Division 1 Tier 1 vs. Tier 2

<p>I'm looking to get recruited for track and field and I think Division 1 Tier 2 is a realistic goal for me based on the recruiting guidelines. However many of the schools I want to go to are very expensive (~$40,000/year tuition). What are some good tier 2 schools academically speaking that are either cheap or can give me the money I need to go to that school (not a full or half scholarship even, just a partial scholarship). By the way, I throw shot put and discus for my high school.</p>

<p>Hey Matt - track and field is a tough one to get much scholarship money as an incoming freshman. With 12.6 scholarships to cover the whole roster, (freshman to senior, track and XC) that means lots of partials and walk-ons. Most coaches like their athletes to earn their way to scholarships by their performance once they’re on the team.</p>

<p>Strong grades and test scores will probably make more scholarship money available than you are likely to get from track.</p>

<p>Some of the top schools in the country don’t do athletic or merit aid - awarding only need-based financial aid. If you excel in both track and academics, that may be a viable option.</p>

<p>Thank you varska, could you provide me with some notable schools that would be considered Tier 2? I’d really appreciate it.</p>

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<p>When you look up the ‘recruiting guidelines’ on the recruiting service websites and see a 55’ shot put, for example, makes you a ‘Tier 2 recruit’ - I think that’s a little misleading. A school might have a strong distance team, but weak in throws, for example. You have to do some research and see where your marks fit.</p>

<p>So let’s say you’re putting the shot 55’ with a 12lb HS shot. If that equates to approx 47’ (~14.5m) with a 16lb college shot - take a look at some conference results to see where that might be competitive.</p>

<p>[USTFCCCA</a> InfoZone ::: Conference Championship Central – NCAA Division I – 2013 Outdoor Track & Field](<a href=“http://www.ustfccca.org/infozone/conference-championship-central.php?year=2012&divno=35&venue=2&submit=Submit]USTFCCCA”>http://www.ustfccca.org/infozone/conference-championship-central.php?year=2012&divno=35&venue=2&submit=Submit)</p>

<p>Coaches are also going to evaluate your potential. If you are tall and lean, they may feel they’ll be able to put more mass on your frame and increase your distance.</p>

<p>Thank you varska that’s the kind of in-depth answer that I like. I’ll definitely check out some of the lower competition DI conferences to see what’s competitive.</p>