Colleges with Powerlifting Scholarships | 4 Schools to Consider
I became passionate about powerlifting from high school and it completely changed my life. Truth be told, I wasn’t a sports person until I was introduced to powerlifting by a girl I had a huge crush on. But, I must say that this sport has changed my life for good.
From my experience applying for college, I will tell you that not many schools have serious, developed, active powerlifting programs. And on top of that, just a handful of colleges offer powerlifting scholarships. This has become a huge challenge for powerlifting enthusiasts seeking for colleges with powerlifting scholarships.
Therefore, if you are looking for colleges with powerlifting programs that can fund your education, you’re in luck. There are several colleges with powerlifting scholarships that provide opportunities for student-athletes to pursue both their academic and athletic goals. These schools include Midland University, McKendree University, Missouri Valley College and Ottawa University.
Not only do these schools foster competitive powerlifting teams, but also offer strength training facilities and financial support through athletic and fitness scholarships.
In this guide, I wrote on the top four schools with the best powerlifting programs, highlighting what makes them stand out. Let’s dive in.
4 Best Colleges With Powerlifting Scholarships
For prospective college athletes, powerlifting programs offer a unique chance to compete at a high level while benefiting from student-athlete funding. Powerlifting is more than just a sport—it’s a lifestyle that emphasizes discipline, strength, and perseverance.
Colleges with powerlifting scholarships provide the perfect environment for students to develop both academically and athletically. Many of the scholarships offered by these schools are not full ride, but enough to get by. Another benefit is that there are plenty of sponsorship money to be made in powerlifting if you manage your PR well.
These programs not only provide you with a higher quality education. It gives you the opportunity to compete in collegiate powerlifting events like the USA Powerlifting (USAPL) Collegiate Nationals. And helping reduce the financial burden of higher education. So let take a look at some of the best colleges with powerlifting scholarships and what made them special.
1. Midland University Powerlifting
- Location: Fremont, NE
- Varsity or Club Sport: Varsity (NAIA)
- Scholarships Available: Yes
- Website: Midland University Powerlifting
Midland University stands out as the premier destination for student-athletes seeking powerlifting scholarships. With a dominant track record at the USAPL Collegiate Nationals and state-of-the-art facilities, Midland offers one of the most competitive powerlifting programs in the country. The school awards 34 partial athletic scholarships annually, making it an excellent choice for serious lifters. Head Coach Tim Anderson is a respected figure in the powerlifting community, ensuring high-level coaching for athletes.
2. McKendree University Powerlifting
- Location: Lebanon, IL
- Varsity or Club Sport: Varsity (NCAA Division II)
- Scholarships Available: Yes
- Website: McKendree University Powerlifting
McKendree University, located in Lebanon, Illinois, is a private institution competing in NCAA Division II athletics. It offers a varsity powerlifting program with several partial athletic scholarships for student-athletes who excel both academically and athletically. The team competes in USAPL events, primarily in the Southern Illinois and St. Louis areas. McKendree provides a strong balance of academics, competitive powerlifting, and financial support for its students.
The recipients of these scholarships are also determined by their academic performance, so you want to make sure that your test results and grades are as strong as your lifts.
3. Missouri Valley College Powerlifting
- Location: Marshall, MO
- Varsity or Club Sport: Varsity (NAIA)
- Scholarships Available: Yes
- Website: Missouri Valley College Lifting Sports
Missouri Valley College, located in Marshall, Missouri, is a private institution with a growing varsity powerlifting program competing in the NAIA. The college offers partial athletic scholarships to powerlifters who excel academically and athletically, making it an attractive option for student-athletes. Its training facilities, housed in the state-of-the-art Walker C. Fletcher Athletic Complex, are designed to support strength training and competitive powerlifting.
The program has been expanding rapidly, adding new coaches and resources to enhance its competitiveness. Missouri Valley’s powerlifting team regularly competes in USAPL events, showcasing its commitment to the sport. With a focus on both academics and athletics, the college provides a supportive environment for student-athletes.
4. Ottawa University Powerlifting
- Location: Ottawa, KS
- Varsity or Club Sport: Varsity (NAIA)
- Scholarships Available: Yes
- Website: Ottawa University Powerlifting
Ottawa University (Ottawa, Kansas), is a private institution with a strong varsity powerlifting program competing in the NAIA. The program is a consistent contender at USAPL Collegiate Nationals and has produced multiple All-American lifters. Led by Head Coach George Neef, an experienced strength and conditioning professional, the team benefits from top-tier facilities and a competitive training environment.
Ottawa University offers partial athletic scholarships to powerlifting athletes who demonstrate both academic and athletic excellence. Known for its dominance in USAPL events in the Midwest, the program is often a rival to other top schools like Midland University. With a supportive and energetic team culture, Ottawa is an excellent choice for aspiring powerlifters.
Colleges with Active Powerlifting Programs
If you are not looking to go into college sports, but love powerlifting as a sport, there are other schools with very active club powerlifting program that can you can apply to.
