To earn a field hockey scholarship, student-athletes must excel in their sport with advanced skills, maintain strong academics, and navigate a competitive recruiting landscape where scholarship availability varies widely by division, program funding, and team needs.
Top Colleges Offering Field Hockey Scholarships and What Coaches Are Looking For
Field hockey scholarships are available primarily for female athletes in NCAA Division I and Division II programs, with Division III and Ivy League schools offering mostly academic or need-based aid rather than athletic scholarships. There are about 280 colleges with NCAA-sponsored field hockey teams split roughly as follows: 82 schools in Division I, 40 in Division II, and 168 in Division III.
Full list of Division 1, 2 and 3 Field Hockey programs
How many scholarships are there for NCAA field hockey?
Division I programs (around 82 schools) can award up to the equivalent of 27 scholarships per team starting in 2025-26, but this is an equivalency sport scholarship, meaning scholarships are divided among multiple players rather than full rides for a few. Teams are more likely to have 12 scholarships and split them across 20+ players.
For example, a coach might split one full scholarship into four 25% awards, then help athletes combine athletic money with academic or need-based aid to approach a full package.
Typical team rosters average about 23 to 25 players, so not every player receives a scholarship, and many awards are partial rather than full.
Division II programs offer fewer scholarships (around 6.3 per team), with similar roster sizes around 24 players.
Division III and Ivy League teams (the majority of programs) do not offer athletic scholarships but provide financial aid through academics or need-based grants.
As North Carolina coach Sam Behnke explains, “We have a limited number of scholarships, so we recruit athletes for their skill and their fit in the program. Most scholarships are partial, and players need to be prepared for that reality.”
For complete scholarship limits and key recruiting details, visit our Field Hockey Scholarship Resource Hub
What Do Colleges Look for in Recruits?
Coaches seek athletes with strong all-around skills, particularly those who can impact scoring and defense. Positions like forwards and goalkeepers receive particular attention because of their direct influence on the game.
Players with advanced tumbling and fitness, high hockey IQ, and tactical awareness stand out. Coaches also prioritize recruits with good character, work ethic, and academics since maintaining eligibility and balancing athletics with coursework is vital.
As Duke’s Head Coach Katie O’Donnell notes, “We don’t just recruit for skill—we want athletes who can handle the pressures of college competition while maintaining their academics and being positive team players.”
What Coaches Look for in NCAA Field Hockey Recruits
How Competitive Is the Recruiting Process?
With over 6,000+ field hockey student-athletes nationwide competing across divisions, the competition for funding is fierce. In fact, only about 12.2% of U.S. high school field hockey players go on to compete at the NCAA level [NCAA.org] and less than 4% at the Division 1 level. Of those, just a fraction receive athletic aid, and even fewer land Division I roster spots.
Furthermore, Ivy League programs, while prestigious, do not offer athletic scholarships. Instead, they offer need-based or academic scholarships, which require strong academic performance to qualify.
That’s why preparation can’t wait. Our Field Hockey Scholarship Playbook gives you the templates, checklists, and recruiting timeline to beat those odds
What are Some Lesser-Known Insights for Parents and Players?
Some schools do not fully fund their available scholarship allotments, meaning fewer scholarships than the NCAA allowance are given. This can reduce opportunities further.
Partial scholarships can be combined with academic scholarships or financial aid to help cover tuition.
Many student-athletes fund their college experience with a combination of athletic aid, academic merit awards, and need-based grants.
International players represent over 10% of the NCAA field hockey population at some schools, as recruitment has expanded globally. International Field Hockey Scholarships in the U.S.
While the NCAA now allows coaches to distribute aid across up to 27 roster spots, most schools still fund closer to 12 scholarships — and some don’t even fully fund that amount.
Find additional scholarship insights and updates in our Field Hockey Scholarship Resource Hub.
How Can You Increase Your Chances of a Field Hockey Scholarship?
