Menu
The United States is the mecca of world basketball and their universities are a good example of this. Every year, students from all over the country achieve their dream of competing in U.S. professional leagues thanks to attending college on a basketball scholarship. One of the biggest sporting events of the year in the U.S. in terms of attendance and revenue is the end-of-season national tournament, colloquially known as March Madness. From its frenetic start in mid-March to the Final Four, which is usually played in a neutral city and on a neutral court, usually housed in a football stadium to accommodate huge crowds, March Madness is an unmissable event for sports fans in the United States.
Basketball, both men’s and women’s, along with American Football, are the programs that bring in the most revenue for universities, thanks to the agreements reached for audiovisual rights, ticketing, sponsorship, donations and merchandising sales. All of this is reflected in the substantial resources available to players and how the college coaching position is one of the most lucrative jobs in the world.
By obtaining a basketball scholarship to study in the USA, the player will be able to develop his talent under the best possible conditions for the practice of this sport, in addition to investing in his academic future through a university degree that, in addition, represents an unbeatable opportunity to, in the best case scenario, make the leap to professional basketball once his education is completed.
# of Universities
Scholarships/Team
Avg. Players/Team
NCAA Div. I
N. Universities
351
Máx. Scholars/Team
13
Avg. Players/Team
15
NCAA Div. II
N. Universities
312
Máx. Scholars/Team
10
Avg. Players/Team
17
NCAA Div. III
N. Universities
424
Máx. Scholars/Team
–
Avg. Players/Team
18
NAIA Div. I
N. Universities
230 (NAIA Total)
Máx. Scholars/Team
11
Avg. Players/Team
18
NAIA Div. II
N. Universities
230 (NAIA Total)
Máx. Scholars/Team
6
Avg. Players/Team
19
NJCAA Div. I & II
N. Universities
347
Máx. Scholars/Team
15 (3 international)
Avg. Players/Team
15
NJCAA Div. III
N. Universities
105
Máx. Scholars/Team
–
Avg. Players/Team
14
Total
N. Universities
1769
# of Universities
Scholarships/Team
Avg. Players/Team
NCAA Div. I
N. Universities
351
Máx. Scholars/Team
13
Avg. Players/Team
15
NCAA Div. II
N. Universities
313
Máx. Scholars/Team
10
Avg. Players/Team
15
NCAA Div. III
N. Universities
439
Máx. Scholars/Team
–
Avg. Players/Team
15
NAIA Div. I
N. Universities
250 (NAIA Total)
Máx. Scholars/Team
11
Avg. Players/Team
16
NAIA Div. II
N. Universities
250 (NAIA Total)
Máx. Scholars/Team
6
Avg. Players/Team
16
NJCAA Div. I
N. Universities
186
Máx. Scholars/Team
15
Avg. Players/Team
15
NJCAA Div. II
N. Universities
135
Máx. Scholars/Team
15
Avg. Players/Team
15
NJCAA Div. III
N. Universities
96
Máx. Scholars/Team
–
Avg. Players/Team
16
Total
N. Universities
1770
Academic
In order to be admitted at an American university as a new student you must have completed high school. Additionally, your grade point average from 9th to 12th grade will determine what type of university you will be eligible for admission.
If you are already in college or vocational training, you are also eligible for the scholarship system in the United States but it is important to take into account the number of credits/years you have completed.
Athletic
Your performance on the court will be a fundamental aspect in determining what type of scholarship you are eligible for. Obviously, the higher your level and achievements to date, the better your chances of qualifying for a basketball scholarship in the United States.
If your level on the court is really high, the chances of getting a high value scholarship in the best college teams will multiply. Coaches looking for players with this profile are in NCAA Division I and have the necessary resources, both athletic and academic, so that there is the option of making the leap to professional practice once they finish their studies. Under this criterion, it is possible to obtain scholarships of up to 100%, covering all expenses related to housing, tuition, food and everything related to the sport.
If your profile is not as distinguished, there is nothing to worry about. There are many universities belonging to NCAA Division II, NAIA, even NJCAA, that allow you to continue playing basketball at a high level, while pursuing college studies through a scholarship. Below this level, it may be more complicated to qualify for a 100% subsidy, as it is more likely that the investment to be made by the universities fluctuates between 6000 and 15000 euros per year. Of course, these estimates cover accommodation, tuition, food and everything related to the sport.
The great advantage of the U.S. university education system is that there are countless options for athletes. In spite of not possessing a high athletic level, you can opt to obtain a scholarship in the United States.
In these cases, it is usual that the universities offering these scholarships are prestigious in the academic field and, therefore, you must have a good student profile to access these programs, since the chances of obtaining an academic scholarship that covers part of the related costs are increased.
English
There are two exams that must be taken:
SAT: An American College Entrance Test, which consists of two parts: Mathematics + English. The SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600 points. Ideally, you should start preparing for the SAT between 18 and 24 months prior to entering college.
TOEFL/Duolingo/IELTS: The TOEFL is a standardized test of English language proficiency that consists of four parts: Listening, Reading, Speaking and Writing. It is the most accepted exam by institutions and companies around the world. The scoring scale can reach up to 120 points. Duolingo and IELTS are more economic and flexible, ideal for certain profiles, but the TOEFL is the most accepted test by American universities.
Through our Tutoring program, we will help you prepare for entrance exams and guide you in building your academic profile.
NCAA is the largest collegiate athletic association with the largest number of scholarships among its disciplines, as well as the largest athletic facilities. It is composed of 3 different divisions:
Formed by more than 200 large institutions and where the average level of the player is higher, since it represents the previous step to the big professional events. Most of the major universities in the USA belong to this division. To qualify for a scholarship in this division, you must have a high level and versatile profile.
Composed of smaller universities compared to Division I (between 5000 and 10000 students enrolled), these are institutions where education is closer and more specialized. The level of the average player is somewhat lower, but still high. However, it is very common for top Division II universities to be able to beat Division I college teams. To qualify for a basketball scholarship in this division, you must have a high-level athletic profile.
Formed by universities that are more defined in terms of academic programs and for which there are no athletic scholarships, but there are academic scholarships, scholarships to international students and loans. They have competitions, but are not part of such professionalized programs. The level is lower compared to the previous ones, so it is ideal for good students with an acceptable sports profile.
NAIA is a collegiate athletic association made up of more than 300 institutions, which have fewer enrolled students than those belonging to the NCAA and have smaller campuses. However, the requirements are lower and it is made up of universities with high academic and athletic recognition. The level of the average player may be lower when compared to NCAA Division I, although there are very similar cases. In fact, there are some really competitive teams.
Popularly known as Junior College or Community College, these are 2-year academic programs that serve as a stepping stone to college enrollment. At the athletic level, it serves as a showcase for those athletes who found it difficult to be admitted to the NCAA or NAIA.
Subscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date with our
news.
SPAIN
+34 697 449 191
C/ de Conde Peñalver, 45,
Entreplanta, Oficina 2 (28006)
MadridSubscribe to our newsletter and stay up to date with our
news.
PORTUGAL
+35 913 061 354
Rua do Passeio Alegre, 20.
4150-570, Porto (PT)
