How to Research Colleges as a Student-Athlete

You’ve dreamed about playing college sports—the thrilling moments, the trophies, Signing Day. But how do you find the right school for you? And what should you expect? Here’s what NCSA’s recruiting experts recommend. 

Things to research about colleges

It’s time for you to figure out what you want in a school, and create your target list. The important thing is not to find the right school because of its name, or because your friends are going there. The important thing is to find the right fit for YOU, and it’s not just about your sport. Here's what to look for.

Academic fit

A reminder: Where you go to college is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your lifetime - because of the education you receive! Remember, athletic scholarships don't guarantee admission; your academic performance plays a crucial role. 

Do you have a major that you’re considering? Make sure the schools you are looking at have it. If you’ve always dreamed of becoming an architect, look for schools with architecture programs along with your sport. Ask coaches and current student-athletes about juggling academics and athletics.

Athletic fit 

Focus on the division level that aligns with your abilities. Aim for schools where you can make a significant contribution, which may include D2, D3, NAIA, or junior colleges. 

Understand division differences and research current college rosters to find your fit. 

Financial fit

Talk to your family about what they can reasonably afford, and research the costs and financial aid packages that are common for the schools you like. 

If you are offered an athletic scholarship, factor that into your decision. Understand what types of scholarships can be offered at each level and each conference (for example, the Ivy League does not offer athletic scholarships.) 

Make sure you understand FAFSA and apply by the deadline if you are looking for that funding.

Social fit

Remember that the school you choose is expected to be your home for the next four or five years. There’s so much to consider. 

Do you want a big school or would you be more comfortable with a smaller campus? If you’ve lived in a city your whole life, do you want to try living in a smaller college town? Would you prefer a school that is religious? Do you want year-round sunshine or do you want to build snowmen on campus? Is it important to stay close to home? Are you planning on getting involved with Greek Life or student government? Take all of this into account as you look at a college. Talk to current students. Maintain a list of your personal preferences. 

Creating your target list 

Now that you know what you want in a school, it’s time to find schools that fit what you’re seeking. Talk to your guidance counselors at your high school to get some ideas on what schools will fit.  Start a large list, and then continue to research to narrow it down.  Now you can slot the schools you’re interested into three roles: target, dream, and safety. 

• Target schools: These are the schools where you have the most realistic chance of getting in and will be the right fit not only athletically, but academically, financially and socially. 

• Dream schools: Maybe these schools are a stretch academically, where you will need to improve significantly to qualify athletically or maybe too expensive without significant financial aid. You should have these dream schools on your list but recognize they might be a stretch. 

• Safety schools: These are the schools you have on your list as your back-up plan. Keep your options open and consider schools that you otherwise might not have before starting your research. While these schools may not be your first choice, they’re still a good fit. 

How do you rank among other student-athletes?

As you look through schools, you also want to make sure you’re a good fit for them. It’s a good idea to have a third-party evaluate your abilities as an athlete. There are a couple of ways you can go about this. 

1. Ask your high school or club coach for feedback. 

2. Turn to an online service, like NCSA College Recruiting. Over 40,000 college coaches use NCSA to build their roster and depend on NCSA’s experts for evaluating prospects in our database.

Another option is to attend a showcase or camp where college coaches check out talent in person, so you can see how you match up with others competing for a college spot - and get face time with a college coach. 

How NCSA can help with your college search 

One of the most difficult aspects of finding the right college is simply knowing where to look. There are thousands of viable schools in the country across the Division 1, Division 2, Division 3, NAIA, and junior college levels where student athletes can potentially find a great fit for their college experience.

That’s why NCSA provides student athletes and families with powerful college search tools that simplify this complicated process. NCSA’s College Search allows users to easily filter through thousands of schools based on specific athletic, academic and college fit criteria.

Additionally, NCSA's Match tool suggests colleges that offer athletic scholarships while also focusing colleges to match preferences, skill level, academics and recruiting evaluation results.

Users can dig even deeper into their search results with Match Analysis, which provides a visual snapshot of how they fit athletically and academically at a specific college. Get started today with an NCSA profile!

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the best way to look for colleges?

NCSA makes it easy to find colleges that fit academic, athletic, social and location preferences. A premium NCSA membership gives you access to our College Search and College Match features.

What is the best website to research colleges?

Platforms like NCSA, US News and World Reports and College Navigator (from the U.S. Department of Education) can offer insights into colleges’ academics, cost, selectivity and more.

When should students begin researching and applying for colleges?

Many students start thinking about where they go to college as early as freshman year, with more making detailed lists starting sophomore or junior year. It’s important to get an idea of what academics and more are needed to get into schools that you’re interested in.