Develop skills at a high level: Be proficient in key positions such as forward or goalkeeper, with solid defensive skills.
Create a strong recruiting video and athletic resume: Showcase your skills and competitive highlights.
Maintain academic eligibility: Most coaches expect a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0; Ivy League demands much higher academic achievements. Read our Grades First: A Parent's Guide to NCAA Core Courses, Pre-Reads & the Academic Index.
Attend college showcases and camps: Engage directly with coaches.
Reach out proactively to coaches: Express interest and provide your performance details. See our information on How to email NCAA field hockey coaches (templates included).
Understand that full-ride scholarships are rare: Plan financially and explore academic and need-based aid as well.
Field hockey scholarships are competitive and primarily partial awards divided among top athletes. Aspiring student-athletes and their parents should focus on skill development, academic achievement, and strategic recruitment to maximize their chances of receiving scholarship aid at leading NCAA programs.
Ready to Stop Guessing and Start Getting Noticed?
Every year, thousands of field hockey players compete for just a handful of scholarships. Don’t leave your opportunity to chance. Our Field Hockey Scholarship Playbook gives you exact email templates, recruiting timelines, and inside strategies coaches love — so you can get noticed and secure the aid you deserve.
Download the Playbook Now and Take Control of Your Recruiting Journey!
See all NCAA field hockey programs by Division.
To earn a field hockey scholarship, student-athletes must excel in their sport with advanced skills, maintain strong academics, and navigate a competitive recruiting landscape where scholarship availability varies widely by division, program funding, and team needs.
Top Colleges Offering Field Hockey Scholarships and What Coaches Are Looking For
Field hockey scholarships are available primarily for female athletes in NCAA Division I and Division II programs, with Division III and Ivy League schools offering mostly academic or need-based aid rather than athletic scholarships. There are about 280 colleges with NCAA-sponsored field hockey teams split roughly as follows: 82 schools in Division I, 40 in Division II, and 168 in Division III.
Full list of Division 1, 2 and 3 Field Hockey programs
How many scholarships are there for NCAA field hockey?
Division I programs (around 82 schools) can award up to the equivalent of 27 scholarships per team starting in 2025-26, but this is an equivalency sport scholarship, meaning scholarships are divided among multiple players rather than full rides for a few. Teams are more likely to have 12 scholarships and split them across 20+ players.
For example, a coach might split one full scholarship into four 25% awards, then help athletes combine athletic money with academic or need-based aid to approach a full package.
Typical team rosters average about 23 to 25 players, so not every player receives a scholarship, and many awards are partial rather than full.
Division II programs offer fewer scholarships (around 6.3 per team), with similar roster sizes around 24 players.
Division III and Ivy League teams (the majority of programs) do not offer athletic scholarships but provide financial aid through academics or need-based grants.
As North Carolina coach Sam Behnke explains, “We have a limited number of scholarships, so we recruit athletes for their skill and their fit in the program. Most scholarships are partial, and players need to be prepared for that reality.”
For complete scholarship limits and key recruiting details, visit our Field Hockey Scholarship Resource Hub
What Do Colleges Look for in Recruits?
Coaches seek athletes with strong all-around skills, particularly those who can impact scoring and defense. Positions like forwards and goalkeepers receive particular attention because of their direct influence on the game.
Players with advanced tumbling and fitness, high hockey IQ, and tactical awareness stand out. Coaches also prioritize recruits with good character, work ethic, and academics since maintaining eligibility and balancing athletics with coursework is vital.
As Duke’s Head Coach Katie O’Donnell notes, “We don’t just recruit for skill—we want athletes who can handle the pressures of college competition while maintaining their academics and being positive team players.”
What Coaches Look for in NCAA Field Hockey Recruits
How Competitive Is the Recruiting Process?
With over 6,000+ field hockey student-athletes nationwide competing across divisions, the competition for funding is fierce. In fact, only about 12.2% of U.S. high school field hockey players go on to compete at the NCAA level [NCAA.org] and less than 4% at the Division 1 level. Of those, just a fraction receive athletic aid, and even fewer land Division I roster spots.
