For many high school student-athletes, one of the biggest questions in the recruiting process is not just where you might play, but how your family will afford college. This is especially true when athletic scholarships are limited or not available at all. The reality is that most college athletes receive little or no athletic aid, and understanding financial aid becomes one of the most powerful tools you have for making a confident college decision.

This post kicks off our multi-part Paying for College series, designed to give student-athletes and their families clear, practical information about college affordability. Each post will help you understand the financial side of the recruiting process so you can choose a college that supports your athletic development, academic goals, and long-term financial well-being. Our goal is for student-athletes and their families to understand how college costs actually work and what tools can make college more affordable. From aid terminology to merit scholarships, appeals, and long-term planning, we guide you through every essential step.

What Financial Aid Actually Means

Financial aid is any money that helps you pay for college. It typically comes in four main forms:

Grants: free money based on financial need.
Scholarships: free money based on academic achievement, leadership, community involvement, or talent.
Work-Study: part-time campus jobs that help cover expenses.
Student Loans: borrowed money that must be repaid with interest.

Understanding how each of these fits together helps you see the real cost of a school.

Important Terms to Know

Financial aid award letters can feel confusing. These terms help you understand what you are actually being offered:

Cost of Attendance (COA): the full yearly cost to attend a school, including tuition, housing, meals, books, and travel.
CSS Profile: an online application administered by The College Board that is used by participating colleges and scholarship programs to award non-federal institutional aid.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA): a free online form that determines your eligibility for federal, state, and college financial aid like grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and loans.
Financial Need: COA minus SAI equals your eligibility for need-based aid.
Student Aid Index (SAI): an estimate of what your family may be able to contribute.
Subsidized Loan: the government pays the interest while you are in school.
Unsubsidized Loan: interest begins right away.
Parent PLUS Loan: a federal loan that parents can take on to help pay for your education.

Knowing these terms makes it much easier to compare financial aid offers and understand long-term commitments.

Why Financial Literacy Matters for Student-Athletes

Student-athletes often have demanding schedules that leave little time for part-time work. Because of this, the financial side of your college choice plays a major role in your overall experience. A school that is a strong financial fit reduces stress, supports academic success, and allows you to focus on your sport. Understanding financial aid early also helps you build a realistic college list and avoid last-minute surprises.

Strategies for Making College More Affordable

There are many ways to keep college costs manageable. Strong academics can unlock significant merit aid, and filing the FAFSA (and CSS Profile if applicable) early helps ensure you are considered for need-based support. In-state public schools often provide more affordable tuition, while financial pre-reads offered by coaches can give an early picture of what you may pay. Comparing financial aid packages side by side, not just athletic opportunities, gives you a clear view of long-term sustainability.

Addressing Cost Concerns as a Family

Money conversations are normal and important. Talk openly about your budget, ask coaches how athletes typically afford their program, and avoid committing to a school before understanding the numbers. If loans are part of your plan, consider how much you may owe at graduation and how repayment aligns with your future career goals.

Looking Ahead

You do not need athletic scholarship money to pursue college athletics. What you do need is financial clarity, realistic expectations, and a plan that fits your academic goals, athletic ambitions, and family budget. Our Paying for College series will walk you through the essential topics that help student-athletes make informed, confident college choices. In each post, we’ll explain a key topic in simple, practical terms so families can make confident and informed decisions. Stay tuned!

Paying for College: What Every Student-Athlete Needs to Know