[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ fullwidth=”on” admin_label=”Header” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ background_enable_image=”off” custom_padding=”|||” bottom_divider_style=”asymmetric2″ bottom_divider_color=”#ffffff” bottom_divider_height=”44px” bottom_divider_style_tablet=”” bottom_divider_style_phone=”none” bottom_divider_style_last_edited=”on|desktop” animation_style=”slide” animation_direction=”top” animation_intensity_slide=”2%” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_fullwidth_slider show_pagination=”off” use_bg_overlay=”off” show_arrows_tablet=”off” show_arrows_phone=”off” show_arrows_last_edited=”on|desktop” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_font=”|600|||||||” header_font_size=”52px” min_height=”650px” auto=”on” auto_speed=”5000″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_slide button_link=”#combine” use_bg_overlay=”off” use_text_overlay=”off” admin_title=”Waterpolo” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_color=”rgba(255,255,255,0.53)” header_font_size=”93px” body_font=”Roboto|300|||||||” body_font_size=”75px” body_line_height=”1.8em” background_enable_color=”off” background_image=”https:\/\/www.madescholarships.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Waterpolo-header.webp” background_enable_image=”on” background_enable_video_mp4=”off” custom_button=”on” button_icon=”||divi||400″ body_font_size_tablet=”” body_font_size_phone=”50px” body_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_transition=”on”][\/et_pb_slide][\/et_pb_fullwidth_slider][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Intro” module_id=”why-college” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_enable_color=”off” background_color_gradient_direction=”360deg” background_enable_image=”off” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”||4px||false|false” top_divider_style_tablet=”” top_divider_style_phone=”none” top_divider_style_last_edited=”on|phone” bottom_divider_height=”60px” bottom_divider_flip=”vertical” bottom_divider_style_tablet=”” bottom_divider_style_phone=”none” bottom_divider_style_last_edited=”on|phone” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”3_5,2_5″ padding_top_bottom_link_1=”true” padding_left_right_link_1=”true” module_id=”combine” _builder_version=”4.16″ min_height=”413.7px” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”5px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”||||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|||” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider divider_weight=”2px” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” width=”100px” custom_margin=”||10px||false|false” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_font=”||||||||” text_line_height=”1.8em” custom_margin=”||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
For many water polo players in Europe, this probably sounds familiar: early-morning and late-evening training sessions with your club, while trying to keep up with school in between. In the United States, the setup is completely different. Athletics and academics are part of one integrated system. <\/p>\n
Dreaming of earning a water polo scholarship at an American university? There are several routes and opportunities worth exploring. College water polo in the United States offers competitive programs, professional coaching and interesting financial opportunities for international players. Since the 2025\u201326 academic year, NCAA rules surrounding scholarships in Division I have also changed, creating more opportunities for some programs to provide financial support to student-athletes<\/a>. <\/p>\n On this page, we explain how college water polo in the USA works, what scholarship opportunities are available and what coaches look for when recruiting international players.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|||” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.madescholarships.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Waterpolo-graduation-e1787586146948.webp” alt=”Water polo ball with a graduation cap held by a student-athlete beside a swimming pool” title_text=”Water polo scholarship in the USA: combining sports and education” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”415px” custom_margin=”50px||||false|false” animation_direction=”right” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_blur=”23px” box_shadow_spread=”5px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”Intro” module_id=”scholarships” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(190,217,244,0.45)” background_color_gradient_start=”#bed9f4″ background_color_gradient_end=”#ffffff” background_enable_image=”off” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_padding=”68px||70px||false|false” top_divider_style_tablet=”” top_divider_style_phone=”none” top_divider_style_last_edited=”on|phone” bottom_divider_height=”60px” bottom_divider_flip=”vertical” bottom_divider_style_tablet=”” bottom_divider_style_phone=”none” bottom_divider_style_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The head coach plays an important role in deciding how available scholarship money is distributed across the roster. In water polo, however, it is uncommon for coaches to have enough athletic scholarship money to offer every player a full ride<\/a>. Instead, the available scholarship budget has to be divided strategically across the team. A player who fills a specific need within the roster may therefore be in a stronger position when scholarship offers are discussed. That could be a goalkeeper, but it could also be a strong center, a left-handed player or a versatile field player. For NCAA Division I<\/a>, the rules changed significantly beginning with the 2025\u201326 academic year. The previous scholarship limits of 4.5 full scholarship equivalents for men and 8 for women were replaced, for Division I programs covered by the new House rules, by a roster limit of 24 players. Within that limit, universities can choose to provide financial support to more student-athletes.