Did you know that more than 1,600 colleges across the U.S. offer softball scholarships? From NCAA D1 and D2 programs to NAIA schools and junior colleges, these scholarships can help cover part – or even all – of your tuition, making college more affordable.
To earn a softball scholarship, it’s essential to understand the softball recruiting process and what it takes to stand out to college coaches. This guide focuses on the scholarship opportunities available to softball athletes at each division level and provides expert tips to help you maximize your potential and secure a scholarship.
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New NCAA Softball Scholarship Limits
Starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, NCAA D1 scholarship limits may be eliminated if a proposed settlement is approved. For softball, this change would allow more flexibility in scholarship distribution while increasing the roster limit to 25 players – nearly double the current cap. Get the latest updates here.
Number of softball scholarships by division level
Here’s how softball scholarships are distributed across divisions:
| Division Level | Number of Schools | Average Roster Size | Current Scholarship Limit | 2025-26 Scholarship Limit* | 2025-26 Roster Limit* | Scholarship Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D1 | 297 | 23.5 | 12 | 25 | 25 | Equivalency |
| D2 | 282 | 22.8 | 7.2 | 7.2 | N/A | Equivalency |
| D3 | 403 | 21.1 | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| NAIA | 197 | 21 | 10 | 10 | N/A | Equivalency |
| JUCO | 364 | 17 | 24 | 24 | N/A | Equivalency |
How do softball scholarships work?
Softball scholarships are classified as equivalency scholarships, which means coaches can divide their scholarship budget among multiple players. This allows them to offer both full and partial scholarships, depending on team needs and priorities. Softball scholarship limits and funds also vary by division level.
Here’s what you should know:
- Full vs. partial scholarships: Full scholarships are often reserved for top players, such as standout pitchers, or hitters, while most athletes receive partial scholarships to help cover tuition and other expenses.
- Coach’s discretion: Coaches have the flexibility to allocate their scholarship funds based on team needs, player performance and recruiting strategy.
- Budgets can vary: Some schools don’t have the funding to offer the maximum number of scholarships allowed by the NCAA, so the number of available scholarships may differ by program.
- There’s room for growth: Many athletes start with partial scholarships and earn additional funding in later years by proving their value on the field and in the classroom.
Insider Tip: During recruiting conversations, ask coaches how scholarships are distributed and whether there’s potential for increases over time. Knowing this can help you plan for your future.
How softball scholarships are awarded by position
Softball scholarships often vary by position, with some roles being more critical to a team’s success:
- Pitchers: This is one of the most valuable positions on a softball roster. While the majority of softball scholarships are partial, pitchers often receive the majority of full-ride scholarships due to their critical role on the team.
- Catchers: Softball scholarships for catchers are relatively common, as this is another crucial position. Most teams carry two or three catchers, but scholarships are usually awarded to the number one catcher.
- Middle infielders: Shortstop and second baseman are typically well-rounded players who excel at both fielding and batting. Starting middle infielders with strong batting skills are strong candidates for scholarships.
- Third base: Because this is such a demanding position, third basemen tend to attract high softball scholarship dollars, particularly for powerhouse hitters.
- First base: Collegiate first basemen are often standout hitters with solid fielding skills. Those who excel both offensively and defensively are strong candidates for scholarships.
- Outfield: Coaches typically have 2-3 athletes competing for each outfielder position, so scholarships can be harder to secure. However, left-handed slappers are often prioritized in the outfield due to their ability to create scoring opportunities.
Insider tip: Not getting the offers you expected? Consider schools one division level down. For example, D2 or NAIA programs might provide better scholarship opportunities than D1 and allow you to have a bigger impact on the field.
What are the chances of getting a softball scholarship?
Scholarships for softball are competitive. Only about 7.8% of high school players continue their careers in college, with just 1.6% making it to NCAA D1.
But don’t let that discourage you! By being proactive in your recruiting process, you can improve your chances of earning a scholarship – and find the program that’s the right fit for you.
Tips to Maximize Your Scholarship Potential
- Create an NCSA Recruiting Profile: A strong profile allows you to showcase your stats, highlight video and academic achievements to college coaches.
- Make a standout highlight video: Focus on skills like hitting, fielding, pitching and game performance.
- Attend camps and showcases: These events give coaches the chance to see you in action!
- Be proactive: Contact coaches with personalized emails and follow up regularly.
- Maintain strong academics: A good GPA and test scores will make you a more attractive recruit.
Insider Tip: Looking for scholarships near you? Explore softball scholarships by state.
Softball Scholarships FAQs
What percentage of high school softball players play in college?
Approximately 7.8% of high school softball players go on to compete at the collegiate level across all divisions, including NCAA, NAIA, NJCAA. The largest number of opportunities is available at the NCAA D3 and NAIA schools. For athletes targeting D1, the percentage drops to about 1.6%.
What is the average D1 and d2 softball scholarship?
According to scholarshipstats.com, the average athletic scholarship for NCAA Division 1 softball players is approximately $20,715 per year, while for NCAA Division 2 softball players, the average scholarship amount is about $7,281 per year.
These amounts can vary widely depending on the school’s funding, program resources, and whether the sport is fully or partially funded at that institution.
How many scholarships does D1 softball get?
If the NCAA’s proposed settlement is approved for the 2025-2026 academic year, D1 softball programs will be allowed up to 25 scholarships per year – an increase from the current limit of 12.
Scholarships can include a mix of full and partial awards. However, not all schools will fully fund the maximum 25 scholarships, so it’s essential to research individual programs.
How many scholarships for D2 softball?
D2 softball programs can award up to 7.2 scholarships per team, as set by the NCAA. These scholarships are often divided among multiple players to help coaches build a well-rounded roster.
Can D2 schools offer full-ride scholarships?
Yes, NCAA D2 schools can offer full-ride scholarships, but they are rare. Since softball is an equivalency sport, coaches have the flexibility to divide scholarship funds among multiple players. How much each athlete receives depends on the coach’s strategy and the team’s overall budget.
Have More Questions?
Your NCSA Recruiting Coach is here to guide you through the softball scholarship process. Log in now to schedule a conversation with your coach.
Not a member yet? Start with a free recruiting profile to connect with an NCSA Recruiting Specialist. We’ll help you and your family plan the next steps in your recruiting journey and achieve your scholarship goals.