Keeping your college finances in tip-top shape is easier when you lunge toward exercise science scholarships.
Exercise science is a popular bachelor’s or master’s major for fitness enthusiasts to study the effects of movement on the human body. Learning the scientific mechanics of exercise will unlock diverse careers concerned with promoting healthy, active lifestyles. That’s especially important today. The President’s Council on Fitness, Sports & Nutrition reports that less than 5 percent of U.S. adults exercise for 30 minutes daily.
Many exercise science majors enter fitness training, where the BLS predicts job opportunities will continue to grow. Exercise science programs are also useful for future:
- athletic trainers
- physical therapists
- recreation specialists
- exercise physiologists
- nutritionists
- coaches
- chiropractors.
Build a strong financial aid package for your career goals with the following 20 scholarships for exercise science.
Ranking the Best Exercise Science Scholarships
1. AKA Undergraduate Scholar Awards
Deadline: March 1st
The American Kinesiology Association offers at least 30 Undergraduate Scholar Awards each year for varying amounts. These go to bachelor’s students who are pursuing kinesiology-related degrees, including exercise science and exercise physiology. Eligible nominees must:
- be seniors with 90+ college credits
- attend AKA-member schools
- display academic excellence with a 3.5 GPA or greater
- possess the personal qualities for professional leadership
Recent recipients study at:
- Auburn
- Seattle Pacific
- SUNY-Brockport, and more.
Contact
AKA Undergraduate Scholar Awards
P.O. Box 5076
Champaign, IL 61825
(217) 351-1549
kims@hkusa.com
2. Betty Kimberling Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: April 1st
At Colorado State University, the Betty Kimberling Memorial Scholarship awards $1,000 per year to three active Colorado 4-H members. They must be enrolled full-time in the Department of Health and Exercise Science. Suitable applicants:
- will have finished their freshman year
- carry a minimum “B” average
- contribute to public service.
B.S. in Health and Exercise Science students could also snag the Attack Pack Scholarship or Ann Livingston Memorial Scholarship.
Contact
Betty Kimberling Memorial Scholarship
223C Moby B Complex
Fort Collins, CO 80523
(970) 491-7875
Barry.Braun@ColoState.edu
3. Carl V. Gisolfi Memorial Fund
Deadline: January 20th
The Carl V. Gisolfi Memorial Fund honors the pioneer’s 50-year tenure with the American College of Sports Medicine. It’s valued at $5,000. It supports an outstanding doctoral student interested in exercise science. To qualify, current members must be attending accredited U.S. colleges full-time to complete Ph.D. dissertation research. This research must be related to physical activity, such as:
- thermoregulation
- physiotherapy rehabilitation
- blood dynamics
- protein turnover,
- fluid balance
Priority is given to proposals about minority health issues.
Contact
Carl V. Gisolfi Memorial Fund
401 West Michigan Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
(317) 637-9200
foundation@acsm.org
4. Clarkston Consulting Scholars Program
Deadline: January 15th
The Clarkston Consulting Scholars Program awards $5,000 per year for $10,000 total. Eligible are college juniors and seniors with life sciences majors studying living organisms, including exercise science. Applying sophomores must:
- attend an accredited four-year university in Pennsylvania
- be U.S. citizens or nationals
- sustain a minimum 3.0 GPA
- display merit at an in-person interview in Philadelphia
Applications are incomplete without a 500-word essay concerning the Keystone State’s health industry.
Contact
Clarkston Consulting Scholars Program
2655 Meridian Parkway
Durham, NC 27713
(800) 652-4274
scholarship@clarkstonconsulting.com
5. David McHugh BHH Scholarship
Deadline: April 30th, June 30th, and October 30th
Banner Heart Hospital in Mesa launched the David McHugh BHH Scholarship in 2006 after the gifted exercise physiologist died unexpectedly at age 29. Three times annually, the merit-based fund provides $1,000. This goes to full-time students at any Arizona State University campus who are studying:
- cardiac rehabilitation
- exercise science
- nutrition
- health promotion
Eligibility criteria requires:
- holding a 3.0 GPA or higher
- having unmet financial need
- displaying commitment to wellness.
Contact
David McHugh BHH Scholarship
6750 E. Baywood Avenue
Mesa, AZ 85206
(602) 747-7100
6. Dr. John H. Williams Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
At Appalachian State University, the Dr. John H. Williams Memorial Scholarship is one of six scholarships for full-time undergrads. The merit-based, $1,115 award is for juniors and seniors in the Exercise Science program with a major in health promotion. Upperclassmen should:
- reside in North Carolina
- excel with a 3.0 GPA minimum
- exhibit unmet financial need
- show substantial involvement in clubs or professional organizations.