<\/p>\n It is important to understand that universities are not required to provide an athletic scholarship to all 24 players. In practice, the amount of scholarship money available for college water polo often depends on the budget of the university\u2019s aquatics program, which may also include swimming and diving<\/a>.<\/p>\n NCAA Division II<\/a>, the NAIA and junior college programs currently operate under different scholarship limits. As a result, the financial opportunities available can vary significantly between divisions and universities.<\/p>\n A spot on a team also does not automatically mean that you will receive an athletic scholarship. At the same time, the value of a scholarship can vary considerably from one player to another.<\/p>\n Because an athletic scholarship in water polo rarely covers the full cost of attending college, combining different sources of financial aid can make a significant difference. Where possible, Made Scholarships helps students combine three different types of scholarships:<\/p>\n By combining these different forms of financial aid<\/a>, a partial athletic scholarship can become a much more attractive overall college package.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.madescholarships.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/waterpolo-women.webp” alt=”Female water polo players competing during a college water polo match in the United States.” title_text=”Women\u2019s college water polo at an American university” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”43px|||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Water polo is a relatively small sport within the American college system. The number of varsity programs is limited, and strong teams often have relatively small rosters. As a result, competition for spots at popular programs can be intense.<\/p>\n At the same time, international players are highly visible in college water polo. Particularly at stronger programs, it is common to find athletes from Europe and other parts of the world. American coaches are therefore accustomed to recruiting internationally and regularly look beyond the United States for talented players.<\/p>\n For water polo, a strong recruiting video<\/a> is important, but coaches at many serious programs will also want to see full-game footage.<\/p>\n Game footage allows coaches to evaluate how you play away from the ball, how you respond under pressure and what role you actually play within a team.<\/p>\n They will look at things such as:<\/p>\n For goalkeepers, coaches may also look at saves and the types of shots they are able to stop.<\/p>\n The complete picture matters as well. Coaches will also consider the level of your current team, your age, academic profile and whether you fit their future roster needs.<\/p>\n Women’s water polo can offer more scholarship opportunities in the United States than men’s water polo. Because of Title IX, which requires schools to provide equitable athletic opportunities for men and women, universities generally have more women’s water polo programs than men’s programs. As a result, female student-athletes may have more opportunities at certain universities.<\/p>\n That does not automatically mean that every female player will have an easier time earning a large scholarship. The exact opportunities depend on the university, the program and the financial resources available.<\/p>\n The same principle applies to both men and women: don’t focus only on the division or the number of available teams. The most important question is which programs genuinely match your level and profile.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”43px|||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”1_3,1_3,1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dsm_flipbox flipbox_type=”zoom-in” flipbox_speed=”0.2s” flipbox_height=”300px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dsm_flipbox_child title=”Tuition” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#E02B20″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”70px” button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”26px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/dsm_flipbox_child][dsm_flipbox_child button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” content_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”#bed9f4″ background_enable_color=”on” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n This is usually the largest expense, ranging from around $10,000 to $70,000 per academic year.<\/p>\n [\/dsm_flipbox_child][\/dsm_flipbox][dsm_flipbox flipbox_type=”zoom-in” flipbox_speed=”0.2s” flipbox_height=”300px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dsm_flipbox_child title=”Training gear” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#E02B20″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”70px” button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”26px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/dsm_flipbox_child][dsm_flipbox_child button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” content_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”#bed9f4″ background_enable_color=”on” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Caps, competition swimwear, robes, dryland clothing and training equipment are often provided by the team.<\/p>\n [\/dsm_flipbox_child][\/dsm_flipbox][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dsm_flipbox flipbox_type=”zoom-in” flipbox_speed=”0.2s” flipbox_height=”300px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dsm_flipbox_child title=”Housing and meals” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#E02B20″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”70px” button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”26px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/dsm_flipbox_child][dsm_flipbox_child button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” content_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”#bed9f4″ background_enable_color=”on” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Your campus accommodation and daily meals through a meal plan.