Division III Swimming Scholarships: What You Need to Know

When high school swimmers start exploring their collegiate options, the conversation often turns to scholarships—how to get them, how much they’re worth, and where they’re offered. For those looking at Division III (D3) schools, there’s a persistent myth: “There are no scholarships at the D3 level.” While it’s true that D3 schools cannot offer athletic scholarships, that doesn’t mean swimmers are out of luck when it comes to financial aid and support. In this blog post, we’ll break down what D3 swimming really looks like in terms of scholarships, financial aid, recruitment, and what makes it a compelling option for many student-athletes.

What is Division III?

Division III is the largest division in the NCAA, encompassing over 440 colleges and universities. D3 schools focus on balancing academics, athletics, and extracurriculars. Unlike their D1 and D2 counterparts, D3 institutions do not offer athletic scholarships. But this doesn’t mean athletes don’t receive financial aid or aren’t recruited.

The D3 Philosophy

D3 emphasizes the student-first experience. Athletes are students before they are competitors. The idea is to create a well-rounded college life, where athletics complement academics rather than dominate them. Many student-athletes find this balance more sustainable and rewarding.

Can You Get a Scholarship for Swimming at a D3 School?

The short answer is: Not an athletic scholarship. But the longer, more useful answer is: Yes, you can receive financial aid—just not from the athletic department.

Here’s how it works:

1. Merit-Based Aid

Most D3 schools offer generous merit scholarships based on academic performance, leadership, artistic talents, or other achievements. If you have strong grades, high test scores, or a compelling resume, you may qualify for substantial aid.

2. Need-Based Aid

D3 schools often have substantial endowments and are committed to meeting demonstrated financial need. If your family’s financial profile qualifies, the school might cover a significant portion of your tuition, housing, and fees.

3. Grants and Other Institutional Aid

Some schools offer special grants or awards that aren’t strictly merit- or need-based but are given to students who contribute to the campus community—including athletes.

How Do Coaches Influence Aid at the D3 Level?

Even though D3 coaches can’t offer athletic scholarships, they still play a role in the financial aid process. Here’s how:

• Advocacy: A coach who’s interested in you can advocate for your application with the admissions office. If you’re a top recruit, this can tip the scales in your favor for merit aid or borderline admissions decisions.

• Recruitment Timing: Coaches often encourage early application (especially through Early Decision or Early Action), which can improve your chances of being admitted and receiving aid.

• Package Coordination: While they don’t directly influence your aid package, they can sometimes help connect you with financial aid officers or guide you through the process to maximize your chances.

D3 Swimming vs. D1 and D2: What’s the Difference?

There are major differences between divisions—not just in scholarships but in time commitment, level of competition, and overall lifestyle.

Feature	Division I	Division II	Division III
Athletic Scholarships	Yes (full/partial)	Yes (partial)	No
Practice Hours	High (20+ hrs/week)	Moderate	Moderate
Academic Balance	Athletics-heavy	Balanced	Academics-first
Off-season Training	Often mandatory	Often mandatory	Usually optional
Competition Level	Highest	High	Competitive

D3 swimming is still highly competitive. Many top D3 programs (like those at Williams, Emory, Kenyon, and Johns Hopkins) could hold their own against lower-tier D1 programs. In fact, several D3 swimmers qualify for national or Olympic trials.

Top D3 Swimming Programs

Some of the most elite D3 swimming programs have a long tradition of excellence and consistently produce All-Americans. If you’re a high-level swimmer, you can still compete at a national level while attending a D3 school.

Notable Programs:

• Kenyon College (Ohio): A powerhouse with dozens of NCAA titles.

• Emory University (Georgia): Strong academics and elite swimming.

• Williams College (Massachusetts): Top-tier liberal arts college with a strong swim program.

• New York University (New York): Highly ranked in academics and very competitive in swimming.

• Denison University (Ohio): Regularly contends for national championships.

These schools combine rigorous academics with national-level swim teams, offering a unique experience that rivals top D1 programs.

How to Get Recruited for D3 Swimming

Just because athletic scholarships aren’t on the table doesn’t mean the recruitment process is any less important. In fact, D3 coaches actively recruit swimmers.

Steps to Get Recruited:

1. Start Early: Reach out to coaches during your sophomore or junior year. Express interest, share your times, and ask about the program.

2. Fill out recruit questionnaires: These can be found on the team’s website and makes it easier for coaches to track recruits interested in their program.

3. Send an email: Include your personal bests, academic record, extracurriculars, and a personal statement.

4. Visit Campuses: Schedule official or unofficial visits to see if the school is a fit both academically and athletically.

5. Communicate Honestly: Let coaches know your goals, expectations, and what you’re looking for in a school and program.

Why Choose a D3 Program?

There are many reasons a student-athlete might prefer D3 swimming over other divisions:

1. Academic Focus

D3 schools are often liberal arts colleges or academically prestigious universities. The environment supports students who want to prioritize education while continuing to swim at a high level.

2. Flexibility

Without the pressure of athletic scholarships, student-athletes at the D3 level often enjoy more freedom in choosing majors, studying abroad, or participating in other campus activities.

3. Holistic Experience

You won’t be just a swimmer—you’ll be a student, a leader, and a member of a broader campus community.

4. Lifelong Benefits

Many D3 schools have strong alumni networks and career support. A D3 education can open doors long after your final swim meet.

Common Myths About D3 Swimming Scholarships

Let’s bust a few persistent myths:

• “No money means no help.” False. D3 schools often offer generous aid packages—it just doesn’t come with the “athletic” label.

• “D3 swimming isn’t serious.” False. Many D3 programs train year-round, have very competitive conference/NCAA meets, and produce Olympic trial qualifiers.

• “Coaches don’t care about recruiting.” False. D3 coaches work hard to recruit student-athletes who are a good fit for their teams and schools.

Final Thoughts

Division III swimming might not offer athletic scholarships, but that doesn’t mean you won’t receive significant financial support. With strong academics, a more balanced lifestyle, and still-competitive athletics, D3 can be the perfect home for swimmers who want it all.

If you’re passionate about swimming and academics, don’t overlook Division III schools. Start the conversation early, explore your options, and keep an open mind. The right fit might be a D3 program you hadn’t considered.

Have questions about navigating the D3 recruitment process or need assistance finding where you line up best for swimming in college? Reach out—we're here to help you find the perfect fit.