Cheering is a highly competitive and popular collegiate activity, so choosing a school with a good cheerleading department is essential. The best cheerleading colleges feature superb coaches, cutting-edge facilities, and skilled cheerleaders. If you’re a cheerleader or just curious about college cheering, these are the best cheerleading colleges in USA with the most competitive, popular, or notable squads!
Best Cheerleading Colleges In USA
1. Concordia University
Concordia University’s cheering squad is widely considered one of the most competitive in the country. It is one of the best cheerleading colleges in USA. This is because the school offers financial assistance through scholarships, which vary depending on a student’s background, degree of skill, and experience in the sport.
These athletic scholarships are renewed each year if the student-athlete remains competitive in their sport. In addition to whatever sports scholarships they may have already obtained, student-athletes can qualify for academic scholarships. The former is determined and provided throughout the application process, and it is frequently offered to students based on their overall performance.
Cheerleaders can also apply for many grants that are available on demand. Every university student-athlete must be a member of one of the institution’s competitive teams, including those for female students and NAIA students. Before the tournament begins, there will be a set of evaluations to decide placement. It is up to the head coach to decide whether or not travel between teams is necessary.
2. University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky, headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, is a public research university. John Bryan Bowman established the Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky in 1865. Without a doubt, the University is one of the best cheerleading colleges in USA.
For the cheering team, Kentucky University provides a variety of scholarships depending on various eligibility conditions. As a result, over sixteen members earn a scholarship equal to the cost of in-state tuition. The University of Kentucky cheering team is one of the world’s most successful student organizations. Kentucky has dominated the World Fan Championships more than any other cheering squad.
The University of Kentucky cheerleaders earned their 22nd national title in Orlando, Florida, at the Universal Cheerleaders Association. Cheerleaders attend University Athletics Association and Alumni Association events on a regular basis. They also represent the institution at a variety of philanthropic and social functions.
3. University of Louisville
The University of Louisville is a public research university in Louisville, Kentucky. It is a branch of the Kentucky State University system. It holds the distinction of being the United States’ first city-owned public university.
In addition, it is regarded as one of the earliest institutions established west of the Allegheny Mountains. It has a 65% acceptance rate. There are both coed and all-girl cheerleading squads. It is regarded as one of the most prestigious college and community cheerleading programs in the country.
The cheering squads have won several titles, with James Speed’s huge co-ed group earning 18 National Cheerleaders Association Collegiate National championships. The Cardinal Bird Mascot is also managed by the University of Louisville Spirit Groups. The “Bird” also competes in national events with the cheerleaders and makes frequent appearances in the Louisville Metro Area.
4. University of Central Florida
The University of Central Florida is a Florida public research university. The cheerleading squad of the University of Central Florida is made up of 16 women and 16 men. It is widely recognized as one of the best cheerleading colleges. The team represents the university in all away and home football games. Scholarships are given to the best 16 new prospects and returning team members each year. Because Nike sponsors the UCF team, all practice clothes, shoes, game outfits, bags, and warm-ups are given for free.
The University of Central Florida cheering squad has won three national crowns at the College Cheerleading and Dance Team Nationals. UCF cheerleading has finished in the top three in the country in the last six seasons in the national championship and has finished in the top ten 17 times in the last 19 years. In 2013, the 2003 UCF Cheerleading Team was the first team inducted into the UCF Athletics Hall of Fame.
5. University Of Delaware
In February 2020, the University of Delaware cheering team won the Universal Support Association’s Open Division I championship, the program’s second straight national win. The cheering squad has made considerable strides toward its objectives. Scholarships are available for anyone who wants to join the team and take part in its activities.
Scholarships of up to $7,500 are available to Delaware residents. The Inter-University Athletics Department is in charge of managing and awarding these scholarships, which are awarded to student-athletes based on their athletic and academic achievements. The department adheres to the NCAA’s standards and rules regarding athletic scholarships and awards.
6. University of Mississippi
Another public research university is the University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss. It is the state’s second-largest institution in terms of enrollment. It has an acceptance rate of 88%. It is one of the best cheerleading colleges in USA for students who want to represent the university on various occasions.
