Colleges That Have Boxing Programs | 8 Schools to Consider
When people hear the word boxing, what comes to mind? A dangerous sport capable of putting your lights out for good with just one blow—right? But that’s not the whole story. Boxing is a sport that promotes wellness and a sound mind.
Boxing is a combat sport. For everyday people, it can help build self-confidence, discipline, fitness, and mental toughness. For college students, being part of a boxing program offers opportunities to stay fit, relieve stress, and even compete at a high level.
Although boxing isn’t offered as a varsity sport in most colleges, several universities have active, well-organized boxing clubs that provide students with the chance to train, spar, and compete.
Are you looking for colleges that have boxing programs? Don’t worry this guide will showcase eight institutions with some of the best university boxing clubs in the nation.
Why Colleges with Boxing Programs?
Before diving into the list of top colleges, let’s see why joining a boxing club can be one of the most rewarding experiences a student can have:
- Fitness and Training: Boxing is a full-body workout that improves strength, agility, and endurance. It’s an excellent way to stay in shape while balancing academic life.
- Stress Relief: College can be overwhelming, but boxing offers a productive outlet to relieve stress and channel energy.
- Community and Networking: University boxing clubs often become tight-knit communities, helping students build friendships and find their “tribe.”
- Skill Building: Boxing teaches valuable life skills, including discipline, determination, and self-confidence.
- Competition Opportunities: Many college boxing clubs compete in events organized by associations like the National Collegiate Boxing Association (NCBA) and the United States Intercollegiate Boxing Association (USIBA).
Top 8 Colleges to Consider for Boxing Programs
No college offers boxing as a varsity intercollegiate sport, which means there are no school-sponsored scholarships specifically for boxing. However, several outside organizations do offer partial scholarships to talented young boxers.
Colleges do not offer boxing as varsity sport at the intercollegiate level, which means school-sponsored scholarships for boxing are unavailable. However, talented young boxers can still access partial scholarships through various external organizations.
At most schools, boxing is offered as a club sport instead. Campus boxing clubs are typically organized and run by students, often with guidance from a faculty adviser. At some schools, these clubs compete against teams from other colleges, while at others, members focus on sparring amongst themselves.
From my experience, the top boxing schools in the country have clubs that actively compete against other colleges and participate in tournaments sanctioned by various boxing organizations.
What I love most about these programs is that they offer something for everyone. If you’re like me and want to compete at a high level, you’ll have that opportunity. But if you’re just looking to box for fun, fitness, or the social experience, you’ll still be welcomed with open arms.
The beauty of participating in a club sport like boxing is the flexibility. You can train as much or as little as you want, without the pressure of losing a scholarship or being removed from the team for not meeting performance expectations. It’s all about finding the right balance that works for you.

1. Oregon State University
- Location: Corvallis, OR
- Enrollment: 27,500
- Program Type: Club Sport
- Scholarships: Not available
Oregon State University, located in Corvallis, Oregon, is a public research university with a 78% acceptance rate. As Oregon’s land-grant university, it’s often thought of as an “ag” school, but with over 100 majors to choose from—including many in the humanities—there’s something here for everyone.
Personally, I’ve always been impressed by OSU’s strong reputation in engineering, math, and computer science. The campus itself is stunning, with plenty of green spaces and historic buildings that make it a great place to learn and relax. Compared to its rival, the University of Oregon, OSU tends to attract more students from rural areas of the state, while UO draws more from the Portland metro area and California.
About the Boxing Club
The boxing club at Oregon State strikes the perfect balance between being competitive and relaxed. Practices are held three times a week, usually for two hours at a time, at a YMCA in Albany, just a short drive from campus. What I love about this club is its inclusivity—there are no tryouts or cuts, so anyone can join, even if you’ve never boxed before. They even let you try it out for a week before asking you to pay club dues, which is a great way to see if it’s the right fit for you.
2. University of Southern California
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Enrollment: 21,000
- Program Type: Club Sport
- Scholarships: Not available
The University of Southern California, a private research university located in Los Angeles, is a place I’ve always admired for its diversity, strong academics, and athletics.
With more than 20,000 undergraduates and over 150 majors, USC offers something for just about everyone. Its research capabilities are particularly impressive, with over $700 million in annual funding and renowned centers like the Keck School of Medicine and the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.
USC is one of the most selective and prestigious universities in the country. With an acceptance rate below 15% and a spot in the top 25 National Universities according to U.S. News, being part of USC is truly an accomplishment.
