Navigating Nebraska Volleyball Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

For many aspiring college athletes and their families, securing a volleyball scholarship is a pivotal goal in the recruiting journey. The opportunity to have one's education funded while pursuing their passion for volleyball is an attractive prospect. With approximately 1,800 college volleyball programs across the nation, numerous scholarship opportunities exist for talented high school athletes.

The Evolving NCAA Landscape and Scholarship Limits

A significant shift in NCAA regulations, starting in the 2025-2026 academic year, has eliminated most Division 1 scholarship limits. This change reclassifies Division 1 volleyball as an equivalency sport with a roster limit of 18, allowing for more flexible distribution of scholarships among athletes across all sports. This means that every athlete on the team is eligible to receive a full or partial scholarship.

Understanding Equivalency Sports and Scholarship Availability

Volleyball is considered an equivalency sport, meaning that programs can award scholarships in any increment up to the maximum allowed. Division 1 volleyball programs can award 18 scholarships. While this may seem straightforward, the actual value of a scholarship can vary significantly depending on the cost of tuition at each school.

Talented high school athletes have abundant college volleyball scholarship opportunities at the NCAA Division 1 and Division 2 levels, as well as at NAIA schools and junior colleges.

Athletic and Academic Criteria for Volleyball Scholarships

To be considered for a volleyball scholarship, athletes must meet both athletic and academic criteria. The athletic criteria are determined by the volleyball program at each individual school. A helpful strategy is to examine the rosters of college teams, paying attention to the height, statistics, and accolades of current players in the desired position.

The NCAA Eligibility Center sets specific academic requirements that athletes must meet to be eligible to compete at the NCAA Division 1 or Division 2 levels. Meeting or exceeding the Division 1 requirements generally ensures eligibility at the Division 2 level as well.

Understanding NCAA Academic Requirements

Student athletes participating in an NCAA sponsored sport are required to abide by the NCAA rules set forth regarding institutional or campus scholarships and aid. When students are awarded academic and athletic scholarships, they must meet specific NCAA criteria. In most cases, academic scholarships are not countable toward the team or student athlete's NCAA scholarship limits.

Scholarship Types at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL)

Understanding the various types of scholarships available at institutions like the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) is crucial. These include:

University Academic Scholarships

In most cases, academic scholarships are not countable toward the team or student athlete's NCAA scholarship limits.

Non-Academic University Scholarships

University scholarships and/or grants awarded based on non-academic criteria may be countable against the team or student athlete's scholarship limits, if the student athlete also receives athletic aid.

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Non-University Scholarships (External)

External scholarships must be reviewed to meet specific NCAA criteria. If a student-athlete provides written notification of transfer to the institution between regular academic terms (winter break, summer break) the institution may reduce or cancel the financial aid immediately.

Each countable award, if applicable, will be evaluated by the head coach, compliance office, and the financial aid office.

Hearing Opportunity

Per NCAA rules, student athletes who have their athletic aid reduced or cancelled shall be provided a hearing conducted by the Husker Athletics Appeals Committee at the student’s request. A hearing must be requested within 10 days of the official reduction/cancellation notification.

The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship

The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, established in 1964, encourages graduate education by rewarding accomplished student-athletes who participate in NCAA championships and emerging sports. It offers a $10,000 award to those who excel academically and athletically and plan to pursue graduate studies.

Eligibility Criteria for the Postgraduate Scholarship

To be eligible for the NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship, student-athletes must:

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Maintain a minimum undergraduate cumulative grade-point average of 3.200 (on a 4.000 scale), including all undergraduate hours earned at all institutions attended.
Demonstrate exceptional performance as a varsity team member in their nominated sport. Athletic achievement is considered alongside academic performance, institutional involvement, and community service.
Enroll in a graduate degree-granting program within one year of the scholarship award.

Nomination and Application Process

Student-athletes must be nominated by their school's Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) or designee.
Nominations are reviewed by regional selection committees, which then forward finalists to the Postgraduate Scholarship Committee.
The Postgraduate Scholarship Committee selects 21 male and 21 female awardees each sports season, along with five alternates.
The FAR or designee must nominate qualified student-athletes using the application in the Program Hub.
Applicants must upload official transcripts reflecting ALL undergraduate work.
The FAR must provide a formal recommendation for the nominee, evaluating their skills and accomplishments with specific examples (excluding statistical information).

