Updated Apr 5, 2019
College rugby in the USA is still primarily a club sport played on college campuses. The players (students) generally raise funds through dues and fees. The good news is that more and more programs are being identified as varsity programs that provide scholarships or receive substantial funding. The university may also help the teams with access to training and competition facilities and financial help to cover some expenses. Rugby scholarships include a variety of offerings from tuition grants, to dues or fee waivers, to in-state tuition rates for out-of-state students.
The list provided below is not a complete list as offerings are always changing. Students are encouraged to make an inquiry with directly with the teams and schools they are interested in.
The list below is pieced together from USA Rugby, The Ruggers Edge, NCAA Rugby, and whatever else we could find by scouring the web! If anything is out of date or needs to be corrected, please send that information to wendy@scrumhalfconnection.com.
Alderson Broaddus (AB) University (Philippi, WV)
Alderson Broaddus University has a new varsity rugby program that offers rugby scholarship opportunities to both men and women. These scholarships can be stacked with academic and merit-based scholarships awarded by the university. AB’s rugby program is fully recognized by the athletic department and is staffed with full-time coaches.
- Men’s and Women’s Rugby
- Competing in NSCRO
- Rugby and merit-based scholarships available
- Small school (approx. 1000 students)
- Health Science Focused Private School
- 25 available majors
- 17:1 student to faculty ratio
- Average class size: 25 students
Contact
American International College (Springfield, MA)
Private, Co-Ed, 1,492 Undergraduate Students (3,142 Total Enrollment)
www.aic.edu
Contact
- Tara Roberts
- tara.roberts@aic.edu
Arkansas State University (Jonesboro, AR)
Contact
- Charl Welman, MSISeC, CNA
- cwelman@sbrmc.org
- 870-897-2863
Army West Point (West Point, NY)
Army West Point offers full scholarships to all cadets, and as a varsity sport Army Rugby has official admissions influence. The United States Military Academy, considered the world’s preeminent leadership development institution, focuses on developing leaders of character. In 2016, West Point was recently ranked the #1 Public School in the country (Forbes), with the #2 Liberal Arts Public Education and #3 Engineering program (US News and Reports). Graduates becoming commissioned officers in the United States Army, one of the most respected professions in the country for five years before choosing to continue on in their military career or entering the private sector with their academic and leadership skills. The West Point rugby program, since 1962 has been one of the strongest rugby programs in the country as a club sport. In 2015 the program was elevated to a varsity program and our mission is to become the best collegiate rugby program in the country. Interested players should want to play varsity collegiate rugby, be of a high standard academically, enjoy and embrace challenge, and desire to serve their country and the United States Army as a leader of character.
Contact
- Matt Sherman
- matthew.sherman@usma.edu
- 415.828.8073
- www.wearearmywestpoint.com
Bethel College (Mishawaka, IN)
Contact
- Gil Gadia
- gil.gadia@bethelcollege.edu
Central Washington University (Ellensburg, WA)
Public, Co-Ed, 10,400 Undergraduate (10,900 Total Enrollment)
www.cwu.edu
Coastal Carolina University (Conway, SC)
Contact
- Thomas Barnett
- tbarnettir@aol.com
Davenport University (Grand Rapids, MI)
Private, Co-Ed, 2,600 students on main campus
www.davenport.edu
Contact
- Greg Teliczan
- gteliczan@davenport.edu
Eastern Kentucky University (Richmond, KY)
Contact
- Larkin Townsend
- ekumensrugby@gmail.com
- 859-983-6237
- https://scholarships.eku.edu/types-scholarships
Emory & Henry College (Emory, VA)
Contact
- Tom O’Neill
- toneill@ehc.edu
- www.ehc.edu/rugby
Furman University (Greenville, SC)
Founded in 1998, the Furman Rugby Club has captured three national small college championships and has been runner up twice. In 2012, the team moved to Division II. The team plays in a university-dedicated stadium on a field named in honor of their coach.
In 2013, the university began offering rugby scholarships to athletes who meet admission requirements. These are substantial scholarships, not grants. Some scholarships may total six figures over four years and cover most of tuition costs. The club has hosted a summer rugby camp since 2009 for boys aged 14-19. Prospective players are encouraged to attend the camp.
