Colleges with Women’s Rugby Scholarships
Learn About Five Colleges Well-Known for Their Women’s Rugby Programs
Women’s rugby has seen remarkable growth in the United States, especially in college sports. This has led to an increase in scholarships for female players. Many universities and colleges across the U.S. offer women’s rugby scholarships, including both large universities and smaller schools in various locations. These institutions provide opportunities for players to develop both academically and athletically, with some programs in NCAA I, II, and III to ensure there’s a fit for every player level and ambition.
This article highlights some of the most well-known U.S. colleges for women’s rugby. These college rugby programs are recognized for their strong teams, success in national leagues, and alumni who have gone on to play at the professional level. Learn more and get inspired!
Why Play College Rugby in the U.S.?
Why should you, as a rugby player, consider a U.S. college with a women’s rugby program? The answer is simple: it’s a chance to grow as a player while earning a degree in the USA!
In the U.S., you’ll find top educational institutions where the college sports system offers everything you need to grow as both a student and an athlete. With dedicated rugby coaches focused on your development and financial support through available rugby scholarships, the opportunities for student-athletes in the USA are hard to beat!
Rugby scholarships in the USA are available to both male and female players. These scholarships can be full or partial, with some providing up to $40,000 in financial aid. The funds help cover expenses such as tuition, housing, books, insurance, travel, and other rugby-related costs. Alongside financial support, you’ll benefit from top-tier coaching, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities to compete at a high level, including occasions to showcase your talent to potential teams and scouts.
If you’re looking to develop your rugby skills while earning a degree, U.S. university rugby could be the perfect fit! Let’s explore some colleges with women’s rugby scholarships, well-known for their strong teams and successful alumni.
Five Universities with Strong Women’s Rugby Program
Women’s rugby is growing in the U.S., with colleges across the country offering rugby programs for female players. Here are five well-known colleges known for their outstanding teams and notable alumni who are representing national teams and playing at the highest level today:
- Life University (Georgia)
Life University in Marietta is home to one of the most successful women’s rugby programs in the U.S. The team has won multiple Division I National Championships, including a recent title in 2023. Life University offers both academic and athletic scholarships, attracting talented players worldwide. Notable alumni include Alev Kelter, who represented the U.S. at the 2016 Rio Olympics. - University of Colorado Boulder (Colorado)
CU Boulder’s women’s rugby team stands out in collegiate rugby, with impressive performances in national competitions. The university offers rugby scholarships to talented players from around the world. Alumni like Kaitlyn Klemmer, who went on to join the U.S. Women’s National Sevens Team, are a testament to the program’s success in developing professional players. - Central Washington University (Washington)
Located in Ellensburg, Washington, CWU provides athletic scholarships for women’s rugby players. The team has achieved great success, including a runner-up finish in the 2021 championship. Alumni like Bailey Melnick have gone on to play professional rugby, proving the program’s strength in developing players. - Penn State University (Pennsylvania)
Penn State’s women’s rugby program has a strong history of success, with several championships under its belt. The team consistently reaches NCAA finals and has produced top players like Megan Kinsley. During her time at Penn State, Kinsley was a key player, helping the team win numerous titles and earning All-American honors. Her performances in college rugby paved the way for her selection to the U.S. Women’s National Rugby Team, where she went on to compete in the Rugby World Cup. - University of California, Berkeley (California)
UC Berkeley’s women’s rugby team is a powerhouse in U.S. college rugby, consistently dominating at the national level. The program has won several national championships, with its most recent victory in 2019. UC Berkeley’s commitment to excellence is reflected not only in its championships but also in the players it develops. Naya Tapper, a standout from the program, went on to represent the U.S. Women’s National Sevens Team at the Rugby World Cup and the Olympics. The university offers both full and partial athletic scholarships to women’s rugby players.
Connect with U.S. Colleges With Women's Rugby Scholarships
If you’re serious about rugby and dreaming of studying in the USA, Keystone Sports can help. We specialize in connecting talented players with colleges offering women’s rugby scholarships. Our team will guide you through the recruitment process, helping you stand out to coaches and find the perfect fit.
Take our assessment now and get a free evaluation of your chances to study and play rugby on a scholarship!
Share this article:
About the author
Paulina Romo
Paulina Romo, SEO Specialist at Keystone Sports, holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration and has a background in equestrian sports, specializing in dressage. Shaped by international experience gained from work and studies in Sweden, South Korea, Germany, and Spain, Paulina brings a diverse blend of marketing skills and perspectives to her role.
More related articles
What are College Esports Scholarships, and How Can You Secure One?
Esports has skyrocketed in popularity and has evolved into a competitive sport. The exciting news? U.S. universities are now offering scholarships for esports players! In this article, you’ll get all the details on how to secure a college esports scholarship.
How to Get a Rugby Scholarship in the US
With the growing popularity of rugby in American universities, more opportunities are becoming available for international students to obtain rugby scholarships. Here’s everything you need to know about scholarships for rugby and how to get one!
Your Guide to Transfer Universities as a Student-Athlete
Transferring universities as a student-athlete can be a complex process, but with the right support, it’s an opportunity to elevate both your academic and athletic career. Keystone Sports simplifies every step of the process to find your perfect fit!