<\/p>\n [\/dsm_flipbox_child][\/dsm_flipbox][dsm_flipbox flipbox_type=”zoom-in” flipbox_speed=”0.2s” flipbox_height=”300px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dsm_flipbox_child title=”Health insurance” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#E02B20″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”70px” button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”26px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/dsm_flipbox_child][dsm_flipbox_child button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” content_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”#bed9f4″ background_enable_color=”on” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The required university health insurance for international students.<\/p>\n [\/dsm_flipbox_child][\/dsm_flipbox][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dsm_flipbox flipbox_type=”zoom-in” flipbox_speed=”0.2s” flipbox_height=”300px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dsm_flipbox_child title=”Books and course materials” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||divi||400″ icon_color=”#E02B20″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”70px” button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”26px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/dsm_flipbox_child][dsm_flipbox_child button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” content_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”#bed9f4″ background_enable_color=”on” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Required textbooks, course materials and software.<\/p>\n [\/dsm_flipbox_child][\/dsm_flipbox][dsm_flipbox flipbox_type=”zoom-in” flipbox_speed=”0.2s” flipbox_height=”300px” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][dsm_flipbox_child title=”Personal Expenses” use_icon=”on” font_icon=”||fa||900″ icon_color=”#E02B20″ use_icon_font_size=”on” icon_font_size=”70px” button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” header_text_align=”center” header_font_size=”26px” background_color=”#FFFFFF” background_enable_color=”on” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/dsm_flipbox_child][dsm_flipbox_child button_url_new_window=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” content_text_color=”#000000″ background_color=”#bed9f4″ background_enable_color=”on” text_orientation=”center” background_layout=”dark” custom_padding=”20px|20px|20px|20px|false|false” border_radii=”on|20px|20px|20px|20px” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n With a full ride<\/a>, you may also receive a monthly allowance to help cover personal expenses. In some cases, this could be around $200 to $500 per month, although this is relatively rare for water polo scholarships. <\/p>\n [\/dsm_flipbox_child][\/dsm_flipbox][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”43px|||||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n All travel expenses for away games and conference tournaments, including flights, team hotels and meals, are generally covered by the university’s athletics or aquatics department. Student-athletes are not expected to pay these team travel expenses themselves.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”conference” module_id=”how-are-practice-and-season-structured” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(124,184,244,0.45)” background_color_gradient_start=”rgba(224,43,32,0.9)” background_color_gradient_end=”rgba(224,43,32,0.87)” background_enable_image=”off” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||10px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” top_divider_height=”60px” top_divider_flip=”horizontal” top_divider_style_tablet=”” top_divider_style_phone=”none” top_divider_style_last_edited=”on|phone” bottom_divider_color=”#ffffff” bottom_divider_style_tablet=”” bottom_divider_style_phone=”none” bottom_divider_style_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_3,1_3″ padding_top_bottom_link_1=”true” padding_left_right_link_1=”true” module_id=”combine” _builder_version=”4.17.4″ custom_margin=”9px|auto|-1px|auto||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”5px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_3″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|||” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” text_text_color=”#000000″ text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”||||||||” header_text_color=”#000000″ header_2_font=”|500|||||||” header_2_font_size=”28px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_2_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_2_font_size_phone=”32px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n As a student-athlete, you become part of a high-performance environment built around the physical demands of water polo. Your daily support may include:<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_3″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|||” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.madescholarships.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Waterpolo-gym-session-UCLA.webp” alt=”UCLA men\u2019s water polo athletes during a strength training session in the university weight room.” title_text=”UCLA Men\u2019s Water Polo Team Strength Training” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”415px” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_blur=”23px” box_shadow_spread=”5px” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=”2_5,3_5″ admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”2_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.madescholarships.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Water-Polo-stanford-champions-2025-NCAA-e1787587418285.jpg” alt=”Stanford women\u2019s water polo players celebrate with the trophy after winning the 2025 NCAA National Collegiate Women\u2019s Water Polo Championship.” title_text=”Stanford wins the 2025 NCAA Women\u2019s Water Polo National Championship” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” max_height=”415px” border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” box_shadow_style=”preset1″ box_shadow_blur=”23px” box_shadow_spread=”5px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”3_5″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n The American college water polo calendar is divided differently from many other college sports. Men’s and women’s water polo have their main competitive seasons at different times of the year.