College Swimming & Diving in the U.S.

Discover what U.S. College {0} is all about and how we can help you get a Swimming & Diving scholarship at an American university - while earning your degree at the same time. Let's make your dream reality.

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What Is College Swimming & Diving In The U.S.

Why College Swimming is so Special:

Team Spirit Over Solo Play: You don't just swim for yourself anymore. Your teammates become your family as you fight together for national championships.
A Global Network: Build lifelong friendships and connect with people from across the globe, opening doors to international career opportunities.
Personal Growth: Thrive in a unique environment that builds resilience, character, and the professional discipline that will define your success for years to come.

For the most talented, this route serves as a strategic stepping stone: many elite graduates from top college programs go on to compete professionally and join national teams, proving it is a viable route to the highest ranks of the sport, including the Olympic Games. College swimming & diving opens doors for your future career, whether in professional sports or the corporate world.

Combination

Train daily at a high level while earning an internationally recognized degree.

Funding

Academic and athletic scholarships cover tuition and living costs.

Career

Your degree and college experience open doors worldwide and are highly valued by employers.

Make it to The Next Level

Maximize your Swim & Dive potential and use the College Swimming & Diving competition pipeline as the ultimate proving ground to make it to the professional ranks.

Hear From Our Athletes

Read what our athletes have to say about their experiences with us.

Working with Smarthlete was the best decision I could have made. Without you, the recruiting process simply wouldn't have been possible. You took so many difficult tasks off my plate, and I am incredibly grateful for that. Thank you for everything - you guys were awesome!

Martin

Cumberlands University, NAIA

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Scholarships

We have already secured more than $23 million in scholarships for our athletes – and counting.

International

Over the years, we have helped thousands of athletes worldwide find the perfect university and the right scholarship in the USA. Currently, more than 400 former Smarthlete clients are studying at colleges across the United States.

Client Satisfaction

We support athletes and families personally, closely, and transparently – reflected in a 95% satisfaction rate.

Meet Our Swim & Dive Athletes in The U.S.

Our athletes currently in college have turned their dream of competing in the U.S. into reality. With hundreds already placed at top universities, our athletes' stories and successes show what’s possible with the right support.

Jan Matejczuk

Grand Valley State University

NCAA DII

Liene Vientiesa

Long Island University

NCAA DI

Success Stories

This is What College Swimming is All About

Discover what it really means to live and play in the U.S. - this could be your journey next.

College Swim & Dive Passion

Interview with Liene Vientiesa

U.S. College Swimming & Diving

What Does a Day in The Life of a College Swimmer Look Like?

Depending on the time of the year, most student-athletes start their day with morning practice, which means getting up early. These practices might include strength and conditioning workouts in the gym or pool time, typically lasting one to two hours. After the early workout or practice, athletes head to the cafeteria to eat breakfast, followed by classes, usually between 8:00 a.m. and noon. After that, it's lunch time together in the dining hall with their teammates or other friends.

Teams typically have a two to three hour practice session in the afternoon. This is often the primary training session of the day in the pool or on the diving boards. If not in practice, athletes may use this time for additional classes, attending labs, or study hall. Student-athletes can also be scheduled for ice baths, stretching, or physical therapy to prevent injuries and recover after training.

In the evening, there is plenty of time to do homework, relax, and socialize. While you have a meal plan in college, you will most certainly also go out for dinner at times and find some other fun things to do with your friends. Competition days can be scheduled to take place over the weekend, but also during the week, balancing rigorous training with academic commitments.

What Does The College Recruiting Timeline & College Swim & Dive Season Look Like?

Recruiting Timeline

The college swim & dive recruiting process is highly competitive and requires early preparation. Coaches at top programs begin evaluating athletes well in advance, often securing commitments from their strongest prospects one or even two years before enrollment. That’s why we strongly recommend starting your recruiting journey at least 24 months before you desired starting date at college.

Beginning early gives you the chance to connect with coaches, send updated footage and statistics, complete all eligibility steps, and receive offers before roster spots and scholarship budgets fill up. While it’s still possible to start later, most of the best opportunities may already be taken, so getting ahead is the best way to keep your options open and secure the right fit.

College Swim & Dive Season

The official college swim & dive season typically runs from late September or October through March, culminating in the Conference and National Championships. During this time, teams compete in a rigorous schedule of non-conference and conference meets, representing their schools in pursuit of a conference championship and a spot in the National Tournament. The competition schedule is intense, with meets often scheduled on weekends or in challenging blocks. This demanding schedule requires student-athletes to balance academics, high-stakes competition, and daily training at an exceptionally high level

The remaining time of the year serves as the off-season or non-traditional season, focusing heavily on strength and conditioning, specialized training, and individual skill development. This phase focuses first on recovery, followed by an intensive cycle of building base fitness and foundational strength in preparation for the next official season. Pre-season typically includes specific conditioning routines, baseline testing, and early practice sessions to fine-tune technique. This year-round structure makes college swimming and diving both challenging and rewarding, pushing athletes to continuously improve and perform at their best while successfully earning a degree.

How High a Swim & Dive Scholarship Can I Get?

The amount of college swim & dive scholarship you can receive depends on several key factors—most importantly your athletic level, the division or association you're targeting (NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, or Junior College), and the specific college or university you aim to join.

Full-Ride Scholarships

A full-ride swim & dive scholarship covers tuition and fees, housing, meal plan, books, and sometimes even travel or personal expenses, representing the highest level of scholarship support available. Only a small number of swimmers and divers receive full rides each year, typically top-ranked international or national-level athletes competing for major NCAA Division I or elite NAIA programs.

Partial Scholarships

Most college swimmers and divers receive partial scholarships, which cover a portion of total college costs (for example, part of tuition or housing). Coaches often divide their total scholarship budget among multiple athletes to build a strong overall team, meaning that performance, ranking, and potential all play key roles in determining how much aid you receive.

Academic and Additional Financial Aid

Many colleges also offer academic scholarships and need-based financial aid. In many cases, these can be combined with athletic scholarships to significantly lower your total cost of attendance. Strong grades and test scores can make a big difference, as academically successful athletes are often more attractive to coaches and more likely to receive additional financial support.