Key takeaways
- Athletic scholarships: EducationUSA (U.S. Department of State) says more than 1,000 U.S. colleges and universities let talented students play for the college team as a way to pay for their education. (Source: EducationUSA, athletic scholarships)
- NCAA Division I: a roster limit of 10 at defendant-conference and opt-in schools — see the table for schools that did not opt in. (Source: NCAA D1 Manual, Bylaw 17.2)
- NCAA Division II: a women’s team may receive at most the equivalent of 6.0 full athletics scholarships per academic year. (Source: NCAA D2 Manual, Bylaw 15.4.2.1.2)
- NAIA: a tennis team can give at most 5 full scholarship equivalents of institutional financial aid. (Source: NAIA Handbook 2026-27, Policy XIII.H)
- International players: about 34% of NCAA Division I women’s tennis players in 2024–25 were reported as international. (Source: NCAA demographics data)
- Open now: 15 women’s roster spots at 6 TNA partner colleges and universities. Athletic aid: not stated — the amount depends on the player and the university.
How many tennis scholarships can a women’s college team give?
Every U.S. college team plays in one association, and each sets its own athletic-aid rules. The most each allows a women’s tennis team, with the official source for every rule:
| Association | Maximum athletic aid for a women’s tennis team |
|---|---|
| NCAA Division I schools in a House-settlement defendant conference, or that opted in | Roster limit of 10. No sport-specific scholarship limit since July 1, 2025: scholarships (full or partial) may go to any or all athletes on the roster. (Source: NCAA D1 Manual, Bylaw 17.2) (Source: NCAA.org, June 2025) |
| NCAA Division I schools that did not opt in | No NCAA scholarship limit — but a school that gives women’s tennis more aid than the value of 8 full scholarships becomes subject to the settlement, including roster limits. (Source: NCAA House settlement Q&A, Feb 2026) |
| NCAA Division I before July 1, 2025 | At most 8 scholarship athletes (a head-count limit). The limit was deleted from the Division I Manual on July 1, 2025. (Source: NCAA Division I Proposal 2025-9) |
| NCAA Division II | At most 6.0 full-scholarship equivalents per academic year — a team-wide maximum that coaches may split among several players; schools may fund less. (Source: NCAA D2 Manual, Bylaw 15.4.2.1.2) |
| NCAA Division III | No athletic scholarships. Aid may not be based on athletics leadership, ability, participation or performance. (Source: NCAA D3 Manual, Bylaw 15.01.3) |
| NAIA | At most 5 full-scholarship equivalents of institutional financial aid per tennis team. (Source: NAIA Handbook 2026-27, Policy XIII.H) |
| NJCAA Division I junior college · 2025-26 rules and 2026-27 chart | Up to 9 scholarship signees. Only 3 may be full awards that include room and board and travel; the other 6 are limited to tuition, fees, books and up to $250 in required supplies. (Source: NJCAA Sports Procedures Chart 2026-27) |
| NJCAA Division II junior college · 2025-26 season | Aid only for tuition, course fees, books and up to $250 in required supplies — no room and board. (Source: NJCAA Sports Procedures Chart 2025-26) |
| CCCAA (3C2A) California community colleges | No athletic scholarships. The bylaws ban paying, waiving or discounting tuition, fees, housing, meals or books. (Source: 3C2A Bylaw 7 (2025-26)) |
The numbers in the table are maximums, not amounts a player will receive — the amount depends on the player and the university.
Does the Division I roster limit apply to every school? No — only to schools in a House-settlement defendant conference and schools that opted in, and schools may decide to opt in for later years. (Source: NCAA D1 Manual, Bylaw 17.2) (Source: NCAA.org, June 2025) Ask each Division I coach whether it applies to their team. At those schools the 10-player limit caps how many aided players can practise and compete in a year. (Source: NCAA D1 Manual, Bylaw 17.2.2)
Junior colleges: In 2025-26 the NJCAA ran men's and women's tennis in Division I and Division II. (Source: NJCAA Sports Procedures Chart 2025-26) Ask each NJCAA college which division its team plays in.
Men’s limits are in our USA guide’s scholarship limits by division, and what an award can pay for is under what a tennis scholarship covers.
How many NCAA women’s tennis teams are there, and how many players are international?
The NCAA’s own counts for 2024–25, for every player with or without athletic aid:
| NCAA division | Women’s teams, 2024–25 | International women’s players, 2024–25 |
|---|---|---|
| NCAA Division I | 304 | about 34% (953 of 2,787) |
| NCAA Division II | 205 | about 28% (522 of 1,848) |
| NCAA Division III | 331 | about 5% (159 of 3,442) |
| All NCAA divisions | 840 | about 20% (1,634 of 8,077) |
Which colleges have women’s tennis roster spots open now?