The Furman rugby team has a player exchange program with Rhodes University (Grahamstown, South Africa). Members of the team may study at Rhodes and earn academic credit while competing for a very good college rugby team in this rugby-rich nation.
Furman University is one of the nation’s premier undergraduate liberal arts colleges. The university offers outstanding academics on a campus that has been ranked as one of the most scenic in the nation. Founded in 1826, the university enrolls approximately 2,600.
Contact
Idaho State University (Pocatello, ID)
Contact
- None
Iowa Central Community College (Fort Dodge, IA)
Triton Rugby is a new collegiate varsity rugby program nestled in the north central Iowa town of Fort Dodge.
Iowa Central is a progressive school with a strong academic environment offering over 50 associate degree/diploma programs. We also take great pride in our athletics, as evidenced by our numerous National Championships in various sports. Rugby will be no exception. Triton Rugby has the full support of the athletic department, which includes access to our full time athletic trainers and state of the art weight room facilities.
It’s a very exciting time at Iowa Central for the rugby program. We will be members of the Mid-American league of NSCRO (National Small College Rugby Organization) and compete in tournaments and Regional qualifiers against schools from across the Midwest in both 15’s and 7’s. Please visit the website (http://www.ictritons.com/rugby/) and fill out the “Recruit Me” page.
Iowa Central Community College Scholarship Award Conditions
- A student must enroll or be enrolled as a full-time student (12 credit hrs or more) each semester.
- Student must be a high school graduate (i.e. not Early Bird, Postsecondary, Charter School, etc.)
- Student most show a high aptitude for rugby.
- Scholarships are for fall and spring semesters only.
- A student must complete 12 credit hours or more the first semester to be eligible to receive the second semester award.
- Students who have not abided by the requirements on the contract could be subject to repayment at the end of the semester.
- The scholarship will not be credited to your account until the contract is signed and returned to the Financial Aid Office.
Contact
- Brent Nelson
- nelson_b@iowacentral.edu
- (515) 574-1093
James Madison University (Harrisonburg, VA )
Contact
Kamil Patel – Buffalo Rugby Scholarship
Contact
- Ron Astridge
- rfa@me.com
- 716 838 1796
- https://buffalorugby.org/scholarship
Kutztown University (Kutztown, PA)
The Kutztown University Rugby Club offers financial assistance in the form of rugby scholarships totaling $10,000.00 per year , donated annually by the Kutztown University Alumni. In conjunction with that, Kutztown University offers half and full tuition waivers to international students that score 1250 or more in their SAT. Please read more about the financial awards and the Kutztown University Rugby Club, at KutztownRugby.com.
David Bailey Scholarship – A $2,000 scholarship awarded to a rugby player that has completed a minimum of thirty credits and is majoring in Sociology. This scholarship is awarded by the Bailey family in honor of their son, David, who was a four year member of the rugby club.
KU Fallen Brothers Scholarship – The Kutztown rugby alumni awards two $500.00 academic scholarships in memory of David Bailey and 9/11 casualty Robert Devitt Jr.
RP Fitness Scholarships – Two $1,000 awards , will be given to one forward and one back, each semester. This award will be given to a member of the twenty five man travel squad that obtains the highest fitness score in their respective category. The awards are being funded by Kutztown Rugby Alumni, Mr.Jeff Reiss and Mr. Paul Presinzano.
Book Scholarships – Six, $250.00 book awards will be given each semester, to players selected by the coaching staff. This includes incoming freshmen.
Contact
- None
Life University (Marietta, GA)
Contact
- Rosalind Chou
- rosalind.chou@life.edu
- 979-324-9371
- www.liferunningeagles.com
Life West | Life Chiropractic College West (Hayward, CA)
Contact
- Adriaan Ferris Athletics Director
- aferris@lifewest.edu
- +1 (510) 780 4500
- www.lifewest.edu
Lindenwood University (St Charles, MO)
Lindenwood University in St. Charles, Missouri offers fully-funded rugby programs for both men and women. Both men and women’s programs operate under the Division 1 status. Full university support includes generous scholarship assistance, all travel, equipment, uniforms, strength and conditioning coaches, weight room, video room, athletic trainers at all practices and matches, access to the HIT (high intensity training) center and new turf rugby pitch for daily training and matches. The high performance rugby academy environment enables student athletes to flourish. The Lindenwood men’s team made USA Rugby history in 2012 by winning a National Championship in its inaugural season.
