In the NCAA, rowing scholarships are available for women only at the Division I and Division II levels. Men’s rowing is not an NCAA championship sport and generally does not offer athletic scholarships, as it's typically classified as a club sport or governed by the Intercollegiate Rowing Association. Division I women’s rowing teams can offer up to 20 scholarships. Division II programs also have up to 20 scholarships but are less common. Division III schools do not offer athletic scholarships but may provide academic or merit-based financial aid.

A key advantage in rowing is that prior experience isn't always necessary. Many top programs recruit novice athletes or walk-ons, especially those with strong physical attributes like height, strength, and endurance—often from other sports like swimming, basketball, or track. Coaches look for athletes with a strong work ethic, athletic potential, and academic consistency. A solid GPA and test scores (where applicable) can improve chances for both admissions and additional financial aid.

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Ivy League Rowing:

Rowing is a premier sport in the Ivy League, with a rich tradition, competitive teams, and some of the most prestigious college programs in the country. All eight Ivy League schools field varsity men’s and women’s rowing teams, and many compete at the highest levels nationally, including in the Intercollegiate Rowing Association for men and the NCAA Championships for women. Recruiting standards in Ivy League rowing are high. Coaches typically look for athletes with strong erg scores (especially 2k times), competitive race experience, and excellent academic records. Admissions decisions involve academic reviews, so maintaining a high GPA and strong standardized test scores is essential. Ivy League rowing offers elite-level athletic competition combined with world-class academics which is ideal for student-athletes seeking both challenge and opportunity on and off the water.

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