About the Boxing Club
The USC Trojan Boxing Club is a competitive yet welcoming team. They regularly face off against other schools in Southern California, including USC’s well-known rival, UCLA, and also participate in tournaments organized by external boxing organizations.
What I love about the club, though, is that competing is totally optional. Many members join simply for the training, sparring, and the fitness benefits. Practices are held twice a week for about two hours, making it easy to balance with a busy schedule. Whether you’re looking to compete or just enjoy the sport, the club has a place for everyone.
3. University of Washington
- Location: Seattle, WA
- Enrollment: 36,200
- Program Type: Club Sport
- Scholarships: Not available
The University of Washington, located in the heart of Seattle, is the state’s flagship university and a school I’ve always admired for its academic excellence—especially in STEM fields. Its computer science program is ranked among the top 10 in the nation, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with prestigious schools like the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Georgia Tech.
The campus itself is stunning, surrounded by some of Seattle’s most vibrant neighborhoods. There’s a lot of school spirit here, and as a UW student, it’s hard not to get swept up in the excitement of Husky athletics, especially when it comes to football.
About the Boxing Club
The Husky Boxing Club is one of the most tight-knit groups on campus, and their motto—“Pride, Poise, Team, Family!”—perfectly sums up what they’re all about. For me, it’s one of the best ways to build a sense of belonging at such a large university. Even if you’re new to boxing or don’t know many people when you arrive, the club is a great way to find your community.
The team competes against other schools in the Pacific Northwest and participates in tournaments organized by the National Collegiate Boxing Association. Whether you’re there to train hard, compete, or just connect with others, this club is an incredible opportunity to grow both physically and socially.
4. The Ohio State University
- Location: Columbus, OH
- Enrollment: 47,000
- Program Type: Club Sport
- Scholarships: Not available
When I first arrived at Ohio State University, I was struck by just how massive it is. With more than 60,000 students, including 47,000 undergraduates, it’s one of the largest universities in the country. The campus is sprawling and vibrant, sitting right next to downtown Columbus, which offers endless opportunities for academic, social, and cultural activities both on and off campus.
One of the things I’ve come to appreciate most about Ohio State is its diversity. While many of the students are from Ohio, there are people here from all over the world, each bringing their own unique perspectives and experiences. It’s a place where you can connect with so many different kinds of people.
As someone who loves staying active, I was excited to discover the university’s top-tier sports and fitness programs. Ohio State is home to one of the best collegiate powerlifting teams in the country, and the boxing club here caught my attention right away.
About the Boxing Club
The OSU Boxing Club isn’t just about competition. In fact, it’s more focused on personal development than winning belts or trophies. When I joined, I had no prior boxing experience, but that didn’t matter at all. The club welcomes people of all skill levels and works to build self-discipline, self-confidence, and camaraderie among its members.
Practices are held three evenings a week—Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.—and they’ve quickly become a highlight of my week. Not only is it an incredible workout, but it’s also a great way to meet people and carve out a sense of belonging on a campus as large as Ohio State. For me, the boxing club has been a way to challenge myself and form meaningful connections, and I’m so glad I decided to give it a try.

5. University of Nevada—Reno
- Location: Reno, NV
- Enrollment: 17,000
- Program Type: Club Sport
- Scholarships: Not available
When I first stepped onto the University of Nevada, Reno campus, I was impressed by its mix of energy and charm. Located just north of downtown Reno, this large public university is home to over 25,000 students, including more than 17,000 undergraduates. The campus feels like the perfect blend of academic focus and connection to the vibrant city around it.
One of the things that drew me here was the university’s strong reputation in science, engineering, and business. Whether it’s the innovative work happening at the Sierra Nevada Research Institute or projects at the Great Basin Environmental Sciences Center, there’s a clear emphasis on cutting-edge research and real-world impact. It’s inspiring to be part of a place that’s driving progress in so many areas.
6. Florida State University
- Location: Tallahassee, FL
- Enrollment: 33,500
- Program Type: Club Sport
- Scholarships: Not available
Florida State University is widely recognized for its Division I athletic programs, especially its powerhouse football team, but it’s also making significant strides in academic rankings. Nestled within the gently rolling hills of Tallahassee in the Florida Panhandle, the campus is as picturesque as it is vibrant.
The university offers an extensive range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular acclaim for its law, business, and medical programs. While academics are a point of pride, the football team’s legacy is undeniable, boasting multiple NCAA Division I championships, the most recent of which was in the 2013 season.
