College Rowing
SpoRecruit Rowing was created with the mission of helping talented male and female rowers secure placements at colleges and universities across the United States and Canada. Since then, we’ve successfully guided hundreds of student-athletes through the academic or merit-based scholarship process, helping over 1,000 rowers pursue their academic and athletic goals abroad. Competing in rowing at U.S. colleges offers a highly structured and competitive environment, where student-athletes balance academics with intense training and regattas through NCAA and other collegiate rowing associations. Athletes benefit from elite coaching, excellent facilities, and the chance to race against top talent, with college rowing often serving as a pathway to national teams or professional opportunities. Beyond the sport itself, the experience builds discipline, lifelong friendships, and personal development both on and off the water.
Rowing Scholarships by Division
If you’re between 18 and 24 years old, currently in education or recently graduated, have no criminal record, and compete in rowing at a high level, you’re in a strong position to become a successful SpoRecruit applicant. That said, rowing opportunities are highly competitive, and coaches typically look for standout athletes performing at the top of their regional or national level.
There are over 150 women’s and 75 men’s rowing programs in U.S. college sports, making it one of the most competitive environments for student-athletes. For many aspiring rowers, it’s considered the ultimate setting to elevate their performance. Securing a rowing scholarship is highly competitive, with coaches often seeking athletes who have experience at the international or elite national level.
SpoRecruit stands out from other services by limiting our rowing recruitment program to just 50 athletes per year, allowing us to give each rower the personal attention and guidance needed throughout the complex process of finding the right college fit in the U.S. and securing the best financial package possible. Each student-athlete is matched with a dedicated representative who supports them every step of the way.
If you believe you have the talent and dedication to study and row in the U.S. on scholarship, we encourage you to apply as this is one the competitive scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the chances of getting a soccer scholarship?
To earn a rowing scholarship, you need to demonstrate both outstanding rowing ability and strong academic performance. In women’s rowing, which is classified as an equivalency sport, scholarships can be divided in varying amounts among athletes. For example, an NCAA Division I program can award 40 athletes half scholarships without exceeding the team limit of 20 full scholarships. Although men’s rowing is the oldest collegiate sport in the U.S., it is not governed by the NCAA. Instead, varsity men’s teams fall under the Intercollegiate Rowing Association (IRA), while club-level and non-IRA teams are overseen by the American Collegiate Rowing Association (ACRA).
Do I Need Prior Rowing Experience to Get a Scholarship?
Although previous rowing experience can be an advantage, it’s not always required to earn a scholarship. Many college rowing programs welcome novice rowers and provide structured training to help them develop their skills. If you show strong dedication, athletic potential, and a passion for the sport, coaches may still offer you a scholarship based on your growth and commitment.
How Competitive Are Rowing Scholarships?
Securing a rowing scholarship can be highly competitive, especially at leading college programs that draw talented athletes from across the country and around the world. To improve your chances, focus on strengthening your rowing abilities, maintaining excellent academic results, and actively reaching out to coaches to express your interest in joining their team.
What Are the Responsibilities of Rowing Scholarship Recipients?
Students who receive rowing scholarships are expected to successfully manage both their academic and athletic responsibilities. This means consistently attending practices, races, and team events, while also maintaining academic performance and making progress toward their degree. Beyond athletics, scholarship athletes serve as ambassadors for their college or university and are expected to uphold its values both in and out of competition.
What is the size of a college rowing roster?
The size of a college rowing team in the U.S. can vary widely depending on the school, level of competition, and available resources. On average, teams typically consist of 30 to 60 athletes, though larger programs at major universities may have over 100 rowers. These schools often support multiple squads—such as varsity, junior varsity (JV), and novice teams—to accommodate more athletes while maintaining a competitive edge. In contrast, smaller colleges or those with developing rowing programs might have 20 to 30 athletes, offering a more intimate team environment with fewer resources but still strong opportunities for growth. Team size is usually shaped by factors like program history, facilities, coaching staff, and recruitment efforts, but no matter the size, every rower plays an important role in the team’s overall success.