Interested students may explore this opportunity by submitting their recruit information online to Lindenwood’s Recruiting Questionnaire.
Men’s Team information: Head coach JD Stephenson – jstephenson@lindenwood.edu. Men’s Rugby website: www.lindenwoodlionssls.com or follow on Facebook.
Women’s Head Coach, Billy Nicholas - Bnicholas@lindenwood.edu. Women’s Rugby website: www.lindenwoodlionssls.com or follow on Facebook.
Lindenwood University is a dynamic four-year liberal arts institution dedicated to excellence in higher education. Over 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs are offered to approximately 15,000 students through values-centered programs that lead to development of the whole person. Lindenwood faculty, staff and administration are committed to an integrative liberal arts curriculum that focuses on the talents, interests and future of our students. Lindenwood is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. For more information about the University and admissions please contact Kristen Revis, Rugby Recruiter/Admissions Counselor at 636.949.4338.
Contact
- Lindenwood Office of Admissions
- admissions@lindenwood.edu
- (636) 949-4949
Long Island University Post (Greenvale, NY)
Women’s rugby scholarship
Contact
- John Royal
- John.Royal@LIU.edu
- 516-299-3710
- http://liu.edu/Post
Loyola University Maryland (Baltimore, MD)
Contact
- Head Coach Matt Cipriano
- mpcipriano@loyola.edu
- Club information can be found at http://loyolarugby.weebly.com/ or on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Loyola-University-Maryland-Rugby-Football-Club-128636990510509/
Marist College (Poughkeepsie, NY)
Contact
- Head Coach James Kimberly
- Jamesjkimberly5@gmail.com
- 818-852-9040
Miami University (Oxford, OH)
The Miami Rugby Alumni Association awards two $500 scholarships each year at Old Boys. Our first scholarship is named after Doug Edwards, Miami RFC’s long time player and coach who passed away in 2002. Minus a few years living and playing in Pittsburgh and Atlanta, Doug played for Miami from 1969 through 1983. In 1984 Doug began coaching Miami. Doug also volunteered as an Ohio Rugby Union select side coach, Midwest Rugby Union select side coach and Collegiate All-American manager.
The Collegiate All-Americans award the Doug Edwards Best Tourist Award each year to “the player who shows outstanding ability on the pitch and character off the field during the course of the annual All-American Tour.” This is the only award presented during the Collegiate All Americans annual tour. You can read Doug’s obituary, written by Bowling Green State University RFC head coach Roger Mazzarella in our August 2002 Newsletter. The Doug Edwards Memorial Scholarship is annually supported by Doug’s wife, Barb.
Our second scholarship is named after Lionel Young who founded Miami RFC in 1968 and passed away in 2004. Lionel was born in Birtley, England in 1921 where here played for Rockcliff RFC. After serving in the British army in WWII, Lionel emigrated to Canada where he played a part in founding two clubs in Toronto. Lionel started Miami RFC in the fall of 1968 and left Oxford for Florida in 1970. More information on Lionel can be found on page 2 of our August 2005 Newsletter. The Lionel Young Memorial Scholarship is supported by the Miami Rugby Alumni Association.
Scholarships are awarded to students who have been active members of Miami RFC for at least two semesters, are not graduating in the coming semester and are in good standing with the university. Scholarship applications are sent out each spring and include a short essay portion about how rugby has transcended into other areas of the player’s daily life. Applications are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee and are awarded at our annual Old Boys Match each September.
