Study and run cross country in America – combine sports and study
Want to combine your passion for running with a world-class degree? Cross country is the ultimate test of endurance and mental resilience, and one of the most prestigious sports in the US college system. It’s a unique blend of individual grit and team strategy. You’ll train in scenic locations, travel the country for meets, and become part of a close-knit team, with opportunities for motivated runners at every level.
On top of everything else, student-athletes learn to work and thrive in a team environment, which alters and shapes them into well-rounded, unselfish, team-oriented, and driven individuals. These qualities will help you be successful, whether on or off the course.
How does a Cross Country scholarship work?
With more than a thousand universities offering cross country programs, there are opportunities for every type of runner. Coaches are often very specific about the times they are looking for. Your personal records in events like the 5k and 10k (on the track or road) are therefore the key to securing a great cross country scholarship.
The foundation is the athletic scholarship, which can cover up to the full cost of attendance (‘full ride’). This is often combined with:
- Academic Scholarships: For strong grades (GPA) and test scores (SAT/ACT).
- International Student Aid: Special funds that universities have available for non-US students.
‘Stacking’ these scholarships to create the best possible financial package is a complex puzzle. This is precisely where our expertise and experience make the difference.
What does a cross country scholarship cover?
Tuition
Your scholarship can cover the full cost of tuition, which can range from $10,000 to over $70,000 per year.
Training gear
You will receive a complete set of team apparel, spikes, shoes, and other gear from top brands, all provided by the university.
Room&Board
The costs for your room on campus ('dorms') and your daily 'meal plan' can be fully covered by your scholarship.
Insurance
It is mandatory to have health insurance and some schools require international students to take a school’s policy.
Books
A significant expense that is often included in your scholarship package, saving you between $400 and $1200 annually.
Spending money
With a 'full ride' scholarship, you may even receive an extra monthly stipend for personal expenses.
Life as a college athlete: training & competition
As a student-athlete, you become part of a professional and demanding program designed to make you the best runner you can be. This includes:
- A complete coaching staff: Including a head coach and specialized coaches for long distance and strength.
- World-class facilities: You’ll have access to first-class athletic tracks, elite weight rooms, and endless, beautiful trails for your long runs. Many top teams also travel to iconic, high-altitude training camps in places like Colorado or Arizona to build the ultimate physical foundation.
- Medical support: Daily access to your own athletic trainers (physiotherapists) for prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Travel through America & battle for the championship
While cross country is an individual sport, the college experience is a true team adventure. But the experience goes much further than just the competitions:
- Travel as a team: You travel with your teammates, who quickly become your best friends, throughout the regio, and sometimes the entire country. This means not only competing but also discovering the diversity of America, from long bus rides filled with music and camaraderie to flights for important away matches.
- The dream of “The Nationals”: The ultimate goal of the season is to qualify for the conference tournament and then “The Nationals.” Here, the best athletes from across the US compete for the coveted National Championship.
Overview of an academic year
Showtime! – You will officially begin with a 2-3 week pre-season in which you work intensively with your team on the course to prepare yourself for the upcoming season. During the season, you practice almost every day of the week and run about 6-8 races. If your team has done well in the regular season, it is able to qualify for “post-season competition” and continues in tournament mode until the National Championship is played in December.
The spring semester (often referred to as off-season) is used to prepare intensively for the coming Fall season. Some athletes are also part of the track & field team who have their main season in the Spring.
Summer break – There is a possibility to stay in The USA and take summer classes or work in camps. Most students decide to go back to their families to enjoy the 2.5-month break to rest and individual preparation for pre-season.
Day in the life of a student-athlete
Sports & academics are 100% coordinated, so you have the opportunity to excel both as an athlete as well as in the classroom.
6:30
Weight/conditioningget ready for the
weight/conditioning training.
7:45
Shower/BreakfastShower and then have breakfast with teammates or friends in one of the dining facilities on the college campus.
8:30
Classes11:45
LunchLunch with teammates and friends, again at one of the various food halls available on campus using your prepaid ‘meal plan’ card.
12:30
Classes14:30
PracticeArrive at the training room to prepare for practice. You may get stretched out or taped by an athletic trainer (physiotherapist)
17:30
Recover/Shower/DinnerBack to the training room to make sure you take care of yourself physically after practice (ice bath/physical therapy). After taking a shower you will have dinner with teammates and friends.
19:00
Study/LeisureTime to get some studying or homework done. When other sports teams are in action, a good college athlete supports their fellow athletes! The rest of the evening is your own!
4 unique facts about college cross country
- The Ultimate Team Sport: Although you run individually, cross country is a pure team sport. The final score is determined by the combined places of the top 5 runners from each team. Running together in a ‘pack’ is the key to success.
- The Foundation for Track Athletes: The cross country season in the fall provides the perfect endurance base for the indoor and outdoor track seasons. Many professional marathoners and 5k/10k specialists built their careers on their success in college cross country.
- Train in Inspiring Locations: Forget endless laps on a track. As a college runner, you’ll train on beautiful and challenging courses through forests and over hills. Many top teams also attend training camps at iconic, high-altitude running locations like Colorado or Arizona.
- Guidance Based on Science and Data: Your progress isn’t left to chance. Top programs utilize advanced technology like VO2 max testing, lactate threshold analysis, and video analysis of your running form. Combined with a personal nutrition plan, you are guided like an absolute pro.
Curious about your chances?
Request a free, no-obligation evaluation. We'll map out your personal opportunities.