<\/p>\n Men play their official season in the fall, usually from August through early December. The spring is generally used for physical development and non-championship competition. Women, on the other hand, train during the fall and play their main competitive season in the spring, from January through mid-May.<\/p>\n Conference tournaments play an important role in the path to the national championship. Depending on the conference, teams may qualify automatically or earn selection based on their ranking and results.<\/p>\n Because the official women’s season takes place in the spring, starting in January can be logistically possible at some universities. However, most international student-athletes still begin at the start of the academic year in August.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row admin_label=”Row” _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” text_line_height=”1.8em” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n There is no single university that is the best choice for every water polo player. The right school depends on your playing level, position, academic profile and financial situation. In NCAA Division I, Stanford, UCLA, USC and Cal are traditionally among the best-known and strongest water polo programs. Universities such as Princeton, Harvard and Brown also have competitive teams while combining water polo with a strong academic reputation.<\/p>\n College water polo in the United States has a relatively small and unusual landscape. In many sports, you can easily look at NCAA Division I, Division II, Division III, the NAIA and junior colleges. Water polo works a little differently. <\/p>\n The largest number of college water polo programs can be found in the California Community College Athletic Association (CCCAA), followed by NCAA Division I. NCAA Division III also has a number of programs, while Division II has only a limited number of teams. The NAIA plays only a very small role in college water polo, with just one men’s and one women’s program. <\/p>\n This also means that a player who is not yet at NCAA Division I level does not automatically have a large number of Division II or NAIA programs to choose from. There simply are not that many teams. <\/p>\n For many international water polo players, two other routes are therefore worth considering. One option is a California community college, where a relatively large number of water polo teams are available. CCCAA schools do not offer athletic scholarships, but the total cost of studying is often lower. After two years, players can move on to a four-year university with a stronger athletic and academic profile. <\/p>\n Another option is NCAA Division III. Athletic scholarships are not allowed at this level, but international student-athletes may still receive academic scholarships or other forms of financial aid. A Division III university can therefore still be an attractive financial option, even if you are expected to cover part of the costs yourself. <\/p>\n For water polo, the best option is not always the highest possible division. Because the number of programs varies so much between divisions, we look at the full picture: your playing level, the teams available, your academic profile and what each university can offer financially. <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”conference” module_id=”day-in-life-of-a-student-athlete” _builder_version=”4.16″ background_color=”rgba(190,217,244,0.45)” background_enable_image=”off” custom_margin=”||||false|false” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”||10px||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” top_divider_height=”60px” top_divider_flip=”horizontal” top_divider_style_tablet=”” top_divider_style_phone=”none” top_divider_style_last_edited=”on|phone” bottom_divider_color=”#ffffff” bottom_divider_style_tablet=”” bottom_divider_style_phone=”none” bottom_divider_style_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row padding_top_bottom_link_1=”true” padding_left_right_link_1=”true” module_id=”combine” _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_margin=”53px|auto|30px|auto||” custom_margin_tablet=”” custom_margin_phone=”5px||||false|false” custom_margin_last_edited=”on|phone” custom_padding=”4px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”20px||||false|false” custom_padding_tablet=”0px|||” custom_padding_phone=”” custom_padding_last_edited=”on|desktop” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ text_font=”||||||||” text_line_height=”1.8em” header_font=”|600|||||||” header_2_font=”Roboto|500|||||||” header_2_font_size=”28px” header_2_line_height=”1.4em” header_2_font_size_tablet=”40px” header_2_font_size_phone=”32px” header_2_font_size_last_edited=”on|phone” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\nHow do water polo scholarships work in the USA?<\/h2>\n
Who decides how much scholarship money you receive?<\/h3>\n
Ultimately, the value of your water polo scholarship depends on your level, what the team needs and how much scholarship funding is available.<\/p>\nWhat changed in 2025\u201326?<\/h3>\n
Combining scholarships: athletic, academic and international<\/h3>\n
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How hard is it to get a water polo scholarship?<\/h2>\n
What do coaches look for in your video footage?<\/h3>\n
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Opportunities for women vs. men<\/h3>\n
What does a water polo scholarship cover?<\/h2>\n
Life as a college water polo player: training and support<\/h2>\n
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Two seasons, two different calendars: men in the fall, women in the spring<\/h2>\n
What is the best college for water polo?<\/span><\/h2>\n
Beyond Division I, the opportunities are distributed differently<\/span><\/h3>\n
What does a typical weekday look like?<\/h2>\n