About the Boxing Club
The FSU Boxing Club, also known as the Renegade Boxing Club, competes in events nationwide, including the prestigious United States Intercollegiate Boxing Association’s national tournament. A highlight of the year is its annual matchups against Florida State’s two biggest rivals, the University of Florida and the University of Miami, which always draw an intense and passionate crowd.
The club maintains a competitive roster of 20 to 25 fighters, but everyone is welcome to join for training and sparring, regardless of experience level. Practices are held Monday through Friday at the Lincoln Center Boxing Club in Tallahassee, offering a structured and supportive environment for anyone looking to improve their skills or simply stay active.
7. University of Illinois—Urbana-Champaign
- Location: Urbana, IL
- Enrollment: 35,000
- Program Type: Club Sport
- Scholarships: Not available
When I first came to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, I was struck by its size and energy. Located in the heart of Illinois, UIUC is a massive Midwestern university with over 35,000 undergraduates and an additional 15,000 graduate students. The campus has a lively, welcoming atmosphere that makes it feel like a community within itself.
One of the things I love most about being here is the abundance of ways to get involved. With more than 1,000 student organizations, there’s truly something for everyone—whether you’re interested in academic clubs, Greek life, or the arts. Personally, I’ve found that the arts scene here is especially impressive, with plenty of performance groups and creative outlets to explore.
Academically, UIUC is top-notch, particularly in STEM fields. The computer science program, for instance, is one of the best in the nation—ranked ahead of schools like Georgia Tech and Michigan and just below MIT. It’s incredible to be surrounded by such a high level of academic excellence and innovation.
About the Boxing Club
One of the highlights of my time at UIUC has been joining the Illini Boxing Club. This club is home to some of the most talented collegiate boxers in the country, and it even won the USIBA Collegiate National Championship as recently as 2018. It’s inspiring to train alongside such skilled athletes, but what I love most is that the club is open to everyone, no matter their experience level.
The competition roster typically includes 20 to 30 boxers, but anyone is welcome to practice, train, or spar with the team. Beyond the workouts, the club hosts social events and meetups throughout the year, which has been a great way to connect with others on campus. Practices are held 3-4 times a week, and they’ve become a cornerstone of my routine. Whether you’re looking to compete or just stay active, the Illini Boxing Club offers an amazing community and an incredible opportunity to grow.

8. University of Miami
- Location: Coral Gables, FL
- Enrollment: 12,100
- Program Type: Club Sport
- Scholarships: Not available
Arriving at the University of Miami, I quickly realized it wasn’t technically in Miami itself but in the beautiful city of Coral Gables, Florida. The campus is stunning, with palm trees, lush greenery, and an atmosphere that feels both vibrant and relaxed. As a private research university, “The U,” as it’s affectionately called by students and fans, has about 12,000 undergraduates.
While many people know UM for its legendary football program, I’ve come to appreciate that it’s just as much an academic powerhouse. With an acceptance rate below 30% and an average ACT score of over 31 for incoming students, it’s clear that the university attracts some of the brightest minds. It’s exciting to be part of a community that values both academic and athletic excellence.
About the Boxing Club
One of the best decisions I’ve made here is joining the University of Miami’s boxing community. There’s both a boxing team and a boxing club, so there’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking to compete or just train for fun. The team competes in events sanctioned by the Florida Collegiate Boxing Conference and the United States Intercollegiate Boxing Association, going up against some serious talent.
The club, on the other hand, is open to anyone. We train together, spar with each other, and even have the chance to participate in smaller local competitions. Coaches and trainers decide who makes the competitive team, but even if you don’t make the cut, you’re still welcome to be part of the club. For me, it’s been an incredible way to stay active, challenge myself, and connect with other students who share the same passion. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced boxer, there’s a place for you here.
Conclusion
When it comes to colleges that have boxing programs, these eight schools stand out for their active boxing clubs, supportive environments, and opportunities for competition. Whether you’re a beginner seeking fitness and training or an experienced athlete looking to test your skills in boxing competitions, these university boxing clubs offer something for everyone.
Boxing is more than just a sport – it’s a chance to grow physically, mentally, and socially. By joining one of these programs, you’ll not only sharpen your skills in combat sports but also build lifelong friendships and habits that will benefit you well beyond college.
So, if you’re ready to take your passion for boxing to the next level, consider these top colleges that have boxing and start your journey today!