Furthermore, Ivy League programs, while prestigious, do not offer athletic scholarships. Instead, they offer need-based or academic scholarships, which require strong academic performance to qualify.
That’s why preparation can’t wait. Our Field Hockey Scholarship Playbook gives you the templates, checklists, and recruiting timeline to beat those odds
What are Some Lesser-Known Insights for Parents and Players?
Some schools do not fully fund their available scholarship allotments, meaning fewer scholarships than the NCAA allowance are given. This can reduce opportunities further.
Partial scholarships can be combined with academic scholarships or financial aid to help cover tuition.
Many student-athletes fund their college experience with a combination of athletic aid, academic merit awards, and need-based grants.
International players represent over 10% of the NCAA field hockey population at some schools, as recruitment has expanded globally. International Field Hockey Scholarships in the U.S.
While the NCAA now allows coaches to distribute aid across up to 27 roster spots, most schools still fund closer to 12 scholarships — and some don’t even fully fund that amount.
Find additional scholarship insights and updates in our Field Hockey Scholarship Resource Hub.
How Can You Increase Your Chances of a Field Hockey Scholarship?
Develop skills at a high level: Be proficient in key positions such as forward or goalkeeper, with solid defensive skills.
Create a strong recruiting video and athletic resume: Showcase your skills and competitive highlights.
Maintain academic eligibility: Most coaches expect a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0; Ivy League demands much higher academic achievements. Read our Grades First: A Parent's Guide to NCAA Core Courses, Pre-Reads & the Academic Index.
Attend college showcases and camps: Engage directly with coaches.
Reach out proactively to coaches: Express interest and provide your performance details. See our information on How to email NCAA field hockey coaches (templates included).
Understand that full-ride scholarships are rare: Plan financially and explore academic and need-based aid as well.
Field hockey scholarships are competitive and primarily partial awards divided among top athletes. Aspiring student-athletes and their parents should focus on skill development, academic achievement, and strategic recruitment to maximize their chances of receiving scholarship aid at leading NCAA programs.
Ready to Stop Guessing and Start Getting Noticed?
Every year, thousands of field hockey players compete for just a handful of scholarships. Don’t leave your opportunity to chance. Our Field Hockey Scholarship Playbook gives you exact email templates, recruiting timelines, and inside strategies coaches love — so you can get noticed and secure the aid you deserve.
Download the Playbook Now and Take Control of Your Recruiting Journey!
See all NCAA field hockey programs by Division.
To earn a field hockey scholarship, student-athletes must excel in their sport with advanced skills, maintain strong academics, and navigate a competitive recruiting landscape where scholarship availability varies widely by division, program funding, and team needs.
Top Colleges Offering Field Hockey Scholarships and What Coaches Are Looking For
Field hockey scholarships are available primarily for female athletes in NCAA Division I and Division II programs, with Division III and Ivy League schools offering mostly academic or need-based aid rather than athletic scholarships. There are about 280 colleges with NCAA-sponsored field hockey teams split roughly as follows: 82 schools in Division I, 40 in Division II, and 168 in Division III.
Full list of Division 1, 2 and 3 Field Hockey programs
How many scholarships are there for NCAA field hockey?
Division I programs (around 82 schools) can award up to the equivalent of 27 scholarships per team starting in 2025-26, but this is an equivalency sport scholarship, meaning scholarships are divided among multiple players rather than full rides for a few. Teams are more likely to have 12 scholarships and split them across 20+ players.
For example, a coach might split one full scholarship into four 25% awards, then help athletes combine athletic money with academic or need-based aid to approach a full package.
Typical team rosters average about 23 to 25 players, so not every player receives a scholarship, and many awards are partial rather than full.
Division II programs offer fewer scholarships (around 6.3 per team), with similar roster sizes around 24 players.
