Wrestling Scholarships & College Opportunities for Aspiring Wrestlers

Wrestling is one of the few sports where hard work, grit, and discipline can directly translate into real opportunities beyond high school. While it may not always make national headlines, wrestling holds a strong presence in the college athletic world. For many athletes, the sport opens doors to scholarships, quality education, and continued athletic development. If you're a parent wondering whether wrestling can help your child get into college or afford tuition, the answer is: absolutely—if they stay committed and focused.

Let’s take a closer look at what wrestling scholarships are available, how they work across different divisions, and what opportunities student-athletes can pursue after high school.

College Wrestling at a Glance

College wrestling is available at a wide range of schools across the United States. These programs exist in different athletic divisions, each with its own rules and scholarship opportunities. The main divisions that offer wrestling include:

NCAA Division I
NCAA Division II
NCAA Division III
NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics)
NJCAA (National Junior College Athletic Association)

Each level offers unique benefits based on the school’s size, academic rigor, competition level, and financial aid packages.

NCAA Division I Wrestling Scholarships

Division I wrestling is the highest level of college competition in the U.S. Schools in this division are typically large universities with well-funded athletic programs. Examples include Penn State, Iowa, Ohio State, and Oklahoma State.

Scholarship Limit: NCAA Division I wrestling programs are allowed up to 9.9 scholarships per team.
Type: These are equivalency scholarships, meaning the coach can divide the total amount among multiple athletes. Most wrestlers receive partial scholarships, not full rides.
Competition Level: Extremely high. Athletes at this level are often multi-time state champions or nationally ranked.

NCAA Division II Wrestling Scholarships

Division II schools also offer strong wrestling programs, but with a better balance between academics and athletics. They compete at a high level but may provide more opportunities for athletes who are still developing.

Scholarship Limit: Division II programs also offer 9.0 scholarships per team.
Flexibility: Coaches divide these scholarships among athletes based on need, performance, and potential.
Academic Focus: These schools may place a heavier emphasis on maintaining good academic standing.

NCAA Division III: No Athletic Scholarships, But Still Great Opportunities

Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships, but that doesn’t mean wrestling is off the table. Many of these institutions offer generous academic scholarships, grants, and need-based aid that can make tuition affordable.

Focus: These schools emphasize academic achievement and the student-athlete experience.
Opportunities: Wrestlers can still compete at a high level while preparing for careers after college.
Example Schools: Wartburg College, Augsburg University, and Johnson & Wales University all have strong DIII wrestling programs.

NAIA Wrestling Scholarships

The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) is a separate athletic organization with many smaller colleges that offer competitive wrestling and a close-knit campus experience.

Scholarship Limit: Up to 8 scholarships per team.
Flexibility: Coaches have the freedom to combine athletic and academic scholarships to create competitive aid packages.
Opportunity: Many NAIA schools actively recruit wrestlers and offer personalized support.

Junior Colleges and NJCAA Wrestling Scholarships

Junior colleges (community colleges) are an excellent option for wrestlers who want to compete while improving academics, gaining experience, or saving money.

Scholarship Limit: Varies by school, but many offer full or partial scholarships.
Benefit: Junior colleges can serve as a stepping stone to four-year universities with stronger academic or athletic credentials.
Examples: Iowa Central Community College, Clackamas Community College, and Northeastern Oklahoma A&M are among the top programs.

Tips for Earning a Wrestling Scholarship

Earning a wrestling scholarship doesn’t happen overnight. It takes a combination of performance, grades, work ethic, and exposure. Here’s how families can support that journey:

Keep grades up. Academic eligibility is just as important as athletic talent.
Compete in offseason events like national tournaments, camps, and showcases.
Record matches and build a highlight reel to share with college coaches.
Reach out to college coaches early in high school with emails, transcripts, and videos.
Understand recruiting timelines and NCAA rules, especially when it comes to communication and eligibility.

Wrestling Offers More Than Scholarships

Even if your child doesn’t receive a full athletic scholarship, wrestling can still lead to amazing opportunities. Many wrestlers are strong candidates for academic scholarships because of their discipline and time-management skills. Others receive financial aid through need-based grants or work-study programs.

Additionally, wrestling often gives students a sense of purpose, belonging, and structure in college, helping them thrive both academically and personally.

A Sport That Pays Off

Wrestling can absolutely be a gateway to higher education. While full-ride scholarships are rare, the combination of athletic, academic, and need-based aid can make college affordable—and attainable—for hardworking wrestlers.

More importantly, the values learned through wrestling—discipline, grit, leadership, and perseverance—prepare young athletes for success long after their last match. For many student-athletes, wrestling isn’t just how they get into college. It’s how they grow into strong, capable adults ready to take on the world.

So, whether your child dreams of wrestling in college or simply wants to use the sport to shape their future, one thing is clear: the opportunities are real, and the rewards are worth the work.