Since club powerlifting programs are not varsity sports, they are not subject to NCAA or NAIA regulations and do not get financing from the university’s athletic department. Rather, they are entirely organized by the participating students, occasionally with assistance from a faculty advisor.
Unlike varsity sports, club sports allow you to be as involved or as uninvolved as you like, depending on your academic commitments. This is a wonderful advantage, isn’t it?. There are no required workouts or practices, and you will not forfeit your scholarship for failing to fulfill performance goals. You can still compete against other teams at other colleges and institutions and attend elite national competitions like college and junior nationals if your club has a strong powerlifting program.
Below are some schools with the most active club powerlifting programs in the country.
A. The Ohio State University Powerlifting
- Location: Columbus, OH
- Varsity or Club Sport: Club
- Scholarships Available: No
- Website: Ohio State Powerlifting Club
While Ohio State doesn’t offer powerlifting scholarships, its club powerlifting program is one of the most active in the country. Founded in 2012, the team welcomes lifters of all skill levels and competes in USAPL, USPA, and IPF events. The Ohio State Powerlifting Club is an excellent way to stay involved in competitive powerlifting while enjoying the benefits of a large university.
B. University of Wisconsin—Madison Powerlifting
- Location: Madison, WI
- Varsity or Club Sport: Club
- Scholarships Available: No
- Website: Badger Powerlifting
The University of Wisconsin—Madison’s powerlifting club is highly competitive, with a focus on USAPL-sanctioned events. The team requires tryouts and has specific total lift requirements based on weight class. For those who qualify, this program offers a supportive community and the chance to compete nationally.
C. West Virginia University Powerlifting
- Location: Morgantown, WV
- Varsity or Club Sport: Club
- Scholarships Available: No
- Website: WVU Powerlifting Club
West Virginia University’s powerlifting club has grown significantly since its establishment in 2017. Open to all skill levels, the team provides access to top-notch facilities and requires members to compete in at least one meet per year. WVU’s program is a great way to maintain your fitness and compete while pursuing your degree.
D. University of Pittsburgh Powerlifting
- Location: Pittsburgh, PA
- Varsity or Club Sport: Club
- Scholarships Available: No
- Website: University of Pittsburgh Club Powerlifting Team
The University of Pittsburgh offers a welcoming powerlifting club that competes in USAPL meets. Open to beginners and veterans alike, the program provides a supportive environment for lifters. The school’s strong academic reputation adds to its appeal for prospective student-athletes.
Does the University of Texas Have a Powerlifting Team?
The University of Texas does not currently offer a varsity powerlifting program or powerlifting scholarships. However, like many large universities, it has an active club powerlifting team. This student-run organization provides opportunities for lifters to train, socialize, and compete in local and national meets. While it doesn’t offer weightlifting grants or athletic scholarships, joining the UT powerlifting club is a great way to stay involved in the sport during college.
Benefits of Joining College Powerlifting Programs
Whether you receive a scholarship or join a club team, participating in powerlifting programs during college has numerous benefits:
1. Improved Discipline and Time Management: Balancing academics, training, and competitions teaches valuable skills that translate to future careers.
2. Networking Opportunities: Being part of a college sports team helps you build friendships and connections that last a lifetime.
3. Access to Top Facilities: Many schools provide state-of-the-art strength training equipment for their powerlifting programs.
4. Opportunities for Competition: Collegiate powerlifting offers a platform to compete in high-stakes meets against some of the best lifters in the country.
5. Health and Fitness: Powerlifting promotes physical and mental well-being, helping you stay in peak condition throughout college and beyond.
How to Secure Powerlifting Scholarships
If you’re aiming to land a powerlifting scholarship, here are some tips:
1. Excel Academically: Many colleges prioritize student-athletes with strong grades and test scores. Academic performance can improve your chances of receiving funding.
2. Build a Strong Lifting Resume: Compete in local or regional meets and document your progress in the squat, bench press, and deadlift.
3. Engage on Social Media: Many coaches look for lifters who actively promote the sport on platforms like Instagram.
4. Reach Out to Coaches: Contact powerlifting program coaches directly to express your interest and share your achievements.
5. Attend Recruiting Events: Participating in powerlifting camps or showcases can help you get noticed by colleges.
Conclusion on Colleges With Powerlifting Scholarships
Choosing a college that aligns with your academic and athletic ambitions can set you up for long-term success. Colleges with powerlifting scholarships, such as Midland University and McKendree University, offer a unique opportunity to combine education with competitive powerlifting. Even if scholarships aren’t available, schools like Ohio State and the University of Wisconsin—Madison provide exceptional club programs to keep you engaged in the sport.
Whether you’re lifting for fun, fitness, or competition, college powerlifting programs can help you develop strength, discipline, and lifelong friendships. As you consider your options, remember to keep lifting—and keep adding plates to the bar. Your future as a student-athlete awaits!