15 women’s roster spots at 6 TNA partner colleges and universities, as their coaching staffs described them to TNA. These are roster spots, not scholarship offers. Open a school for its tennis page and the Apply button.
| University | Women’s spots · start · level stated by the coach |
|---|---|
| Alcorn State University Lorman, Mississippi NCAA Division I · SWAC Listed 7 October 2026 | 1 spot · Fall 2027 · UTR 8+ preferred |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach, Florida NCAA Division II · Sunshine State Listed 7 October 2026 | 1 spot · Fall 2027 or Spring 2028 · around UTR 9 |
| Keiser University West Palm Beach, Florida NAIA · Sun Conference Listed 7 October 2026 | 3 spots · Fall 2027 · UTR 8.5–9.5 |
| Pepperdine University Malibu, California NCAA Division I · WCC Listed 7 October 2026 | 1 spot · January 2027 · UTR 10.5 2 spots · Fall 2027 · UTR 10.5 |
| East Central Community College Decatur, Mississippi NJCAA (junior college) Listed 28 September 2026 | 2 spots for international players · Spring 2027 · UTR 6–8 preferred |
| Edinboro University Edinboro, Pennsylvania NCAA Division II · PSAC Listed 28 September 2026 | 2 spots · Spring 2027 · UTR 5+ 3 spots · Fall 2027 · UTR 6+ |
Athletic aid: not stated — the amount depends on the player and the university.
Listed by TNA on the date shown from details provided by the coaching staff. When an opening closes it disappears from this table. Men’s openings: college tennis roster openings.
Which TNA partner universities have women’s tennis?
These 58 TNA partner universities and colleges have women’s tennis (for Los Angeles Mission College, the most recent confirmed season is 2025–26). Each name opens its TNA page; the partner directory filters them by state, budget and major.
NCAA Division I · 30 universities
- Alcorn State University · SWAC
- Baylor University · Big 12
- Bellarmine University · ASUN
- Cornell University · Ivy League
- Eastern Kentucky University · ASUN
- Iona University · MAAC
- Iowa State University · Big 12
- Mississippi State University · SEC
- The Ohio State University · Big Ten
- Pepperdine University · WCC
- Portland State University · Big Sky
- Stanford University · ACC
- Texas Christian University · Big 12
- The University of Arizona · Big 12
- University of California, Los Angeles · Big Ten
- University of Central Florida · Big 12
- University of Florida · SEC
- University of Georgia · SEC
- University of Kansas · Big 12
- University of Maryland · Big Ten
- University of Missouri · SEC
- University of Nebraska–Lincoln · Big Ten
- University of North Texas · American
- The University of Oklahoma · SEC
- University of Southern California · Big Ten
- The University of Tennessee, Knoxville · SEC
- The University of Texas at Austin · SEC
- University of Virginia · ACC
- University of West Florida · ASUN
- Wake Forest University · ACC
NCAA Division II · 22 universities
- Barry University · Sunshine State
- Bentley University · Northeast-10
- Bluefield State University · CIAA
- Catawba College · South Atlantic
- Columbus State University · Peach Belt
- Davis & Elkins College · Mountain East
- Delta State University · Gulf South
- Edinboro University · PSAC
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University · Sunshine State
- Erskine College · Conference Carolinas
- Fairmont State University · Mountain East
- Flagler College · Peach Belt
- Hawai‘i Pacific University · PacWest
- Middle Georgia State University · Peach Belt
- Saint Leo University · Sunshine State
- Salem University · Independent
- Southern Arkansas University · GAC
- University of Montevallo · Gulf South
- The University of Texas Permian Basin · Lone Star
- Valdosta State University · Gulf South
- Washburn University · MIAA
- West Liberty University · Mountain East
NCAA Division III · 1 university
- California Lutheran University · SCIAC
NAIA · 3 universities
- Georgia Gwinnett College · Independent
- Keiser University · Sun Conference
- Tennessee Wesleyan University · Appalachian
Junior colleges · 2 colleges
- East Central Community College · NJCAA Region 23
- Los Angeles Mission College · CCCAA · Western State
California Lutheran University and Los Angeles Mission College have women’s teams but cannot give athletic scholarships under their associations’ rules, so ask each one about academic and need-based aid. (Source: NCAA D3 Manual, Bylaw 15.01.3) (Source: 3C2A Bylaw 7 (2025-26))
How do girls get recruited for college tennis?
EducationUSA advises starting research about 18 to 24 months before the planned enrollment date. (Source: EducationUSA, athletic scholarships) Work through these steps in order.
1. Shortlist the levels that fit you
Compare what each association allows in the association table with your level, grades and budget, and spread your list across two or three levels. If academics come first, Division III is worth a look: Division III athletes can receive academic (merit-based) and need-based financial aid under the same policies as other students, and the NCAA says many do. (Source: NCAA Eligibility Center, Division III)
2. Register with the eligibility centres early
International students who plan to enroll at any NCAA school must register with the NCAA Eligibility Center at eligibilitycenter.org. (Source: NCAA International Guide 2026-27) Every first-time NAIA athlete, including international students and transfers, must register with the NAIA Eligibility Center at PlayNAIA.org and receive an eligible decision before competing. (Source: NAIA international student guide) Transcripts, English tests and the F-1 visa: see our guide for international students.
