Scholarships for Students Who Love Hockey

Key Takeaways

Are you a hockey lover looking for scholarships? Here’s what you need to know.

• You don’t need to play college hockey to get a scholarship—some of them are based on your academic performance and passion for the sport.
• Hockey scholarship opportunities vary by division, with each level offering unique opportunities and limits on funding.
• To stand out, start early, keep your grades up, train consistently, and reach out to coaches with your stats and highlight reel.

Flickr user K.M. Klemencic

Playing college hockey isn’t the only way to earn scholarships—there are awards out there just for students who love the game. Each year, NCAA schools award about $3 billion in athletic scholarships, with another $500 million given out by NAIA and NJCAA schools. Academic scholarships from those institutions alone total more than $13 billion annually. And when you factor in federal, state, local, and private scholarship avenues, it pushes that number to nearly $50 billion!

If you’re passionate about hockey, you’re in luck: there are quite a few scholarships that hand out financial awards for college-bound students. And we’ve rounded them up for you!

Hockey Scholarships Funded by Schools

Before diving into the recruiting process, it’s important to know how hockey scholarships are structured across different college divisions. The chart below from NCSA highlights key stats so you can compare your opportunities at a glance.

Here’s how it all breaks down:

*If the proposed settlement is approved.

At the NCAA D1 and D2 levels, hockey scholarships are awarded as equivalency scholarships, meaning coaches can divide the total scholarship dollars among multiple players. That’s great news because it allows schools to support more athletes across the roster.

While NCAA D3 schools don’t offer athletic scholarships, don’t count them out! Many D3 programs are generous with academic and need-based aid, giving student-athletes plenty of financial support.

And if you’re considering the ACHA, you can still find plenty of opportunities to play competitive hockey, build leadership skills, and be part of a great team, even though these programs don’t offer athletic scholarships.

Top Colleges With Hockey Scholarships

If you want to play college hockey at a competitive level while also getting a top-tier education, you’ll want to pay close attention to schools that balance strong athletic programs with academic excellence. According to NCSA’s annual Power Rankings, these colleges rank among the best NCAA men’s hockey programs based on academics, campus size, location, and overall value.

Here are 10 standout schools that combine elite hockey programs with strong academics:

• Princeton University
• Harvard University
• University of Michigan
• Yale University
• University of Notre Dame
• Boston College
• Dartmouth College
• University of Wisconsin
• Cornell University
• Brown University

Tips To Earn a Hockey Scholarship

College scholarships are competitive, so here are some tips for how to stand out and improve your chances:

• Start Early: Begin researching and applying for scholarships as soon as possible. Early applicants often have an edge.
• Keep Grades Up: Many programs value student-athletes who excel academically. A strong GPA shows discipline.
• Stay in Shape: Regular training, conditioning, and healthy habits keep you game-ready and show coaches you’re committed.
• Create a Highlight Reel: Capture your best plays in a short, polished video to showcase your hockey skills.
• Reach Out to Coaches: Don’t wait to be noticed—email coaches with your stats, schedule, and highlight reel to get on their radar.

Top Hockey Programs by Revenue

If you’re serious about playing college hockey, it’s helpful to know which schools are making the biggest financial investments in their programs. The more revenue a hockey program generates, the more likely it is to have strong facilities, coaching staff, and support for its athletes.

Here are the top 10 colleges ranked by ice hockey program revenue.

1. Providence College
2. Boston University
3. Pennsylvania State University
4. Boston College
5. Northeastern University
6. Quinnipiac University
7. University of Minnesota Twin Cities
8. University of Notre Dame
9. University of Nebraska at Omaha
10. Clarkson University

Privately Funded Hockey Scholarships

You don’t have to be on a college team to benefit from hockey scholarships. Here are a few privately funded opportunities for students who love the game:

1. BOB JOHNSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Award Amount: $5,000

Deadline: May

This scholarship is sponsored by the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation. It is awarded to a high school senior who not only has a passion for hockey but also demonstrates strong leadership and teamwork on and off the ice, goes above and beyond academically, and is involved in their community and school. To apply, you will need to complete the application, get an evaluation form signed by your head coach, submit your transcript, and receive two letters of recommendation from non-family members.

2. DR. EDWARD V. CHAVEZ ATHLETIC MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

Award Amount: $500

Deadline: October

If you are a hockey lover and have suffered the loss of one or both parents, this scholarship is for you. Open to both high school and college students, this scholarship encourages applicants to share about how losing a parent has shaped them and how sports have influenced them through the loss. Applicants will need to answer the following prompts: How has losing a parent affected you? What challenges have you faced? How has the sport of your choice enhanced your life? How will you pay it forward and create triumph out of tragedy?

3. CHICAGO BLACKHAWK ALUMNI ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP

Award Amount: $7,500 per year

Deadline: February

Calling all Illinois hockey players! Apply for this scholarship and you could win $7,500 per year to pay for your school. Applicants must be on the varsity or junior varsity hockey team and be planning to attend college as a full-time student. Chosen winners will be evaluated based on academic standing, community service, extracurricular involvement, leadership, character, and financial need. Applicants will also need to submit a personal essay and recommendation letters from a coach and two non-family members.

Find the Right Fit for Your Future

There’s a scholarship out there for everyone—for all interests, sports, and passions. Want to discover scholarships that match you perfectly? Use College Raptor’s FREE Scholarship Search tool and see what’s waiting for you!