Sports Scholarships At Ivy League Schools

I play varsity soccer and I'm interested in continuing this sport in college. I was wondering if anyone has information on how sports scholarships work at Ivy League schools. I've heard they don't give athletic scholarships the same way other schools might, but maybe they have other programs or ways to support student-athletes financially. Any insights or personal stories would be super helpful as I map out my college plans.

You're correct in your understanding that Ivy League schools do not offer athletic scholarships. These institutions are part of the NCAA Division I, but they're unique because they don't provide athletic scholarships. Instead, they offer need-based financial aid.

Here's how it works: Ivy League schools are committed to meeting 100% of the demonstrated financial need for all admitted students. This financial aid comes in the form of grants and work-study programs, which means they don't need to be repaid. The amount of aid you will receive is based on your family's income, assets, and other factors.

The key point is that the financial aid package is the same, no matter whether you're an athlete or not. So, an athlete with a certain financial profile will receive the same financial aid package as a non-athlete with the same profile.

To see how much you might receive, you can make use of the net price calculators available on each school's website. These tools provide estimates of how much a family is expected to contribute and how much need-based aid you are likely to receive.

However, there are other benefits to being a recruited athlete at an Ivy League school. Coaches can support your application during the admissions process, which can amplify your chances of being admitted.

In conclusion, although the Ivy League schools might not provide athletic scholarships, their generous need-based financial aid policies make them affordable options for qualified students, including student-athletes.