Varsity Programs

Varsity teams are supported through their athletic departments and all funding comes from this area. They will have paid coaches that normally work full time for the institution, although they may split their work between coaching water polo and some other responsibility, such as coaching swimming or teaching at the school.

Some varsity programs offer scholarships based on athletic ability, but this represents only a minority of the total schools.

Budgets for the varsity program are generally funded through the athletic department with teams normally fundraising for special trips. Athletes typically receive uniforms to wear during the season at no cost and all travel expenses are paid by the institution.

Support services such as tutoring are offered at no cost to the athletes.

Club Programs 

Teams on the club level vary widely in the amount they receive from their schools, so it is best to check with the individual club before making any assumptions. However, as a general rule clubs are funded through student activities. There are some exceptions where the clubs are supported through their athletic department, but this is not the norm.

Typically the club teams do not have paid coaches, with faculty or students normally volunteering in this capacity.

Athletic based aid is not provided on the club level.

Budgets for equipment and travel are paid for by the students or through various fundraising efforts. Schools will provide some funding to offset these costs, but rarely will the funding cover all expenses. That means any uniforms are usually purchased by the athletes themselves.