Contact
Dr. John H. Williams Memorial Scholarship
287 Rivers Street
Boone, NC 28608
(828) 262-8487
levydl@appstate.edu
7. EAAT Hippotherapy Scholarship
Deadline: December 1st
The American Quarter Horse Association offers the EAAT Hippotherapy Scholarship for $10,000. The annual scholarship supports active members who major in:
- physical therapy
- exercise science
- kinesiology
- speech-language pathology
- sports studies, and similar fields
Qualified candidates must:
- matriculate full-time at accredited four-year colleges
- attain an overall GPA over 2.5
- be committed to careers applying equine-assisted therapy
- have volunteer experience helping the handicapped.
Contact
EAAT Hippotherapy Scholarship
1600 Quarter Horse Drive
Amarillo, TX 79104
(806) 376-4811
foundation@aqha.org
8. Elsie Jobe & Jewell Nolen Scholarship
Deadline: December 15th
In the College of Education, Tennessee Technological University offers seven exercise science scholarships, such as the Elsie Jobe & Jewell Nolen Memorial Scholarship. Current graduate students in the Online M.A. in Exercise Science, Physical Education and Wellness program could qualify. They must have with 9+ credits and a minimum 3.5 QPA. Applications via ScholarWeb must include:
- a curriculum vitae
- transcript
- goals statement
- record of public service.
Contact
Elsie Jobe & Jewell Nolen Scholarship
1 William L. Jones Drive
Cookeville, TN 38505
(931) 372-3467
CKillman@tntech.edu
9. Germaine G. Guiot Scholarship Fund
Deadline: December 5th
The College of Human Sciences at Iowa State University in Ames manages the Germaine G. Guiot Scholarship Fund. The $1,000 scholarship is for full-time undergraduate kinesiology majors in the exercise science concentration. Eligible sophomores and juniors must:
- have at least three semesters remaining
- achieve high academic standing with a 3.25 GPA or better
- display service in departmental clubs
- need financial assistance
There’s also the Cheri Goslar/Cap and Tippy Timm Scholarship available.
Contact
Germaine G. Guiot Scholarship Fund
534 Wallace Road
Ames, IA 50011
(515) 294-8009
kinesiology@iastate.edu
10. Indiana Tech Exercise Science Scholarship
Deadline: January 15th
Indiana Tech University’s Exercise Science Leadership Scholarship is worth $15,000. It’s granted yearly to incoming freshmen or transfers pursuing the traditional Exercise Science B.S. program full-time. Chosen applicants must:
- be permanent U.S. residents
- hold a high school diploma or GED
- carry a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better
- score at least 1170 on the SAT or 24 on the ACT
- continue maintaining a minimum “C+” average.
Contact
Indiana Tech Exercise Science Scholarship
1600 E. Washington Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46803
(800) 937-2448 ext. 2334
financialaid@indianatech.edu
11. Joan Sanders Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: February 1st
The Exercise Science Department at Fort Lewis College established the Joan Sanders Memorial Scholarship. It gifts $500 per year to rising juniors who are completing the bachelor’s degree in exercise science with optional coaching certification. Eligible FLC Skyhawks must:
- study full-time with 12+ credits
- achieve a minimum “B” average
- play intramural sports
- participate in departmental activities like the Annual 10K Race.
Contact
Joan Sanders Memorial Scholarship
1000 Rim Drive
Durango, CO 81301
(970) 247-7632
knightmalo_m@fortlewis.edu
12. Linda Craig Memorial Scholarship
Deadline: March 1st
The Linda Craig Memorial Scholarship was created by NBA athletic trainers David Craig and Dr. John Abrams. The scholarship presents $2,000 annually through the Indiana Pacers Foundation, Inc. to support tomorrow’s leading sports medical staff. Eligible are declared majors in:
- sports medicine
- kinesiology
- athletic training
- exercise science
- physical therapy
Applicants must also:
- be U.S. citizens
- have completed at least one quarter at an accredited four-year college
- earn a 3.0 GPA or better
- display integrity.
Contact
Linda Craig Memorial Scholarship
125 S. Pennsylvania Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
(317) 917-2864
Foundation@pacers.com
13. Mary and Bill Hill Leadership Scholarship
Deadline: August 1st
At West Texas A&M University, the Mary and Bill Hill Leadership Scholarship awards $1,000 annually. Eligible are full-time:
- sophomores
- juniors
- seniors
They must be matriculated in the B.A./B.S. Sports and Exercise Sciences Major. Qualified recipients must:
- be peer educators through PULSE
- concentrate in exercise science or applied sport
- practice holistic wellness in their lives
- possess a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or greater
Also consider the Ryan Strong Memorial Scholarship.