Division III and Ivy League teams (the majority of programs) do not offer athletic scholarships but provide financial aid through academics or need-based grants.
As North Carolina coach Sam Behnke explains, “We have a limited number of scholarships, so we recruit athletes for their skill and their fit in the program. Most scholarships are partial, and players need to be prepared for that reality.”
For complete scholarship limits and key recruiting details, visit our Field Hockey Scholarship Resource Hub
What Do Colleges Look for in Recruits?
Coaches seek athletes with strong all-around skills, particularly those who can impact scoring and defense. Positions like forwards and goalkeepers receive particular attention because of their direct influence on the game.
Players with advanced tumbling and fitness, high hockey IQ, and tactical awareness stand out. Coaches also prioritize recruits with good character, work ethic, and academics since maintaining eligibility and balancing athletics with coursework is vital.
As Duke’s Head Coach Katie O’Donnell notes, “We don’t just recruit for skill—we want athletes who can handle the pressures of college competition while maintaining their academics and being positive team players.”
What Coaches Look for in NCAA Field Hockey Recruits
How Competitive Is the Recruiting Process?
With over 6,000+ field hockey student-athletes nationwide competing across divisions, the competition for funding is fierce. In fact, only about 12.2% of U.S. high school field hockey players go on to compete at the NCAA level [NCAA.org] and less than 4% at the Division 1 level. Of those, just a fraction receive athletic aid, and even fewer land Division I roster spots.
Furthermore, Ivy League programs, while prestigious, do not offer athletic scholarships. Instead, they offer need-based or academic scholarships, which require strong academic performance to qualify.
That’s why preparation can’t wait. Our Field Hockey Scholarship Playbook gives you the templates, checklists, and recruiting timeline to beat those odds
What are Some Lesser-Known Insights for Parents and Players?
Some schools do not fully fund their available scholarship allotments, meaning fewer scholarships than the NCAA allowance are given. This can reduce opportunities further.
Partial scholarships can be combined with academic scholarships or financial aid to help cover tuition.
Many student-athletes fund their college experience with a combination of athletic aid, academic merit awards, and need-based grants.
International players represent over 10% of the NCAA field hockey population at some schools, as recruitment has expanded globally. International Field Hockey Scholarships in the U.S.
While the NCAA now allows coaches to distribute aid across up to 27 roster spots, most schools still fund closer to 12 scholarships — and some don’t even fully fund that amount.
Find additional scholarship insights and updates in our Field Hockey Scholarship Resource Hub.
How Can You Increase Your Chances of a Field Hockey Scholarship?
Develop skills at a high level: Be proficient in key positions such as forward or goalkeeper, with solid defensive skills.
Create a strong recruiting video and athletic resume: Showcase your skills and competitive highlights.
Maintain academic eligibility: Most coaches expect a minimum GPA of 2.5 to 3.0; Ivy League demands much higher academic achievements. Read our Grades First: A Parent's Guide to NCAA Core Courses, Pre-Reads & the Academic Index.
Attend college showcases and camps: Engage directly with coaches.
Reach out proactively to coaches: Express interest and provide your performance details. See our information on How to email NCAA field hockey coaches (templates included).
Understand that full-ride scholarships are rare: Plan financially and explore academic and need-based aid as well.
Field hockey scholarships are competitive and primarily partial awards divided among top athletes. Aspiring student-athletes and their parents should focus on skill development, academic achievement, and strategic recruitment to maximize their chances of receiving scholarship aid at leading NCAA programs.
Ready to Stop Guessing and Start Getting Noticed?
Every year, thousands of field hockey players compete for just a handful of scholarships. Don’t leave your opportunity to chance. Our Field Hockey Scholarship Playbook gives you exact email templates, recruiting timelines, and inside strategies coaches love — so you can get noticed and secure the aid you deserve.
Download the Playbook Now and Take Control of Your Recruiting Journey!
See all NCAA field hockey programs by Division.
