12 Best cheerleading colleges in USA 2022 | Full List

Best cheerleading colleges: When it comes to cheerleading colleges, there are different types of experiences, even within the same unit level. Most colleges have programs for students, while some have all girls and some have both. Some programs also have a team-level structure, similar to JV and Varsity, where only a top team competes.

Are there cheerleading colleges?

With over 250 colleges offering support programs in NCAA Divisions 1, Divisions 2, and 3, as well as NAIA and Junior Colleges, there are a variety of options for student-athletes looking to join a college team. However, there are several key aspects that set any school apart, and recruits should study carefully with the supporting colleges to determine which are right for them. This section provides a comprehensive list of cheerleading colleges and a brief list of the best programs in the country.

How can I join the National Cheerleader Association?

If student-athlete wish to enter college competitions, they must further refine their options in deciding whether to attend a school within the National Cheerleaders Association or the Universal Cheerleaders Association. The NCA tends to be more cheering on the stars and focuses on dance, stunts, and acrobatics. Cheerleaders who have competed in all-star competitions usually thrive in competing NCA schools. UCA is more like traditional cheerleading and the routines mostly focus on actual tricks and applause.

Are there any advantages to cheerleading?

Many colleges and universities offer more advantages to their cheerleading and dance teams. These benefits typically include free uniforms, shoes, sports equipment, free transportation and accommodation during training and competition trips, and free meals. Scholarships can also include a grant to feed student-athletes on campus, book perks and student discounts, and credit hours credited to their transcripts.

In fact, cheerleading scholarships are quite small compared to full and partial scholarships for sports students. But if cheerleading is your thing, these scholarships are not too bad!

Best cheerleading colleges in 2022

#1. University of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky cheerleading team is one of the most successful student programs in the world. No other cheerleading team has dominated the World Fan Championships like Kentucky. University of Kentucky fans won their 22nd national championship Sunday at the Universal Cheerleaders Association in Orlando, Florida. Cheerleaders regularly attend University Athletics Association and Alumni Association events. They also represent the university at numerous charitable and social events.

APPLY NOW

#2. University of Minnesota

The mission of the Spirit Squad coaching team at the University of Minnesota is to serve its student-athletes and guide them to academic and athletic skills. Due to their different qualities and characteristics, they will sincerely mentor and advise their teams. Your ultimate goal is to create smart, real, and selfless ambassadors for Minnesota. The University of Minnesota Golden Gophers Spirit Squads is a cheerleading organization based on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. The University of Minnesota, the world’s first program ever created, is considered the “Birthplace of Cheerleading.” The Co-Ed and Small Co-Ed Cheer teams are made up of men and women, with sizes varying from year to year. The all-girl cheer team consists of all women.

APPLY NOW

#3. Concordia University

The Concordia University cheerleaders are considered to be one of the best cheerleading colleges because, among other things, they award scholarships for athletic support of varying amounts depending on the qualifications, ability, and experience of the students. These sports scholarships are renewed annually, provided the student-athlete remains relevant. Student-athletes can apply for academic scholarships in addition to their sports scholarship.

The former are usually determined and awarded during the admissions process and are usually based on merit. There are also several on-demand grants fans can apply for. Each student-athlete must be part of one of the university’s competitive teams, namely – girls and students from NAIA. For the placement, an evaluation will be carried out before the competition. Travel between teams may also be required at the head coach’s discretion.

APPLY NOW

#4. University of Alabama

The University of Alabama cheerleading teams is among the best in the country each year. Their cheerleading program consists of two teams: All Girl and Coed. The all-girl team supports women’s basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and home football games. The Coed team supports all home and away football and men’s basketball games. Both teams take part in the UCA National Tournament every January. Fans are expected to schedule their lessons according to the time set by the coaches. In addition to training, fans have to attend weekly training sessions.

APPLY NOW

#5. University of Hawaii

The University of Hawaii really cares about its fans! The school offers 12 to 14 full-time scholarships exclusively for members of its support team. These scholarships cover the full cost of training both local fans and qualified external fans. In addition, the university offers its fans from other countries a second scholarship! Foreign fans who meet the requirements only pay half the training costs and that is a huge relief.

