How to Secure a Men’s Lacrosse Scholarship

Securing a men’s lacrosse scholarship takes more than just on-field talent—it requires strategic planning, strong academics, and proactive engagement in the recruiting process. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know, including upcoming changes to scholarship limits and ways to maximize your opportunities.

NEW NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Scholarship Limits

Starting with the 2025-2026 academic year, pending NCAA approval, D1 lacrosse programs may be allowed to increase their scholarship allotment, opening up new possibilities for recruits.

• D1 programs: Up to 48 scholarships available, with roster limits also set at 48 players.
• Equivalency sport: Scholarships can be split among multiple athletes, so full scholarships are rare.

NCAA Lacrosse Scholarships by Division Level

• NCAA D1: 73 teams, 3,850 athletes, moving from 12.6 to 48 scholarships.
• NCAA D2: 84 teams, 3,927 athletes, 10.8 scholarships per team.
• NCAA D3: 236 teams, 8,901 athletes, no athletic scholarships but strong financial aid options.
• NAIA: 31 teams, 639 athletes, with scholarships varying by school.
• JUCO: 16 teams, 727 athletes, 24 scholarships per team.

How to Get a Men’s Lacrosse Scholarship

• Maintain strong academics: Many programs factor in academic performance when awarding financial aid. Combining athletic and academic scholarships can increase the financial support you receive.
• Research schools: Look into schools at D1, D2, NAIA, and JUCO levels to understand what each program offers.
• Stay open-minded: While D1 scholarships are highly competitive, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO programs also offer valuable opportunities.
• Explore financial aid: Scholarships, grants, work-study programs, and other financial aid options can help supplement athletic scholarships.

What Are the Chances of Getting a Lacrosse Scholarship?

With approximately 15,200 men’s college lacrosse players across 440 programs, the competition is high. Although the potential increase in D1 scholarships will broaden opportunities, each school’s allocation strategies will play a role in the availability of these funds.

Annual Lacrosse Scholarships by Division

• D1 scholarships: Up to 48 per team (starting in 2025-26).
• D2 scholarships: 10.8 per team.
• JUCO scholarships: 24 per team.

Given lacrosse’s status as an equivalency sport, scholarship funds are typically divided among multiple athletes.

How Much Scholarship Money Do Men’s Lacrosse Players Get?

Scholarship awards vary widely, as most players receive partial scholarships rather than full rides. Coaches distribute scholarship funds based on the team’s needs and players’ roles. Maintaining academic strength can boost your overall financial aid package.

Division 1 Men’s Lacrosse Scholarships

• 73 D1 teams: Up to 48 scholarships (if NCAA changes are approved). Full scholarships may be available, but most offers are partial.

Division 2 Men’s Lacrosse Scholarships

• 84 D2 teams: 10.8 scholarships per team, generally awarded as partial scholarships. Academic scholarships can help supplement athletic funding.

Division 3 Men’s Lacrosse Scholarships

• 236 D3 teams: No athletic scholarships offered. However, 82% of D3 athletes receive financial aid through academic awards and grants.

NAIA Lacrosse Scholarships

• 31 NAIA teams: Athletic scholarships are available, though exact amounts vary by school. NAIA scholarships can be similar to those at NCAA D2 programs.

Junior College (JUCO) Men’s Lacrosse Scholarships

• 16 JUCO teams: Up to 24 scholarships per team, usually divided among players. JUCO lacrosse can be a pathway to a four-year college program, offering valuable scholarship support for students aiming to transfer.

Best Colleges for Lacrosse Scholarships

NCAA D1: University of North Carolina, University of Virginia, Duke, Michigan, Maryland, Johns Hopkins, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Georgetown, Colgate.

NCAA D2: Bentley, Rockhurst, Le Moyne, Rollins, Molloy, Tampa, Florida Southern, Wingate, Assumption, Indianapolis.

NCAA D3: Amherst, Tufts, Williams, Wesleyan, MIT, Washington & Lee, Middlebury, Franklin & Marshall, Haverford, Swarthmore.

Can You Get a Full-Ride Scholarship for Lacrosse?

Full-ride scholarships are rare in lacrosse due to the sport’s limited funding. Coaches generally distribute scholarship money among multiple players, making partial scholarships more common. Combining athletic aid with academic scholarships and financial aid is often the best way to cover college costs.