Scholarship Usage and Requirements

Recipients must be accepted into a graduate degree-granting program on a part-time or full-time basis at an accredited graduate or professional school.
Full-time students must be accepted into a program within one year of the scholarship award.
Half of the scholarship funds are distributed upon enrollment, with the remaining half distributed upon receipt of the second certification of graduate school enrollment.
The scholarship must be used for postgraduate education expenses, including tuition, fees, room and board, course-related supplies, and books.
If a student transfers institutions, they can use remaining scholarship funds at the new institution.

Restrictions and Important Considerations

The NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship liaison must be notified immediately if the award recipient's athletics eligibility status changes.
Recipients cannot use more than one NCAA scholarship award for graduate studies.
The scholarship cannot be used for certificate programs or prerequisite courses.
Recipients must use the scholarship towards a graduate degree granting program.

Specific Nomination Scenarios and Guidance

The NCAA provides guidance on various nomination scenarios, including:

Nominating a three-sport athlete: Determine the student-athlete's best sport and nominate them in their final season of eligibility for that sport.
GPA requirements: The minimum GPA requirement is strictly 3.200 on a 4.000 scale.
Eligibility after graduation: A student-athlete who has eligibility remaining but graduated with a GPA below 3.200 is not eligible.
Submitting additional information: Additional information should be a concise summary of honors and awards, not press releases.
Transfer student-athletes: Include transcripts from all institutions attended.
Use of remaining eligibility: A student-athlete may be nominated in their final year even if they have eligibility remaining, provided they do not use it in graduate school.

Steps After Receiving the Scholarship

Once awarded an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship:

Complete the certification of enrollment form (part-time or full-time) and have the graduate institution's admissions officer or dean certify enrollment.
Ensure the graduate school provides a complete institutional address.
The scholarship check will be issued once the completed form is received by the NCAA national office.

Circumstances Affecting Scholarship Status

If a recipient drops out of the graduate program, the institution should return the unused portion of the scholarship to the NCAA.
If a recipient's playing eligibility status changes (e.g., due to a medical redshirt), the NCAA national office must be notified.

Maintaining Eligibility at UNL: Key NCAA and Big Ten Conference Rules

To participate in intercollegiate athletics, student-athletes must maintain both athletic and academic eligibility. NCAA and Big Ten Conference rules are designed to ensure fair play and prevent any team from gaining an unfair competitive advantage. All student-athletes must conduct themselves ethically and comply with these regulations, or risk losing their eligibility.

Academic Integrity and Progress Toward Degree

All institutional staff members and student-athletes are expected to act with honesty and integrity in all academic matters.
A student-athlete must complete a minimum of six semester hours of degree-applicable academic credit in the previous full-time regular academic term to be eligible for competition.
Student-athletes must pass nine hours of degree-applicable credit in the fall semester.
NCAA and UNL rules require that a student-athlete is a full-time, degree-seeking student to represent UNL in athletic practice and competition.
Changes in enrollment (e.g., adding/dropping courses) must be submitted before published deadlines, with approval from the academic advisor.

GPA Requirements

The GPA requirements for continuing eligibility increase over time:
- 1.8 GPA minimum initially.
- 1.9 GPA minimum subsequently.
- 2.0 GPA minimum thereafter.
UNL uses an A through F grading system, with grades of W (withdrew), I (incomplete), P (pass/C or better), and N (no pass) also possible.

Amateurism

Only amateur student-athletes are eligible to compete at the NCAA level.

Accepting any benefit from an agent is not permissible, nor is it permissible for family and friends to accept benefits from agents.
The State of Nebraska requires agents to register and maintain good standing with the Secretary of State.

Employment and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness)

Student-athletes can hold employment positions, provided they are receiving the same benefits as other similarly situated employees.
During the summer of 2021, the NCAA provided new guidance related to student-athletes being able to use their names, images, and likenesses during employment opportunities.

Outside Competition and Activities

Trying out with a professional sports organization is generally permissible, but specific rules apply.
Participating in any competition or practice where you are participating as an individual or on a non-UNL athletic team, without prior approval from the Compliance staff and Faculty Athletics Representative is not permissible.

