Frequently Asked Questions

How do collegiate athletics scholarships work?

1.  Does the NCAA_® award athletics scholarships?

The NCAA_® does not award athletic scholarships!  Individual member colleges and universities at the Division I and II levels award athletic scholarships.  Division III member schools only offer academic and/or non-athletic scholarships.

2.  How many eligible high school athletes earn athletics scholarships?

The percentage of eligible high school athletes that receive any kind of athletics scholarships to compete in college is less than 3%.  The percentages of college students receiving various scholarships such as corporate, academic, private, alumni, etc, is significantly higher regardless whether the metrics are considering funds available or funds awarded.  Academic achievement at the high school level is by far the most reliable path to collegiate scholarship opportunities.

3.  What do athletic scholarships cover?

            Full scholarships can not exceed tuition and fees, room, board and required course-related books.  Many student athletes receive partial scholarships depending on the sport and the funds available at the member institution(s).  For example, an athletics scholarship offer may only include tuition, room and board or just enough to cover tuition.

4.  Is an athletic scholarship guaranteed for four years?

            Absolutely not!  Similar to merit based scholarships or grants, athletics scholarships are limited to one year but are renewable.  In most cases the athletic administration, mainly the coach, decides who gets a scholarship, what it covers and whether or not it will be renewed.

5.  Is an athletics scholarship the same thing as a “National Letter of Intent (NLI)”?

            While they are sometimes confused with each other, they are not the same.  The NLI provides the incoming athlete an avenue to reduce or limit recruiting pressure by signing one however it is not a requirement of the existing process to earn an athletics scholarship.  NLI’s and verbal commitments are vehicles that are normally respected by other member institutions wherein further attempts to recruit a student athlete that has executed one of the above cease.

Our website Resource Page is a great source for links to additional information.  CLICK HERE!