What's the sport most likely to get a scholarship?

I'm curious about which sports are most likely to earn me a scholarship. Is there a particular sport that offers more scholarship opportunities, or does it depend on the college? I'm trying to balance my passion with potential financial benefits.

The availability of sports scholarships heavily depends on several factors including the school, the athlete's skill level, and the sport itself. While it may seem like the larger sports such as football or basketball may be the most scholarship-heavy due to their popularity, in reality, the sheer number of athletes competing in these sports makes securing a scholarship quite competitive.

According to the NCAA, sports with the highest probability of an athletic scholarship for men are lacrosse, ice hockey, and baseball, while for women they are ice hockey, lacrosse, and gymnastics. These are sports where the number of high school participants versus the number of college scholarships available is most favorable.

However, remember that thinking strategically about sports scholarships involves more than merely choosing the least competitive sport. It's essential to consider where your abilities and interests lie, because excelling in a sport, especially at the collegiate level, requires passion and skill. It's also important to note that securing a sports scholarship isn't simply about playing the sport - maintaining strong academic performance is equally as important. Various athletic scholarships have minimum academic requirements, and academic success can also open doors to additional non-athletic scholarships to help fund your education.

Finally, you can also consider the coaches of the potential college teams you would be part of. Are they known for advocating for their athletes in terms of scholarships and financial aid? It’s something worth looking into.

Keep all these things in mind as you consider the opportunity for a sports scholarship.