Complimentary Admissions

NCAA rules allow each student-athlete to receive a maximum of four complimentary admissions per regular-season event in their sport.
A maximum of six complimentary admissions may be received for conference championships, NCAA championships, or bowl games.
It is not permissible to sell or exchange complimentary admissions for anything of value.
Student-athletes may attend other sporting events and receive one complimentary admission with a UNL ID.

Impermissible Benefits

A student-athlete or prospective student-athlete may not accept any benefits that are not offered to the general student body.

Financial Aid

Permissible financial aid includes:
- Athletic-related grant-in-aid from UNL.
- Aid from outside scholarships that meet NCAA requirements.
Any financial assistance outside of an athletics scholarship must be approved by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid. All financial assistance, including grants and loans, must also be reported to the Compliance staff and coach.

Compliance and Enforcement

The Compliance Staff ensures that conduct and operations of Nebraska’s 24 varsity sports comply with NCAA and Big Ten Conference rules and regulations.
Teams are provided with a specific number of grants-in-aid (scholarships) to provide per academic year. These grants are awarded by the University’s Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid upon the recommendation of the head coach and the approval of the Athletics Director.
A scholarship is not reimbursement for services performed but is provided to help student-athletes with educational expenses.
If a student-athlete's athletic scholarship is reduced or canceled, they have the right to an appeals hearing.
Student-athletes will receive a monthly stipend if their athletic scholarship is allocated to pay Other Expenses Related to Attendance, Room and/or Board.

Injury and the NCAA Student Assistance Fund

In the event of a career-ending injury or illness as a result of UNL athletic participation, the Athletic Department will renew the award, per Nebraska State Law, Section 85-9, 110 R.S.
The NCAA Student Assistance Fund (SAF) assists student-athletes in meeting financial needs that arise in conjunction with participation in intercollegiate athletics and enrollment in an academic curriculum.

Gambling and Bribery

It is not permissible to place or accept a wager on any sport, at any level.
Gambling prohibition includes sporting events at the professional, college, and amateur levels.
It is not permissible to accept any benefits from individuals involved in gambling activities.
Impermissible gambling under NCAA rules will result in a loss of eligibility.
An attempt to procure information through bribery of a sports participant is a felony.

Five-Year Rule and Medical Hardship Waivers

Student-athletes have five years to complete four athletic seasons in a sport. The five-year clock begins when they first become a full-time student at any collegiate institution.
A medical hardship is defined as an incapacitating injury or illness that occurs during the first half of the season before the student-athlete has participated in more than three events or 30 percent of the events in their sport, whichever is greater. Medical hardship waivers are reviewed by the Big Ten Conference medical subcommittee.

Student Hosts and Recruiting

Student-athletes serving as hosts for recruits are official representatives of UNL and the Athletic Department.
A recruit may have contact with former student-athletes on campus but may not have any contact with a donor, alumni, or fan of any UNL athletic team.
A maximum of $75.00 per day may be provided to the student host to cover the entertainment expenses of the host, multiple hosts, the recruit and up to four family members accompanying the recruit.
All entertainment of a recruit must occur within a 30-mile radius of campus.
Recruits may participate in physical workouts or other recreational activities during a campus visit provided such activities are not observed by the coaching staff.
Actions or incidents that are contrary to the Student Host Guidelines may result in a decision by UNL to deny the admission of or financial aid award to a recruit.

Transfer Eligibility

If a student-athlete would like to transfer from UNL, their name must be entered into the NCAA’s transfer portal.

Supporting Husker Athletes: Endowments and Giving

Nebraska Athletics provides the maximum number of scholarships allowed for student-athletes across 24 sports, accounting for nearly $13 million of the operating budget. Scholarship endowments directly support Husker student-athletes as they pursue graduation.

