Are there sports scholarships for adults in Southern California colleges?

I've been considering returning to college in Southern California and I am particularly interested in sports scholarships available for adults. Are there any colleges in the region that offer these?

Sports scholarships are traditionally awarded to undergraduate students who are freshly out of high school and being recruited for athletics by colleges. These scholarships are primarily based on athletic talent rather than age. However, the notion of a traditional college student only being 18-22 has evolved. Prerequisites for athletic scholarships do not usually specify an age limit, and collegiate athletic organizations like the NCAA, NAIA, and NJCAA do not have age restrictions for scholarship athletes.

Southern California is home to a variety of colleges and universities with strong athletic programs. Institutions like USC, UCLA, and others under the Cal State system offer a broad assortment of athletic scholarships across various sports. However, it's crucial to know that these scholarships are vastly competitive, and institutions are generally looking for top-notch athletes.

You may want to consider entering the college via an adult or non-traditional student admission pathway and then trying out for a sports team. Once you're on the team, you could be eligible for the same athletic scholarships as traditional students, but you'd need to speak with the specific college's financial aid office and the athletic department to verify this.

If a sports scholarship might not be the right fit, don't worry! There are other scholarships for adults returning to school. Schools often provide scholarships geared towards adult or "non-traditional" students that you may qualify for. Furthermore, third-party organizations and foundations often offer scholarships specifically for adults returning to college.

Each college and university will have its own unique policies and offerings, so the best approach is to contact your schools of interest directly, explain your situation, and ask about any relevant opportunities.