Blog 3 - General Students

Study in the USA Without Playing Sport: Exploring the US College Pathway for Non-Athletes!

When people think about studying at a US college or university, they often picture student-athletes, sporting scholarships and competing in American college sports. But what if you don't play sport?

The truth is, the US college pathway isn't just for athletes.

For Australian students, studying in the USA can open the door to an entirely different education experience, offering the opportunity to pursue academic interests, experience a new culture, build independence and create lifelong friendships along the way.

Whether you're interested in business, engineering, psychology, communications, education, theatre, the arts or another area of study, thousands of US colleges and universities offer a diverse range of degrees and academic programs.

And the best part? You don't need to be a student-athlete to make it happen.

At Green Room Futures, we believe there are opportunities for students beyond sport. Here's how the US college pathway can work for non-athletes, the scholarships that may be available and two students who have turned their academic ambitions into reality.

Why Study at a US College or University?

For students looking for an alternative to the traditional Australian university experience, studying in the USA can provide:

Depending on the college or university, students can benefit from:

• A wide range of academic programs: Explore different degrees, majors and areas of study to match your interests and career goals.

• Thousands of college and university options: From smaller community colleges to large universities, there are options to suit different students.

• Academic scholarships and financial aid: Potential opportunities to reduce the overall cost of studying overseas.

• A diverse campus environment: Meet students from different backgrounds and cultures from around the world.

• Personal development: Build independence, confidence, communication skills and life experience.

• Career and networking opportunities: Develop connections and gain experiences that can help shape your future career.

• An international experience: Live in another country, explore new places and experience a different education system.

Most importantly, you don't have to be a student-athlete to pursue the US college pathway.

Can Australian Students Get US College Scholarships?

Absolutely!

While sporting scholarships are an important part of the American college system, academic scholarships are another pathway available to international students, including Australians.

US colleges and universities may offer academic scholarships based on a student's academic results, achievements, qualifications and individual circumstances.

For Australian students considering studying in the USA, understanding the available academic scholarships, financial aid opportunities and overall tuition costs can help identify institutions that align with both their educational goals and budget.

How Green Room Futures Can Help?

At Green Room Futures (GRF), we help Australian students and families understand the US college pathway and explore their options for studying at a college or university in America – even if you don’t play sport!

From understanding college admissions and university options to exploring scholarships, degrees and the application process, Green Room Futures can help students take the next step towards their US education journey.

Whether you're finishing high school, already studying at an Australian university or simply wondering what opportunities exist in America, the US college pathway could offer an alternative worth exploring.

And you don't just have to take our word for it. Meet two GRF students who have taken very different paths to pursue their education in the USA.

A GRF Success Story! – Kasey Sinclair

Kasey Sinclair was in her first year of university, in Australia and came across Matt Wade at Green Room Futures, where she discovered the opportunities available through the US college pathway.

After learning more about the process, Kasey decided to take the leap. In January 2024, Kasey committed to Iowa Western Community College, where she spent one and a half years studying Psychology, and spontaneously joined the Reivers Dance Team.

Her time at Iowa Western proved to be about much more than academics. In 2025, Kasey and her teammates celebrated a National Championship victory at the College Classic competition.

Reflecting on her experience, Kasey said:

“I’m so glad that I did do the things I did there because it helped me and made me grow as a person as well.”

Now, the 24-year-old has transferred to Arizona State University (ASU) in Tempe, AZ where she has entered her fourth and final year of college. She is working towards graduating with a Psychology degree in May, 2027!

Finding Her Feet at ASU!

Moving to another new college, in a different state, can be daunting (again). But for Kasey, the transition to ASU has been a positive one.

“Arizona has been a very good change for me and I absolutely love it. The people here are so nice, and so welcoming. I was a bit worried at first, like I didn't know how I was going to make friends, but once you got here, and you walked around, people just started speaking to you out of nowhere,” Kasey explained when reflecting on her first week of orientation at ASU.

With over 50,000 students enrolled on campus, and over 200,000 enrolled across all campuses and online, ASU is one of the largest universities the United States has to offer!

Although Kasey no longer dances competitively, she still enjoys making the most of the American college sporting culture.

“So, I get to dress up with my friends, wear like cute outfits and go to tailgates. Then I go to a football game where the stadium, which can hold like 70,000 people, is sold out. They close down the roads of our school because there's just so many people out. It’s literally crazy.”

Kasey's Advice for Students Considering the US College Pathway

As she approaches the final stages of her college journey, Kasey has plenty to reflect on.

"Obviously, it's a big decision and a big commitment. But I think, really committing and following through, it was probably the best thing that I could have ever done."

Her advice to other students?

"Say yes to everything, be so open-minded and just take it all in. Feel the nerves. Just enjoy it."

A GRF Success Story! – Fahren Livingston

Fahren Livingston, has a genuine love for the arts!

Having studied Visual Arts for one year at the University of Pretoria in her home country of South Africa, Fahren was ready to explore a new opportunity and continue developing her creative interests.

Today, the 21-year-old is studying Theatre at Barton Community College in Great Bend, Kansas.

Born in Seattle, Washington, where she spent the first six years of her life, Fahren had always thought about finding a way to return to the United States to further her education after spending most of her life in South Africa.

“I never really knew how to go about finding a college, so we did look into Green Room Futures when trying to find a good college for myself, and it has worked out so this has been a really good experience, so far.”

Turning a Dream Into Reality

Now settled into college life in Kansas, Fahren is enjoying the opportunity to study something she genuinely loves while experiencing life in a different country.

For her, the move has been about more than just gaining a qualification. It's been an opportunity to become more independent, experience new things and turn a personal dream into reality.

“Just being able to come here and to study more, it’s allowed me to have more freedom and has made one of my biggest dreams come true. I don’t regret it one bit – so if more students follow the same pathway I did with Green Room Futures, I think it’ll be really really good.”

As Fahren continues her studies in Drama and Theatre and looks towards graduating in the Fall of next year, her story is a reminder that the US college pathway can open doors for students with all kinds of interests and ambitions.

You don't need to be a footballer, basketballer or athlete to experience American college life. You can pursue your passion for the arts, follow an academic interest or work towards a career in a completely different field.

Fahren's Advice for Students Thinking About Studying Overseas

“You're going into the unknown and as scary as it might be, I say it’s definitely worth looking into if you can because it’s just such a wonderful experience. I am so happy that I went through with this.”

Kasey and Fahren's journeys show that the US college pathway isn't just for athletes.

Whether you're passionate about psychology, the arts or another area of study, there are opportunities for Australian students to pursue their education in the USA, explore academic scholarships and experience life at an American college or university.

At Green Room Futures, we help students and families navigate these opportunities and find a pathway that suits their goals.

Your US college journey doesn't have to start with sport. It can start with your future.