Named Endowments

Scholarship endowments start at $100,000, are payable over five years, and underwrite essential costs associated with:

Tuition
Room & Board
Books
Miscellaneous Expenses

Examples of Named Endowments

A comprehensive list of named endowments supporting Nebraska Athletics includes funds dedicated to various sports and in honor of specific individuals. Some examples include:

Dr. Barbara Hibner Memorial Fund
Clarence C Goodwin Memorial Fund
Aileen Mayfield Lagrone Memorial Scholarship Fund
Bret & Brenda Griess Family Scholarship
Bobby Reynolds Memorial Scholarship and Fellowship Fund
Cecil Albert Davis Memorial Husker Award Fund
Conrad & Detta Rohn Carlson Fund-Athletics
Eleanor F. Snell Memorial Award
Elmer H. & Mary E. Dohrmann Fund for UNL Scholarships
Janet and Bryan Barnard Scholarship Fund
Kenneth Othmer Athletic Scholarship Fund
Margaret R. Larson Athletic Scholarship Fund
Mary Schmiedeskamp Scholarship Fund
Paul Amen Scholar-Athlete Fellowship Fund
Paul C. and Wilma E. Henn Memorial Fellowship Fund
Price Family Scholarship Fund
Alex Plucknett Scholarship Fund
Del Kopf Baseball Scholarship Sub-Fund
Florian and Linda Hrdlicka Scholarship
Carl “Jack” Nolde UNL Baseball Discretionary Fund
Dianne Sizemore Husker Baseball Scholarship Fund
Dick Becher Baseball Scholarship Fund
Reuben H. Denning Catching and/or Pitching Scholarship Fund
Richard Johnson Family Baseball Scholarship Fund
Woody and Paula Varner Baseball Support Fund
Bus Whitehead Memorial Scholarship Fund
David G. Toren Athletic Fellowship Fund
Hosman Family Scholarship Fund
Latimer Family Women's Basketball Scholarship Fund
Lorraine Cross Coaches Scholarship Fund
M. G. Volz Basketball Scholarship Fund
Stone Family Women's Basketball Scholarship Fund
Stephanie Bolli #34 Women's Basketball Scholarship Fund
Alan Eveland Memorial Scholarship Fund
Brook Berringer Memorial Scholarship
Burnell Student Manager Scholarship
Cletus Fischer Scholarship
Dave Noble Memorial Scholarship
David L. Stannard Scholarship
Elizabeth Abel Beacom Scholarship
Frank Solich Post Graduate Student Scholarship
George Finley Sullivan Endowed Scholarship
Jake Young Memorial Fund Dedicated to Excellence
Janice & Rodney Beck Endowed Scholarship
Sam Foltz Scholarship Award
Arthur & Carolyn Lewis Student Manager Scholarship Fund
Blue Howell Memorial Fund
Dr. Patrick and Linda Clare Football Excellence Fund
Dr. William T. Wildhaber Memorial Football Scholarship Fund
Frances Coulson Scholarship Fund
Guy Chamberlin Memorial Fund
Jack Landen Football Scholarship Fund
James C. Semerad Fund
John & Le Irvin Scholarship Fund
John R. and Clara Belle Enyeart Endowed Scholarship Fund
Jon J. & Lyle F. Rhine Football Scholarship Endowment Fund
Jon J. and Marianne R. Rhine Football Scholarship Endowment Fund
Ken Gerber Football Fund
Lourene B. Wishart Fund
Lyle E. and Shirley M. Durham Football Scholarship Fund
Michael Grace Memorial Athletic Scholarship Fund
Touchdown Club Fund - Scholarships
Ardis J. and Emmett M. Hanson Memorial Fund for Men's Golf
Ardis J. and Emmett M. Hanson Memorial Fund for Women's Golf
Beatrice Dierks Rohman Memorial Golf Scholarship Fund
Dick Spangler Golf Scholarship Fund
Jane Bell Dobson Memorial Scholarship Fund
Tom Schmidt Scholarship Fund
Nebraska Gymnastics Booster Club Scholarship Fund
Steve & Lisa Todd Men's Gymnastics Scholarship
Tom & Pam Price Soccer Scholarship
Julie Geis Memorial Scholarship
Richard Raimondi Memorial Scholarship
Marvin Grimm Fund for Swimming and Diving
Samuel H. Perry, M.D. & Patricia B. Perry Ph.D. Memorial Athletic Scholarship
Louis and Charlotte Orloff Fund
Ed Weir Memorial Track & Field Scholarship
Edward G. Smith Memorial Fund
Samuel C. Waugh Trophy Fund
Breithaupt Family Scholarship
Latimer Family Volleyball Scholarship Fund
The Match Club Champions Fund
Rachel Schwartz Volleyball Scholarship by Charley and Nancy Ogden

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