Contact
- None
Middle Tennessee State University (Murfreesboro, TN)
Contact
- Jody Hensley
- Jody.Hensley@mtsu.edu
- (615) 289-9742
- http://www.mtsu.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/
Molloy College (Rockville Centre, NY)
Contact
- Melissa Olman
- Molman1@molloy.edu
Mount St. Mary’s University (MSMARY)
Private Co-Ed Division 1, 1817 undergraduate enrollment (2200 total enrollment)
Contact
New England College (Henniker, NH)
New England College has both full and partial rugby scholarship (tuition only) monies available for qualified rugby student athletes. NEC rugby is located in beautiful Henniker, New Hampshire and is a fully funded varsity college rugby program. NEC is a national championship program having won both the NSCRO 2014 – 7’s and 2015 -15’s National Championship respectfully. NEC currently plays in the Division I-AA ECRC (http://eastcoastrugbyconference.com). If you would like more information about joining this championship program please contact head coach Jeremy Treece at jtreece@nec.edu.
Contact
- Tal Bayer
- tbayer@nec.edu
Norwich University (Northfield, VT)
Private, Co-Ed, 2300 Cadets
Contact
Notre Dame College (South Euclid, OH)
Notre Dame College is a four-year private catholic institution in the tradition of the Sisters of Notre Dame located on 61 beautiful acres 20 minutes from downtown Cleveland in South Euclid OH. NDC believes in student first athlete second and strives to ensure that each student receive the tools necessary to succeed in the classroom as well as in the job market.
NDC’s rugby program: is a fully funded DI varsity program for the men and for the women is a NCAA Varsity DI program, one of only 12 schools in the country to declare NCAA DI. As an NCAA and Varsity program all conference travel, equipment, uniforms, are paid for by the school. NDC offers strength and conditioning coaches, weight room access, as well as two newly installed turf fields to practice and play on.
Rugby Center of Excellence: NDC is working on the master plan of building a true rugby center of excellence. Prospective players will be coached by an internationally experienced Rugby Coaching staff including an on campus fulltime Rugby Grad Assistant, dedicated Rugby athletic trainers at all practices and matches, have full access to varsity training facilities, a strength and conditioning coach and at a school focused on changing the World One Student at a Time
Scholarships: are available to both men and women. NDC offers very generous scholarship awards to deserving students. To apply click here
Athletes interested in learning more about scholarship opportunities are encouraged to contact Brandy Viol NDC Rugby Admission Counselor (bviol@ndc.edu) at 216-373-6481 or 1877-NDC-OHIO or admissions@ndc.edu always find us on line at NotreDameCollege.edu
Contact
Men’s
Jason Fox
Women’s
Mark Andrade
Palmer College of Chiropractic (Davenport, IA)
Palmer is the premier college for Chiropractic Education. Founded in 1897 and located in Davenport Iowa, the college established it’s rugby program in 1960.
Commitment to Rugby – in 2015, the college demonstrated its commitment to the program by doubling the scholarships available to rugby players and initiated plans for the building of a stadium for its rugby team.
Scholarship – Thirty full scholarships for our men’s and women’s rugby teams.
Men’s Program – Plays in the Men’s Club Division I level
Women’s Program – Plays in the Women’s Club Division II level
Contact
- Ron O’Brien
- obrien_r@palmer.edu
- (563) 884-5856
Queens University of Charlotte (Charlotte, NC)
Contact
- Katie Wurst
- wurstk@queens.edu
- 303-803-7955
- www.queensathletics.com
Quinnipiac University (Hamden, CT)
Private, Co-Ed, 6,500 Undergraduate Students (8,800 Total Enrollment)
www.quinnipiac.edu
Siena College (Loudonville, NY)
Contact
- Rich Scully
- nysrugby@aol.com
- 518-880-7057
- Siena.edu
- https://www.siena.edu/alumni-friends/scholarships/sienas-scholarships/#sthash.yEY3P92J.dpuf
Spring Hill College (Mobile, AL)
Spring Hill College is the oldest college in Alabama, the first Catholic college in the Southeast, the third oldest Jesuit college and the fifth oldest Catholic college in the United States. The 400-acre campus is home to approximately 1,400 undergraduate students and includes an 18-hole golf course nestled in one of Mobile’s most prestigious neighborhoods.
Spring Hill College offers more than 40 different degree programs and typically attracts students who scored between 22 and 27 on the ACT exam and earned a GPA between 3.2 and 3.9. Prospective students are eligible for up to $25,000 in academic scholarships. Additional scholarships are available for qualified athletes who demonstrate a commitment to playing competitive rugby.
