Costs &
scholarships
An American college scholarship can change your daughter’s life.
Understanding what it covers — and what it doesn’t — avoids surprises.
A full scholarship in the US can be worth between $20,000 and $60,000 per year. The exact terms are negotiated directly with the university. Sport Change Project connects you with the right institution — the negotiation is yours.
Junior College vs NCAA University
Scholarships are not the same across all systems. Understanding the difference is key to properly evaluating an offer when it arrives.
Junior College Scholarship
More accessible and with greater room for negotiation. This is the most common route for Spanish players. Institutions have more flexibility and more spots available for international talent.
- Covers full or partial tuition depending on the institution
- Some include housing and meals
- Duration: 2 academic years
- Open door to NCAA transfer with a new scholarship
NCAA Scholarship
Greater prestige and more exposure, but far more competitive. Requires a higher demonstrated level and is much harder to secure directly from Spain without prior experience in the American system.
- Can cover tuition, housing, meals, and books
- Full ride or partial scholarships available
- Duration: up to 4 years, renewed each academic year
- Access to NIL — potential for additional income
What the scholarship usually doesn't cover
No scholarship eliminates all expenses. These are the items families need to factor in before accepting an offer.
Flights
Travel between Spain and the US at the start and end of each season is typically the family’s responsibility. Budget for at least 2 flights per academic year.
Health insurance
Some universities include it; others don’t. It is essential to verify this before accepting. Healthcare in the US is not public and costs without insurance are very high.
Personal expenses
Clothing, personal items, social activities, local transport. It is worth having a monthly budget available for your daughter throughout the academic year.
Communication & technology
A phone with a US or international plan, a laptop if the university doesn’t provide one, and academic apps and tools.
Sports equipment
The team usually provides jerseys and shorts, but shoes, training gear, and personal accessories may not be included.
Administrative fees
Visa fees, translation of academic documents, apostilles. These are one-off costs but need to be budgeted before your daughter’s arrival.
What a scholarship represents
Beyond the numbers, a scholarship in the American system is an opportunity for education, sport, and personal development that very few Spanish players achieve without the right preparation.
Junior College plus NCAA transfer: up to 6 years of education and sport in the US on scholarship.
Questions to ask the university
Is the scholarship renewable each year or only for one term?
Many scholarships are annual and renewed subject to academic and athletic performance. Make sure you understand the renewal requirements before signing.
What happens if your daughter gets injured?
Conditions vary. Some institutions maintain the scholarship in case of injury; others do not. This is a mandatory question before accepting any offer.
Is on-campus housing included?
Not always. Some Junior Colleges do not have their own residence halls and players must find external housing. Verify this with the institution.
What academic support does the university offer?
Tutoring, English language support, academic counselling. The level of support varies greatly between institutions and can make a real difference in how well your daughter adapts.
Let's talk no strings attached
If you have questions about costs, scholarships or the process, we can talk directly.