The University of Mississippi is searching for people that are dedicated to representing Ole Miss on game day, on social media, and in the community. These are examples of high matchday performance, crowd management abilities, attitude/work ethic, professionalism/speaking skills, physical training, academic performance, inhibition, and attractiveness. Prior to the practice examinations, all applicants must be admitted, already enrolled, or have applied to the University of Mississippi.
7. University of Hawaii
The University of Hawaii goes to great lengths to please its ardent fans. The educational school offers 12 to 14 full-time scholarships only for the cheering team. These scholarships cover the whole cost of training competent cheerleaders from within and outside the region.
Furthermore, the institution offers overseas cheerleaders the possibility to apply for a second scholarship. It’s a huge comfort to hear that foreign cheerleaders who meet the standards will just have to pay half of the entire training costs.
Fans who satisfy the requirements can also apply for many WUE scholarships and enjoy discounted tuition costs. The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a scholarship program that cuts or eliminates tuition fees for students attending one of the programs of more than 160 participating public schools and institutions.
8. University of Alabama
The University of Alabama’s cheering group is routinely ranked among the best in the country. Every year, Alabama University’s cheering groups are recognized among the best cheerleading colleges in USA. Their cheering program is divided into two groups: all girls and coed. Women’s basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and home football games are all cheered on by the All-Girl team.
All home and away football games, as well as Men’s basketball, are cheered on by the Coed team. Every year in January, both teams participate in the UCA College Nationals. Cheerleaders plan their lessons around the practice periods set by the coaches. In addition to practicing, cheerleaders must attend weekly exercises.
9. University of Minnesota
The University of Minnesota is a public research institution as well. It is located in the Minnesota twin cities of Minneapolis and Saint Paul and has an almost 70% acceptance rate. It is the world’s second-finest sports management school. Furthermore, the University of Minnesota Spirit Squad coaching team strives to develop intellectual, real, and fearless Minnesota ambassadors.
The University of Minnesota is regarded as the origin of cheering and is one of the best cheerleading universities in the country. The co-ed cheer squad is made up of both men and women. The All-Girl Cheer Squad, on the other hand, is made up entirely of female members. It is one of the top cheerleading schools in the country.
10. University of Southern California
USC Cheer is one of the best cheerleading colleges in the US. The cheer program is comprised of a select group of 16 men and women who are committed to improving the general atmosphere of the campus community. They participate in activities, serve as university ambassadors, and work hard to enhance our talents throughout the year.
USC Cheer introduces competitive cheering to the globe. Its primary purpose is to represent the University of Southern California in national tournaments. They aim to preserve a strong work ethic, high level of devotion, and tradition at their university in a fun and motivating environment as the squad representing USC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Have To Be Thin To Be A Cheerleader?
One of the common myths is that cheerleaders must be thin. Cheerleaders, on the other hand, come in all shapes and sizes. Their abilities and skills are more significant than their slim bodies. Cheerleaders must also be physically fit, healthy, and able to perform aggressively.
What Does Cheerdance Mean?
Cheerdance is the dance component of cheering that excludes tumbling and stunts. It is divided into four sections: pom dance, jazz, hip-hop, and line dance. Each performance lasts around 2.5 minutes and is scored on dancing ability, choreography, and team cooperation.
Why Is Cheerleading A Sport?
An activity entails physical exertion and skill in which a person or team competes against another or others for enjoyment to be deemed a sport. Cheerleading involves tossing, catching, spinning, and flipping, all of which require physical energy.
What Skills Are Required For A Cheerleader?
Balance, coordination, dexterity, endurance, rhythm, strength, and, most significantly, flexibility are some of the most crucial abilities required for cheerleading.
References
- https://www.collegemagazine.com/cms-top-10-schools-cheerleading/
- https://mydidactics.com/best-cheerleading-colleges-in-the-usa/
- https://schoolandtravel.com/cheerleading-colleges-in-the-us/
- https://coolval.com/12-best-cheerleading-colleges-in-usa-2022-full-list/
- https://www.helptostudy.com/best-cheerleading-colleges-in-the-us/