Spring Hill College Rugby enjoys strong support from the school’s athletics department, including a full-time head coach, certified athletic trainers, weight room access and a dedicated field. Team sessions include weekly film analysis, strength & conditioning, skill development and on-field training as well as mandatory study hours.
Spring Hill’s men’s rugby team currently competes in fifteens and sevens as a member of the Deep South Rugby Conference. The women’s rugby program recently joined the Southern Independent Rugby Conference.
Contact
St. Bonaventure University (St Bonaventure, NY)
Contact
- Andrew Osborne
- atosborne@sbu.edu
- (716)375-2341
- www.gobonnies.com
State University of New York at Oswego (Oswego, NY)
Contact
The Citadel (Charleston, SC)
Contact
- LtCol Bill Bell
- bill.bell@citadel.edu
- 843-475-0593
Thomas More University (Crestview Hills, KY)
Private, Co-Ed (1,510 Total Enrollment)
Contact
Truman State University
Contact
- Bill Sexton
- rugby@truman.edu
- 660-626-2324
United States Coast Guard Academy (New London, CT)
Contact
- LCDR Crist Holveck
- crist.m.holveck@uscga.edu
- 860-701-6783
- http://www.uscga.edu/admissions.aspx?id=59
University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL)
The UCF Alumni Rugby Scholarship is a $250 annual scholarship award that can be achieved for each eligible year of a rugby athlete’s career at UCF. This scholarship is renewable and students can potentially earn up to $1,000 over four years if they continue playing with the team and annually meet the scholarship requirements. As the endowment grows, additional scholarships with greater monetary values will be awarded in the future.
To be eligible for the scholarship, the interested individual must:
- be currently or previously played the sport
- Satisfy the USA Rugby Collegiate Eligibility criteria
- Remain in good standing with UCF throughout the duration of the year awarded
Contact
University of Connecticut (Storrs, CT)
Contact
- None
University of Georgia (Athens, GA)
Contact
- Eric Fournier
- scholarships@ugarugby.com
- 205 413-6699
- http://www.ugarugby.com/v7/
University of Kentucky
Provost Scholarship: Incoming Kentucky resident freshmen whose minimum ACT score is 26 or SAT (M+CR) is 1170, and who achieves a 3.30 unweighted high school GPA, will automatically be offered a Provost Scholarship. The Provost Scholarship provides $1,500 per year, for up to four years of undergraduate study.
See Blue Scholarship: Incoming non-resident freshmen whose minimum ACT score is 25 or SAT (M+CR) is 1130, and who achieves a 3.00 unweighted high school GPA, will automatically be offered a See Blue Scholarship. The See Blue Scholarship provides $7,000 per year, for up to four years of undergraduate study.
Bluegrass Spirit Scholarship: Incoming non-resident freshmen whose minimum ACT score is 25 or SAT(M+CR) is 1130, and who achieves a 3.50 unweighted high school GPA, will automatically be offered a Bluegrass Spirit Scholarship. The Bluegrass Spirit Scholarship provides $8,000 per year, for up to four years of undergraduate study.
Kentucky Heritage Scholarship: Incoming non-resident freshmen whose minimum ACT score is 30 or SAT(M+CR) is 1330, and who achieves a 3.50 unweighted high school GPA, will automatically be offered a Kentucky Heritage Scholarship. The Kentucky Heritage Scholarship provides $10,000 per year, for up to four years of undergraduate study.
John Laboon Leadership Scholar: Awarded each year in the amount of $2500. This Scholarship is given to a pack member that shows the type of leadership on and off the pitch that exemplifies the type of character that the Wildcats produce.
Dick Jones Leadership Scholar: Awarded each year in the amount of $2500. This Scholarship is given to a backline member that shows the type of leadership on and off the pitch that exemplifies the type of character that the Wildcats produce.
Contact
- Gary Anderson
- gary.anderson@keystoneky.com
University of Louisville (Louisville, KY)
Contact
- University of Louisville Admissions
- admiteme@louisville.edu
- 502-852-6531
- Head Coach Emil Walton
- 502-471-7745
- http://louisville.edu/admissions/cost-aid/scholarships
University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC)
You’ll find that tuition and living expenses at the University of South Carolina compare favorably with select top colleges and universities across the nation. Kiplinger’s named South Carolina a best value among public universities in 2014, saying its “abundant financial aid” and “low sticker price” make USC “an overall great value.”
