The Real Difference Between Full-Ride vs. Partial Athletic Scholarships for Canadian Athletes
- Collegiate Goals Editorial Team
- Mar 16
- 3 min read
So what’s the difference, and which one can you qualify for? Let’s break it down so you can maximize your scholarship opportunities and make the best decision for your athletic and academic future.
What Is a Full-Ride Athletic Scholarship?
A full-ride athletic scholarship covers 100% of your college costs, including:✔ Tuition and fees✔ Room and board (housing and meals)✔ Books and academic supplies✔ Other required expenses (such as tutoring or travel stipends in some cases)
💡 Key Takeaway: If you earn a full-ride, your entire education is paid for—but these scholarships are rare and highly competitive.
What Is a Partial Athletic Scholarship?
A partial athletic scholarship covers only a portion of your costs. This can range from:✔ 50% of tuition and fees✔ A set dollar amount toward room and board✔ Only books and academic supplies
💡 Key Takeaway: Most student-athletes receive partial scholarships, meaning you may need additional financial aid or personal funding to cover the remaining costs.
Which NCAA Sports Offer Full-Ride Scholarships?
Only certain NCAA Division 1 sports guarantee full-ride scholarships, known as headcount sports:
🏈 Football (FBS only) – 85 full scholarships per team
🏀 Men’s Basketball – 13 full scholarships per team
🏀 Women’s Basketball – 15 full scholarships per team
🎾 Women’s Tennis – 8 full scholarships per team
🎵 Women’s Gymnastics – 12 full scholarships per team
🏐 Women’s Volleyball – 12 full scholarships per team
💡 All other sports are considered "equivalency sports," meaning scholarships are divided among multiple players.
How Scholarship Offers Work in NCAA Equivalency Sports
In equivalency sports, coaches are given a set number of scholarships to divide among athletes. This means:
✔ A star player may get close to a full ride, while others get smaller amounts.
✔ Some athletes may receive a combination of athletic, academic, and need-based aid.
✔ Walk-on players may not get any scholarship money at first but can earn one later.
💡 Key Tip: Even if you’re not offered a full-ride right away, you can often increase your financial aid by maintaining good grades and performing well.
Stacking Academic and Athletic Scholarships
Many Canadian athletes reduce their college costs by stacking multiple scholarships. This means combining:
✔ Partial athletic scholarships
✔ Academic merit scholarships
✔ Need-based financial aid (grants, bursaries, loans)
✔ External scholarships from private organizations
The Pros and Cons of Full-Ride vs. Partial Athletic Scholarships
Factor | Full-Ride Scholarship | Partial Scholarship |
Cost Coverage | 100% paid (tuition, housing, books, etc.) | Only a portion covered |
Competition Level | Extremely competitive | More available but still limited |
Security | Covers all four years (if eligibility is maintained) | Can be adjusted or renewed yearly |
Flexibility | Requires high-level performance to keep | Can combine with other financial aid |
💡 Key Takeaway: Even if you don’t secure a full-ride, a partial scholarship plus academic and need-based aid can still make NCAA education affordable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do Canadian athletes have access to full-ride scholarships?
Yes, but they are extremely competitive and usually only available for headcount sports (football, basketball, etc.). Most Canadian athletes receive partial scholarships.
Q2: Can NCAA coaches increase my scholarship later?
Yes! If you perform well, maintain good grades, and prove your value to the team, a coach may increase your scholarship amount in later years.
Q3: What if I don’t get a scholarship offer?
You can still join a team as a walk-on and work toward earning a scholarship later. Many athletes start without funding and earn scholarships over time.
Q4: Can I combine athletic scholarships with other financial aid?
Yes! Many student-athletes stack athletic, academic, and need-based aid to cover more of their costs.
Q5: How do I find the best scholarship opportunities?
Start by researching schools, contacting coaches early, and applying for both athletic and academic scholarships.
Conclusion
Understanding the difference between full-ride vs partial athletic scholarships can help you set realistic expectations and plan for financial aid accordingly.
Most Canadian athletes receive partial scholarships but can still cover their education costs by stacking multiple funding sources.
🏆 Want to maximize your scholarship chances? Take action now by:
✔ Researching schools that offer your sport
✔ Contacting coaches early in the recruiting process
✔ Applying for both athletic and academic scholarships
For the official NCAA scholarship guidelines, visit:🔗 https://www.ncaa.org/sports/2021/2/8/student-athletes.aspx