Contact
Mary and Bill Hill Leadership Scholarship
2501 Fourth Avenue
Canyon, TX 79016
(806) 651-2382
lstrong@wtamu.edu
14. NSCA High School Scholarships
Deadline: March 15th
The National Strength & Conditioning Association distributes $1,500 High School Scholarships to graduating fitness buffs. They will choose college majors in relevant fields, such as exercise science or kinesiology. Current NSCA members must:
- be accepted at accredited U.S. colleges
- reach a minimum 3.0 GPA
- display career interests in strength and conditioning
- have a track record of community service
- be supported by three signed recommendation letters.
Contact
NSCA High School Scholarships
1885 Bob Johnson Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80906
(800) 815-6826
nsca@nsca.com
15. Roger Kerns Scholarship Fund
Deadline: April 1st
The Roger Kerns Scholarship Fund is administered by the Health, Nutrition, and Exercise Sciences Department at North Dakota State University. It is $1,000. Eligible are full-time upperclassmen pursuing their bachelor’s degree in:
- dietetics
- exercise science
- health education
- physical education
- sport management are selected
Eligible undergrads must:
- take 12+ graded credits
- hold a cumulative GPA above 2.7
- participate in NDSU clubs
- attend the Honor’s Day celebration.
Contact
Roger Kerns Scholarship Fund
1310 Centennial Blvd.
Fargo, ND 58102
(701) 231-8211
Yeong.rhee@ndsu.edu
16. Ronald W. Hyatt Scholarship Program
Deadline: March 31st
The Ronald W. Hyatt Scholarship Program at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill is named for the former NCAAHPERD President who taught for 40+ years. It awards $2,500 yearly to full-time exercise and sport science majors. Interested juniors must:
- be United States citizens
- have completed 27 or more credits in residence
- have passed two EXSS courses with a “B” or better
- maintain a minimum 3.6 GPA overall
- submit an original 500-word personal essay.
Contact
Ronald W. Hyatt Scholarship Program
209 Fetzer Hall, CB#8700
Chapel Hill, NC 27599
(919) 962-2021
ach@email.unc.edu
17. Scott and Kim Verplank Scholarships
Deadline: April 15th
The Scott and Kim Verplank Foundation was started by a PGA Tour veteran and his wife. It awards $10,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who have been diagnosed with Type 1 juvenile diabetes. Exercise science majors could qualify if they successfully manage their blood sugar with proper diet and fitness. Other scholarship criteria includes:
- being a U.S. citizen
- gaining admission at accredited four-year schools
- participating in organized athletics
- reaching a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Contact
Scott and Kim Verplank Scholarships
2401 Tee Circle Suite 103
Norman, OK 73069
(405) 360-2282
info@verplankfoundation.com
18. Thunderbird Community Sports Scholarship
Deadline: March 15th
The Kent Community Foundation awards the Thunderbird Community Sports Scholarship for $1,500. It financially supports Washington locals who are studying sports-related majors. These include:
- exercise science
- physical therapy
- athletic training
- sports management
Residents of Kent County can use funding for tuition at any accredited two- or four-year U.S. college. Don’t forget to submit:
- a signed application
- official transcript
- 500-word personal goals essay
- two recommendation letters.
Contact
Thunderbird Community Sports Scholarship
P.O. Box 5493
Kent, WA 98064
(206) 786-1546
scholarships@kentcf.com
19. Virginia Morris Merit Scholarship
Deadline: January 30th
At the University of Oklahoma, full time juniors and seniors in the Department of Health and Exercise Science can compete for the $500 Virginia Morris Merit Scholarship. Eligible applicants must:
- pursue a Bachelor of Science with the HES major
- have completed at least 60 course credits
- retained a minimum 3.25 GPA combined
- pursue a career in exercise-related education
- submit a one-page, typed experience statement.
Contact
Virginia Morris Merit Scholarship
1000 Asp Avenue, Room 127
Norman, OK 73019
(405) 325-5539
mdenney@ou.edu
20. Y.T. Johnson Science Scholarships
Deadline: December 1st
Annually, two Y.T. Johnson Science Scholarships are presented by Augustana University in Sioux Falls. The $1,500 scholarships are for high school seniors interested in scientific majors, including:
- exercise science
- athletic training
- fitness management
Incoming freshmen should:
- be offered Early Admission
- have an academic average of 3.5 or higher
- attain a minimum ACT score of 25 or SAT equivalent
- be supported by a secondary science teacher
- upload a career objectives essay.
Contact
Y.T. Johnson Science Scholarships
2001 S. Summit Avenue
Sioux Falls, SD 57197
(605) 274-5516
admission@augie.edu
Crunching the numbers on bulky tuition bills can leave even the most physically fit feeling winded. Rising college costs are hard for most to outrun, especially on fitness trainers’ modest mean annual salary of $40,970. Luckily, exercise science programs across the U.S. offer financial aid to slim down your out-of-pocket expenses. In addition to these 20 exercise science scholarships, contact your department to find more funding that sheds excess dollars.
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