<p>Last evening we attended a college recruiting forum hosted by my son's soccer club. I learned something new (and I thought I knew pretty much everything about the process) that was quite unsettling to me. I'm not one who is comfortable asking questions in public forums, so I am bringing my question here...</p>
<p>One of the DI presenters noted that if an athlete was offered a 30% athletic scholarship, that the family must then be prepared to pick up the other 70% of costs because if any need-based money is received, it counts against his (the coach's)scholarship cap. Merit money is allowed, however. </p>
<p>Comments, explanations? All are appreciated. We are not a family of means and have no savings. We have a pretty low EFC. My son is eyeing some pricey, private DI's. It had not been a concern, because I knew these schools were very well endowed. Two of the schools on his list do meet all of a family's demonstrated need with grant money. So...is it better to forego scholarship offers (if any are forthcoming) or try to piece something together with merit and scholarships?</p>
<p>Don't understand that in the least and although I am sure others on here can answer your question to some degree, you really shouldn't feel at all nervous about calling the school's financial aid office and asking them what the policy is directly. It has always been my understanding that scholarship athletic or otherwise was a PIECE of a financial aid package, not in place of.</p>
<p>I thought it was the opposite. I thought merit money counted against the coach's total scholarship cap and not need based aid. Would be interested to learn more about this too!</p>
<p>You really need to talk to the coach, AD, and financial aid folks at the key schools you are considering. Remember that technically, athletic scholarships are given for a single year, and are not guaranteed to be renewable. Some schools, however, tend to continue the athletic scholarship despite the student's contribution to the team. You really have to check out the specific schools being considered. Good luck!</p>