NCAA Graduate Student Research Grant Program

The NCAA Graduate Student Research Grant Program provides funding for graduate student research examining the role of intercollegiate athletics in higher education and the college student-athlete psychosocial experience. The program aims to stimulate research on intercollegiate athletics, build the empirical knowledge base on college sports, provide financial support to graduate student researchers, and increase access to high-quality findings for NCAA members and the public. Grants are set at a maximum of $7,500 and are available to graduate students enrolled at NCAA member institutions. Applicants must propose research in the social or behavioral sciences that aligns with NCAA priorities such as academics, health and safety, equity, and student-athlete well-being. Example topics include philosophical or historical analyses of intercollegiate athletics, academic support practices, belonging and inclusion in college sports, finances, sports wagering, student-athlete integration into campus life, social media use, transfer and degree attainment, transition out of athletics, and the impact of participation on academic or social experiences. Typically four recipients are selected annually, with funding being nonrenewable. Allowable uses include data collection, analysis and dissemination costs, educational expenses up to $2,000, hardware up to $1,500 (higher when essential for data collection), and academic conference travel up to $2,000.