I'm considering going to a community college but still want to pursue sports. Do community colleges offer scholarships for athletes or sports programs, or is that mostly a thing for universities?
Absolutely, community colleges do offer athletic scholarships and have athletic programs, although the nature and amount of these scholarships can vary from college to college, and depend on the sport. Community colleges are part of the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) which is divided into three divisions, much like the NCAA but for two-year colleges. Division I can offer full athletic scholarships, Division II can offer partial athletic scholarships, and Division III cannot offer athletic scholarships.
However, keep in mind that the total cost of attendance at a community college is generally far lower than at a four-year college or university. As a result, even a partial scholarship at community college could cover a significant portion of your costs.
Remember to conduct some research about the athletic department at the specific community colleges you're considering. Visit their websites or even schedule a tour if possible. You can also try to connect with coaches or athletes in the sports program you're interested in for more tailored information. Best of luck with your sports career!
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