3. Keep your WTN and UTR up to date
On January 5, 2023, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) named the ITF World Tennis Number (WTN) the exclusive official rating of the ITA and college tennis. (Source: ITA, January 2023) On August 25, 2025, the NJCAA named UTR Sports the official analytics, rankings, ratings and technology provider of NJCAA men’s and women’s tennis. (Source: NJCAA release (archived)) UTR Sports is also the official analytics and technology provider of NAIA men’s and women’s tennis, under an agreement running through October 2027. (Source: NAIA release (archived)) Coaches look at your UTR and WTN, so keep both current and quote both — see how the two ratings work. Each coach decides the level the team needs; the only levels on this page are the ones coaches stated for their own openings.
4. Film a match video coaches can judge
Film a recent competitive match from behind and above the baseline with the whole court in view. Show full points, not highlights, and say which player you are. Add a short clip of serves, returns and net play, on a link that opens without a login.
5. Email coaches the facts they need
Write to the head and assistant coach by name. Subject line: your name, nationality, start term, WTN and UTR. In the email: best recent results, grades, English-test plans, video link and why that university suits you. Send an update when your results change.
When coaches may reply depends on the division:
- Division I: tennis coaches may start phone calls, electronic messages and recruiting materials on June 15 after the prospect’s sophomore year of high school. (Source: NCAA D1 Manual, Bylaws 13.1.3.1 and 13.4.1)
- Division II: coaches may call, text, email and send recruiting materials at any time. (Source: NCAA D2 Manual, Bylaws 13.02.2 and 13.1.3.1)
- Division III: no timing restrictions on calls, emails or messages. (Source: NCAA D3 Manual, Bylaws 13.02.10.1 and 13.4.1.1)
6. Plan around your age
Under new NCAA Division I and II age-based rules, eligible athletes who start college no later than the academic year after their 19th birthday generally get up to five years of eligibility. The clock starts at first full-time enrollment at any college, including one abroad, or at the academic year after the 19th birthday if that comes earlier, and it runs without pausing. (Source: NCAA Eligibility Center, Eligibility 101) Recruits who first enrol full time at any college in 2026-27 get whichever eligibility system (old or age-based) is better for them. Those first enrolling in fall 2027 or later are under the age-based rule only. (Source: NCAA.org, August 2026) The NCAA warns that delaying college enrollment beyond age 19 may reduce the eligibility available. (Source: NCAA Eligibility Center, Eligibility 101)
7. Get every offer in writing
In Division I tennis, schools may put an offer in writing from August 1 of the senior year (or the first day of senior-year classes on non-traditional calendars such as the Southern Hemisphere), and the first signing date is the second Wednesday in November. (Source: NCAA D1 Manual, Bylaws 13.02.13.1 and 13.9.3.1) Before you sign, ask what the aid covers, for how long and on what conditions, and compare it with the full cost of attendance.
How does TNA help women’s tennis players?
TNA gives you access, matching, guidance and support:
- One free player profile — results, video and academics — for every application
- An honest review of your level and academics before TNA introduces you to a coaching staff
- Matching with partner universities that fit your level and budget, and applications to openings like the ones above, tracked in your dashboard
- Help comparing offers, up to the final decision
There is one product for players: the TNA Scholarship Membership, €350 for 12 months, with unlimited applications. No scholarship, roster spot or university place is ever guaranteed — offers depend on your level, academics, timing and each programme’s needs. Team in California, Shanghai and Dubai — we work online, no walk-in office.
Last reviewed 7 October 2026 by TNA Sports Agency. First published .
Sources
- Athletic Scholarships - EducationUSA (U.S. Department of State)
- 2026-27 NCAA Division I Manual (LSDBi)
- 2026-27 NCAA Division II Manual (LSDBi)
- NAIA Official & Policy Handbook 2026-27
- NCAA Demographics Database (student-athletes)
- NCAA.org – DI Board of Directors formally adopts changes to roster limits (June 23, 2025)
- Q&A: Implementation of the House Settlement (NCAA and defendant conferences; updated February 11, 2026)
- NCAA LSDBi – Division I Proposal 2025-9: Financial Aid – Implementation of the House v. NCAA Settlement
- 2026-27 NCAA Division III Manual (LSDBi)
- NJCAA 2026-2027 Sports Procedures Chart (NJCAA Handbook)
- NJCAA 2025-2026 Sports Procedures Chart
- 3C2A Constitution & Bylaws 2025-26, Bylaw 7 – Awards, Benefits & Expenses for Enrolled Student-Athletes
- NCAA Sports Sponsorship and Participation Rates Report (2025), pp. 93–94
- NCAA Eligibility Center - NCAA Division III Initial Eligibility Requirements
- NCAA 2026-27 Guide to International Academic Standards for Athletics Eligibility
- NAIA Guide for the International Student-Athlete
- Intercollegiate Tennis Association Adopts ITF World Tennis Number as Exclusive Official Rating for College Tennis - ITA
- NJCAA: UTR Sports named official tennis ratings provider (August 2025, archived copy)
- NAIA: NAIA Expands Partnership with UTR Sports (2025, archived copy)
- NCAA Eligibility Center – NCAA Division I and II Age-Based Eligibility Rules: Eligibility 101
- NCAA.org news (Aug. 5, 2026) - Division II adopts age-based eligibility model