Fans can also access multiple WUE scholarships and tuition fees if they meet the qualification requirements. The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a scholarship program in which more than 160 participating public colleges and universities save their students’ tuition fees.

APPLY NOW


#6. University of Central Florida

At the University of Central Florida, which organizes teams, the UCF cheerleading team is usually made up of 16 men and 16 women. UCF is widely recognized as one of the premier college cheerleading programs. The team represents UCF at all home and away football games, men’s and women’s basketball games, all home volleyball games, and serves as the University of Central Florida Ambassador each year.

The UCF cheerleading team travels to all football away games and conferences and tournaments after the season. Scholarships ranging from $ 1,000 to $ 2,000 per year are awarded each year to the top 16 new prospects and returning team members. The team is sponsored by Nike so students can get all workout clothes, uniforms, shoes, warm-up exercises, bags, etc. for free.

APPLY NOW

#7. Delaware State University

The University of Delaware cheerleading team won its second straight national championship in the Universal Support Association’s Open Division I in February 2020. In fact, the fan team has come a long way to success. ! If you want to become part of the team, you also have access to scholarships. You can get up to $ 7,500 if you live in Delaware.

These scholarships are administered and awarded by the Inter-University Athletics Department based on the academic and athletic achievement of each student-athlete. The department adheres to the NCAA rules and regulations regarding athletic scholarships and grants. The amounts awarded to cheerleaders also vary.

APPLY NOW

#8. University of Mississippi

The University of Mississippi is looking for committed candidates who can positively represent Ole Miss on game day, on social media, and in the community. These include high matchday performance, the ability to manage the crowd, attitude/work ethic, professionalism/speaking skills, physical training, academic performance, inhibition, and appearance. All applicants must be accepted, currently enrolled, or have an application to the University of Mississippi prior to the practice exams.

APPLY NOW

#9. Oklahoma Panhandle State University

University of Oklahoma Panhandle (OPSU) athletes known as Aggie are cheered on by their strong and demanding fans, with the exception of soccer teams and rodeo teams. The university also offers generous cheerleading scholarships to its undergraduate athletes in and out of state. The amount can reach US $ 10,500 for a qualified student.

Qualification requirements include a minimum of three years in Oklahoma for state students and a 2.5 GPA. Like their NCAA-recognized college sports counterparts, scholarship-conscious fans must meet high academic standards and athletic requirements.

APPLY NOW

#10. University of Southern California

USC Cheer brings cheerleading to the competitive world. Its main goal is to represent the University of Southern California in competitions across the country. As the team representing USC, they focus on maintaining a strong work ethic, high level of commitment, and tradition at their university in a fun and inspiring environment. Requires cheerleading experience. You must be enrolled as a full-time student for the academic year (s) in which you wish to become part of the team. All members must support at least a 2.5 GPA.

APPLY NOW

#11. University of South Carolina

South Carolina fans love to support Gamecock Athletics and the University of South Carolina! Cheerleaders work hard year-round to showcase the traditions and spirit of South Carolina! There are two very talented teams, co-ed and all-girl, who can be seen playing soccer games, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball games, and many college and community events year-round. ! In addition, the two teams present their talents at the NCA National Championships every spring.

APPLY NOW

#12. Oklahoma State University

The OSU Sports Department is the sole administrator and sponsor of the OSU Spirit Group. The OSU Marching Band consists of student university fans (approx. 30 members), the Varsity Pom Team (approx. 20 members) Pete Pistol (2 mascots). The goal of the OSU Spirit Group is to support OSU sports teams, encourage audience participation, set a positive example, communicate and communicate with alumni and fans, and draw positive attention to the university. The benefits of your OSU experience are too many to list, but one of the most important things to know about the program is that it is completely unrelated to cheerleading.

APPLY NOW

Frequently asked questions about cheerleading colleges

Is cheerleading a sport?

The question of whether or not to consider cheerleading as a sport is very controversial. Traditionally, it is not classified as a “sport” as it is not considered a competitive activity. However, this has changed as cheerleading competitions become more common.

Do cheerleaders need to do gymnastics?

Most cheerleaders, especially those who compete, are encouraged or required to take gymnastics and acrobatics classes. These courses help fans improve their strength and flexibility and learn tricks and techniques such as hand jumping, flicks, stretches, handstands, somersaults, and somersaults.