Students who want to pursue higher education while also pursuing their interest in powerlifting can do so at any of a number of US universities and colleges, all of which include competitive powerlifting teams, clubs, and active organizations.
Both the academic and powerlifting programs at these schools are among the best in the world.
Thus, this article will provide information on some of the colleges that provide top powerlifting programs, the admission requirements for these prestigious schools, the amount of time it takes students to finish these highly regarded schools, and some recommendations for thriving in college powerlifting programs.
What is Powerlifting?
Powerlifting is a sport for strength athletes that entails trying to lift the heaviest possible weight in three different exercises: the squat, the bench press, and the deadlift.
From a sports science perspective, powerlifting is all about building up as much muscle as possible for a set of prescribed exercises.
Every lift in a powerlifting competition is evaluated by a panel of three judges, who then award a pass or fail score.
No lift is valid unless it receives a minimum of a “good” rating from two judges.
Powerlifting is a great sport to participate in if your main objective is to improve your strength in the three main compound exercises.
Is Powerlifting Worth it?
Training in powerlifting is quite useful, even for those who aren’t planning on competing.
Gains in performance, functional strength and bone density are just some of the possible outcomes of powerlifting training. Powerlifting is an excellent method of gaining muscular mass.
Powerlifting exercise is highly likely to result in muscular growth, especially in the first two years of participation.
The muscle you grow will be of a different quality than that of a traditional bodybuilder, and it will occur at a slower rate.
Admission Requirements For College Powerlifting Programs
- High school diploma or GED
- Standardized test results (SAT or ACT)
- Letters of recommendation
- Application fee
- English language proficiency result (TOEFL or IELTS)
- The minimum required GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
- Academic transcripts
- Financial aid application (for financial aid applicants)
How Long Does It Take To Complete College Programs That Offer Powerlifting?
A bachelor’s degree may be earned in four years at schools that offer powerlifting programs, while a master’s degree takes an extra year or two to complete.
On the other hand, how well you perform and how the program is set up are both factors.
A starting program may consist of a single workout or a week’s worth of activities, but you may be able to successfully gain muscle mass by sticking to the plan for an additional five or six months.
In contrast, a more advanced course could last anywhere from 8 to 16 weeks.
Best College Powerlifting Programs
Many colleges in the US offer quality powerlifting programs. However, here are a few colleges that offer some of the best powerlifting programs:
1. McKendree University (Lebanon, IL)
McKendree University’s objective is to provide academic excellence and athletic competition to its most promising students, mentoring them to achieve their full academic and athletic potential so that they may assume positions of leadership in the community.
The university’s commitment to its heritage and traditions includes offering a challenging, well-rounded liberal arts curriculum along with concentrations in a variety of fields and several athletic opportunities.
However, there is a successful powerlifting program for both men and women at McKendree University.
The powerlifting team competes in Division II of the NCAA rather than the NAIA competition. The powerlifting squad has previous NAIA competition experience.
Each year, the team takes part in a number of competitions, mostly USAPL meetings held in and around the Southern Illinois and St. Louis areas.
Some of McKendree University’s best powerlifting athletes also happen to be top students; thus, the school gives full and partial rides to those who excel in both athletics and academics.
2. Midland University (Fremont, NE)
Located right in the heart of Fremont, Nebraska, Midland University is a private liberal arts institution that was founded in 1883.
Midland University has almost 1,600 students from all over the world.
With so many students living in campus housing, the campus feels more like a small town.
The typical class size is 22, so students can expect to have plenty of one-on-one time with their professors.
The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1.
Faculty, staff, students, friends, and alumni together form a tight-knit network at Midland University.
Midland University encourages its students to become lifelong learners and ethical leaders.
Midland University has a “market-to-classroom” approach to education, working in reverse to guarantee its students are prepared for the workforce.
The school makes daily efforts to stay current.
For students who are truly committed to powerlifting, there is no better university than Midland University in Nebraska.
The liberal arts school is a rather small institution. However, its powerlifting program is nationally ranked, and its facilities are among the best in the country.
For a number of years running, the powerlifting team has dominated at the USA Powerlifting Collegiate Nationals, winning every team title.
Powerlifters have access to all of the tools they might possibly need to reach their maximum potential, including cutting-edge benches and power racks, a total of 12 lifting platforms, Eleiko plates, and a wide variety of equipment.
If you’re a powerlifter and you want to play for Midland, you can receive one of 34 yearly partial powerlifting scholarships.
The Warriors are Midland University’s powerlifting squad.
3. California State University San Marcos (San Marcos, CA)
California State University San Marcos is a progressive university that aims to develop outstanding leaders, create thriving communities, and address pressing problems.
Student achievement is prioritized at California State University, San Marcos.
