Do Ivy League schools give sports scholarships?

I'm putting together my college list and considering some Ivy League schools. I play varsity sports and was wondering if Ivy League colleges offer scholarships for athletes like some other top schools do. I know these schools have outstanding sports programs, but I'm unclear if they offer athletic scholarships or if they have other forms of financial aid available for student-athletes. Anyone here with experience navigating Ivy League admissions with a focus on sports?

While your skills as an athlete are indeed valued, Ivy League schools take a different approach compared to their NCAA Division I counterparts. Ivy League schools do not offer athletic scholarships, based on their collective agreement to only provide financial aid based on need, not on merit. So whether you're a star quarterback or an oboe virtuoso, they will not provide scholarships based on these talents.

However, all of the Ivy League schools do offer robust financial aid programs, and many have built generous aid packages due to large endowments. They calculate your family's ability to pay and do their best to fill in the gap, essentially crafting a package to cover what they assess your family can't. This is true for all students, not just athletes. For instance, if you're admitted to Harvard and your family income is less than $85,000, your parents pay nothing.

Although you won't be offered a scholarship based on your athletic ability, showcasing your sports skills can provide you with a competitive edge in the admissions process. Your sports participation can underline the dedication, teamwork, and discipline you've built up, all traits that colleges value. In the Ivy League, being recruited to join a varsity team can significantly increase your chances of admission, even if no athletic scholarship is on offer.

In conclusion, while Ivy League schools do not offer sports scholarships, you can still benefit from their generous financial aid policies and having an athletic background can reinforce your application strength. Make sure to highlight your sports participation as part of your overall profile, emphasizing the skills and experiences you have gained in the process. It's always a plus to show that you've excelled in both academics and sports.