Are there scholarships for children who play sports?

I'm really into sports at my high school and wondering if there are any scholarships I could be eligible for when applying to colleges. How can I make my athletic abilities work for college financial aid?

Yes, many colleges offer athletic scholarships that can partially or fully cover the cost of a student's education. These scholarships are often awarded through the school's athletic department and are based on talent and potential in a specific sport. It's important to know though, that athletic scholarships are generally very competitive because so many students participate in athletics in high school.

For Division I and Division II schools, the NCAA allows colleges to offer sports scholarships. It's important to begin the athletic recruiting process early to be considered. Maintaining strong performances in your sport, as well as linking up with college recruiters and coaches, can help you to stand out. Participating in junior varsity or varsity sports in high school and maintaining good academic standing can also increase your chances of earning a sports scholarship.

It's a good plan to get in touch with college coaches as early as your sophomore or junior year so they can start tracking your progress. Developing a list of colleges to potentially attend and then contacting their respective athletic departments for information on their recruitment processes can be a good strategy.

Aside from sports scholarships offered by colleges, there are also private entities that provide sports-related scholarships. These are awarded based on a combination of athletic and academic accomplishments, as well as other individual characteristics.

Keep in mind, college sports scholarships often require a certain level of performance both on the field and in the classroom in order to be renewed each year.

Remember, you also have access to a wide range of scholarships that aren't sports-related. These are often based on factors like academics, community service, leadership, and other individual characteristics or background.