Through education, innovation, and community relationships, its community of devoted teacher-scholars and staff promotes students’ academic, social, professional, and personal growth across the student life cycle.
When it comes to empowering individuals, families, and communities to break out of socioeconomic barriers, California State University San Marcos, is at the forefront of the nation.
It is the institution of choice for first-generation and future students because it fosters academic engagement, cultural engagement, community involvement, innovation, a culture of caring, and sustainability for a multicultural and multiethnic global society.
Its leading-edge curricula will evolve in response to societal demands and train the leaders and change agents of tomorrow to prioritize social justice.
However, because of its exceptional campus recreation program, which includes powerlifting, California State University, San Marcos, stands out as one of the top powerlifting institutions.
All members of the California State University San Marcos Powerlifting Team are required to compete in official powerlifting meets.
This includes frequently taking part in USAPL competitions in cities like San Diego, Chicago, and beyond.
Both male and female athletes are on the powerlifting squad.
Everyone on the squad works closely together and knows that they are ultimately responsible for their own results in the weight room.
4. West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV)
Founded in 1867, West Virginia University (WVU) has grown to include a number of individual institutions, all of which share a common goal.
WVU utilizes its talents and resources to build a brighter future for West Virginia and the world, whether through the innovative research conducted at its flagship in Morgantown, the career-focused programs offered at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, or the technologically focused programs offered at WVU Tech in Beckley.
By providing access and opportunity, advancing purposeful research, and spearheading transformation in West Virginia and the world through community, state, and global engagement, the faculty, staff, and students of West Virginia University, a land-grant institution, are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture that advances healthcare, academics, and economic growth for all.
West Virginia University conducts its research and service endeavors with a focus on collaborating with local and regional communities in Virginia to address pressing issues in the areas of education, healthcare, and economic development.
Despite the fact that the WVU Powerlifting Club was just founded in 2017, it has seen significant growth because of its open-door policy and uplifting, inspiring team environment.
The West Virginia University squad has over 30 members and is an excellent choice for anybody considering powerlifting, regardless of experience.
There are no tryouts or weight limits, and the team’s training facility costs just $20 a semester plus $40 per month.
In addition, each year, lifters need to compete in a single USPA or USAPL meet to keep their roster status.
The Move Right Training and Performance Center is home to the powerlifting squad, and its cutting-edge facilities are a major selling point for both seasoned and aspiring powerlifters.
5. Missouri Valley College (Marshall, MO)
Missouri Valley College is a four-year, private liberal arts institution in Marshall, Missouri.
It was founded in 1889.
It has a lovely 150-acre campus and is close to large towns like Kansas City and Columbia while still maintaining a close-knit, family atmosphere.
Missouri Valley has been providing a stimulating environment for academically gifted students and teachers for more than 130 years, helping students reach their full potential via one-on-one mentoring and in-depth study.
Missouri Valley College provides several avenues for personal development on all levels of being thanks to its vibrant, varied, and welcoming campus community.
Faculty members are invested emotionally and professionally in developing well-rounded individuals who will make positive contributions to society.
Liberal arts education at all levels prepares students for the knowledge-based global society of the future by helping them develop the multidisciplinary skillsets essential to their success.
Careful management has allowed for fresh approaches to education that promote analysis, invention, aesthetic appreciation, and the sheer delight of learning throughout the course of a lifetime.
Missouri Valley College’s powerlifting program is expanding fast with brand-new facilities and coaches.
The university has started giving out partial scholarships to promising powerlifters who also excel academically.
As a powerful but steadily expanding group, the powerlifting squad competes in USAPL tournaments.
Missouri Valley College is a top choice for those in need of a promising NAIA powerlifting program.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) On College Powerlifting Programs
No, neither the NCAA nor the NAIA recognizes powerlifting as an official sport. USA Powerlifting (USAPL) serves as the sport’s regulatory body on the collegiate level. Club teams make up the bulk of the membership; however, some varsity programs also participate.
As the name implies, powerlifting training is the practice of lifting heavy weights for a set number of repetitions.
In powerlifting, bigger weights are being used, and there is less emphasis on technique than in weightlifting.
Powerlifters can, in fact, make a living from the sport. They can do this in a number of ways, such as by winning competitions, getting money from their national federation, signing endorsement deals, selling coaching services, or making money online through sites like social networking and video streaming sites.
Conclusion
The above-listed colleges and universities provide students with some of the best powerlifting programs in the country.
However, several colleges and universities like Texas A&M University, Ottawa University, the University of Wisconsin, the University of Pittsburgh, and a few others offer quality powerlifting programs as well.
In order to get into these prestigious institutions, students must show both academic and athletic potential and commitment while meeting the admission requirements.
Still, for students to do well in powerlifting programs, they need to stick to a schedule, use campus resources for help, and find a good balance between schoolwork and sports.Â
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