Do a lot of colleges have open scholarships, particularly for sports? I'm a junior who plays multiple sports and I'm wondering if this could help me financially when I head off to college.
Yes, many colleges do offer scholarships specifically for athletes. These can be in the form of athletic scholarships that are awarded based on athletic performance and potential, or they could be leadership or merit scholarships where your involvement in sports is a significant factor.
For students who excel in certain sports, NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) Division I and II schools are permitted to offer athletic scholarships. Division III schools, however, do not offer athletic scholarships, but athletes can still receive general academic or other types of financial aid. If you're hoping to earn an athletic scholarship, start by reaching out to the coaches at the schools you're interested in. Make sure to prepare a recruitment package with highlights from your games or matches, stats, and a sports resume.
Additionally, many private organizations and companies also offer scholarships for student-athletes. For example, Foot Locker's Scholar Athletes program awards $20,000 scholarships to a select number of student-athletes each year who demonstrate exceptional academic ability and strong leadership skills.
Remember, receiving an athletic scholarship also tends to come with certain obligations such as maintaining a certain academic standard and commitment to train and compete for the college's sports teams. It also might limit your time for work or internships in your field of interest, so it's essential to consider the full picture and ensure you're making the best decision for your future.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.