperclass undergraduate women who are majoring in communications or journalism. Applicants must reside in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, or New York, and must demonstrate participation in athletics and sports.
This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors who attend a high school in Berks County, Penn., that employs or contracts with an athletic trainer. Students must have participated in student training in at least one sport for two or more years and must intend to pursue a four-year degree in sports medicine; first preference will be given to students who intend to become certified athletic trainers.
