Students in 2009 (and their families) can expect to pay about $80,000 for a four-year college program. What’s more, that figure continues to rise at the rate of 6.5% every year. If you are considering a private school, go ahead and double it. If, however you’ve been a good sport – literally – throughout high school, chances are you can look beyond standard student loans, financial aid and grants for assistance. Why not apply for an athletic scholarship? About $1.2 billion in scholarship money is awarded to students every year in exchange for their performance on various fields. Here are a few of the basics for you to kick around:
1. There’s an age cut-off. If you’re past 24 years-old you’ve missed the opportunity to earn a scholarship in exchange for playing sports. The range is from age’ to 24, so it makes sense for you to go straight to college after high school.
2. There are 29 sports recognized by the National College Athletic Association, or NCAA. Women are eligible to win scholarships in the following categories: Synchronized Swimming, Swimming and Diving, Water Polo, Ice Hockey, Gymnastics, Archery, Squash, Lacrosse, Skiing (Cross Country and Downhill), Rowing and Field Hockey, Basketball, Volleyball, Track & Field (Indoor and Outdoor), Soccer, Tennis, Equestrian, Fencing, Golf.
Male athletes can earn scholarships in: Swimming and Diving, Football, Gymnastics, Cross Country, Golf, Tennis, Skiing (Cross Country and Downhill), Lacrosse and Wrestling, Soccer, Baseball, Water Polo, Basketball, Fencing, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Track & Field (Indoor & Outdoor), Rifle.
3. Unless you and your athleticism has already become a household name in your region, don’t count on a recruiter finding you. Instead, prepare a sports portfolio of your efforts and make sure that it gets on the desk of the coach you are trying to play for at the college level. A bio of your life in sports and as many newspaper and/or broadcast TV clips of your highlights will be fine.
4. Get accepted first. You can’t be considered for an athletic scholarship until you’ve been accepted to the university in the first place based on your SAT and overall application packet.
If you do land an athletic scholarship, there’s something to keep in mind. Playing at the collegiate level is a big commitment and you won’t have much free time for other things. Strongly consider the major you choose because in all likelihood you won’t be playing your sport of choice professionally after you college years have passed. Choose a career that fulfills you completely and look forward to success off the field as well.
John Barnett is a high school baseball and soccer coach. He earned a masters degree at an online college and is considering several online colleges for additional study.
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