What You Need to Know to Get Recruited
Going after a fencing scholarship takes some strategizing. Use this as a logical and practical guide that may help you win some money for your sport.
About NCAA Collegiate Fencing Scholarships and Limits
The NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) sponsors 34 men’s Division I and II combined varsity fencing teams, as well as 43 Div I and II combined women’s fencing teams. Remember, Divisions I and II may offer athletic scholarships to the right athletes. The NCAA scholarship limits for varsity fencing teams break down as follows:
•Div 1 Women’s teams may offer 5 scholarships.
•Div 1 Men’s teams may offer 4.5 scholarships.
•Div II Men’s and Women’s fencing teams may offer 4.5 scholarships each.
When you multiply number of permissible paid scholarships by number of varsity teams, you realize that there are really very few NCAA athletic scholarships for fencing athletes.
Fencing Competition and Scholarships at Division III Schools
Division III schools are typically smaller overall. You will not find any pure athletic scholarships in this division. You will however find some very competitive fencing. Considering the fact that there are only 77 men’s and women’s Div 1 and Div 2 fencing teams you might wonder where do the hordes of other college-bound fencers fence?
The NCAA lists 15 Div 3 schools that offer women’s fencing and 12 that feature men’s fencing. Expect that competition for these teams is hot. Schools in this division may work very hard to find talented fencers with impressive academics, as well, or those with demonstrated financial need. Remember, there are plenty of other types of scholarships a college may offer a prospective student athlete. Div 3 schools that are able to keep their athletics robust and competitive are also able to appeal to a wider student audience, so attracting talented athletes is in their best interest.
•Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) fencing is a good example of a Div 3 fencing team that is able, through the caliber of its fencers, to compete among the Div 1 teams. No athletic scholarships, per se, but you better bet they have a good merit and need-based scholarship strategy in place to snatch the best a Div 3 school can possibly buy.
Collegiate Club Fencing
Again, where are the hordes of fencers fencing? Dozens of colleges and universities sponsor fencing clubs, some for practice and sport, others for competition, or a combination of the two. You’re not likely at all to get any kind of money for fencing in these situations and clubs can also be quite inconsistent.
Even if you aren't going to school on an athletic scholarship, there are thousands of scholarships at schools all across the country based on academics, financial need and other criteria.
Best Bet Fencing Scholarships
We’ve done some of the legwork for you: here is a starter list of fencing scholarships that fall outside the realm of true athletic scholarships. Improve your chances for a scholarship by exploring all your options.
The Fencing Institute of Texas Scholarships
Two $500 scholarships are awarded each year to deserving undergraduate fencers. Applicants for the Eric Wang Fencing Scholarships must be high school seniors or college freshman, sophomores or juniors and enrolled or accepted at an accredited college or university. Applicants must have fencing experience and submit application with two letters of recommendation from coaches or other fencers that will also attest to character.
Reed College - Portland, Oregon
The Williams Scholarship Fencing Tournament is held annually at Reed College to award financially deserving fencing students scholarships. The top 3 finishers in the tournament who are eligible for financial aid will share a $10,000 scholarship award.
Columbia University -Herbert C. Spiselman Memorial Endowment for Fencing
Nationally ranked fencers competing in the World Cups and Work Championship may apply to Columbia for the Herbert C. Spiselman Memorial Endowment for Fencing. The scholarship funds go toward covering an athlete’s costs associated with attending these competitions. Contact the Office of Financial Aid at Columbia University for details about this scholarship and how to apply. Go here for the details about Herbert C. Spiselman.
Pennsylvania State University – “A Women's Fencing Scholarship”
Penn State is one of the top ranked fencing programs in the country. This Women’s Fencing Scholarship is an endowment from an anonymous donor in the amount of $50,000. Scholarship money is used to fund women fencers that are able to demonstrate outstanding fencing abilities in combination with academic prowess.
NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship Program
The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship award is for a student athlete in the final season of intercollegiate athletic competition in fencing (or one of another of the intercollegiate sports on the list.) Applicant must have a GPA of 3.2 and plan to pursue a graduate degree full or part-time. Selection criteria include academic achievement campus or community involvement, sportsmanship and leadership. Applicant must submit a 200-word statement detailing future goals, college transcripts, a school/coach nomination form and 3 letters of recommendation. This is a one-time scholarship in the amount of $7,500. There is no restriction as far as major.