Still, investing in a college education can be expensive, but it’s well worth it! Researchers at the Moore School of Business found that South Carolina residents with a bachelor’s degree earn an average of $15,000 a year more than residents with a high school diploma. And now, with the unveiling of the Jeffrey S. Smolka Rugby Endowed Scholarship Fund, current and incoming rugby players now have an opportunity to pay for college every time they take the pitch!
Contact
University of South Florida (Tampa, FL)
Currently there are four (4) scholarship opportunities offered by University of South Florida Rugby Club.
Contact
University of Wyoming (Laramie, WY)
Contact
- jpope@theblueskygroup.com
- https://www.wyomingrugby.com/uw-womens-rugby/
USRFF Kevin Higgins Scholarships
To honor one of the most prolific players to ever pull on a United States Eagles jersey, the United States Rugby Football Foundation is pleased to announce the Kevin Higgins College Scholarship Program. The application process for the Higgins Scholarships begins on May 1 and will have a deadline of August 31 in each calendar year.
Contact
West Chester University (West Chester, PA)
The West Chester Rugby Foundation now offers rugby scholarship opportunities to play rugby at West Chester University.
The West Chester (PA) University Men’s Rugby Club has made the commitment to becoming an elite national level USA Rugby collegiate program. In support of that effort the West Chester Rugby Foundation, a newly formed non-profit 501 (c) 3 LLC corporation, is most pleased to announce that two $1,000.00 scholarships will be awarded to qualified incoming student rugby players at West Chester University for the fall of 2009. Eligible candidates can be either qualified incoming freshmen or transferring underclassmen.
The West Chester Rugby Foundation has as its mission to nurture and support the growth of high school and collegiate rugby in the greater Chester County (PA) area. In addition to scholarship opportunities the Foundation will run a series of player skill sessions for local high school ruggers as well as hosting a high school tournament in the spring of 2009.
Additionally, there are ways to earn collegiate credits and play rugby at the same time. These opportunities include:
Summer Sports Program at Macquarie University in Australia. Michigan State University, in partnership with Macquarie University, offers a unique educational opportunity for college student athletes. This program is arranged through the Office of Study Abroad (OSA).
Rugby Study Abroad – This program provides opportunities for American students to spend one or two semesters studying in Wellington, New Zealand and playing with a local club.
Contact
Wheeling Jesuit University (Wheeling, WV)
Wheeling Jesuit University is dedicated to delivering the best overall scholarship package for each of its students. Rugby scholarships up to $9,000 are available to every Rugby player and are renewable for four years. Students can qualify for additional financial aid based on merit and need.
Wheeling Jesuit University embraces an international reputation for academic excellence as one of only 28 Jesuit colleges in the United States. The University ranks among the top institutions for providing undergraduate research opportunities and promoting depth of thought and imagination. WJU boasts an outstanding record of nearly 100% acceptance rates into graduate programs and professional certifications and commits itself to local, national and global academic service-learning opportunities.
Featuring a beautiful, safe, 65-acre campus supplemented by a 550-acre retreat and nature preserve, Wheeling Jesuit University has earned a place among America’s Best Colleges rated by Forbes Magazine and has also been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top regional university for the past 14 years.
Along with varsity rugby, the University’s 19 other men’s and women’s NCAA Division II athletic teams have won 59 championships and boast 45-plus Academic All-Americans.
The campus is home to the Robert C. Byrd National Technology Transfer Center, the Erma Ora Byrd Center for Educational Technologies, the NASA-sponsored Classroom of the Future, a Challenger Learning Center and the Clifford M. Lewis Appalachian Institute.
Contact
- Jake Fautley
- jfautley@wju.edu
- 304-243-2174
- http://athletics.wju.edu/index.aspx
how do i apply the scholarship
We would recommend reaching out directly to the contacts listed under each one. The process will vary widely and they will have the most up to date information. Thank you.
Its a wonderful opportunity since it helps students from various parts of the world to improve their skills and up their game.Thank you.
I take keen interest in getting a scholarship basing mainly on my talent