Money: Scholarships, Aid & NIL

Chapters

1. 1. The money pictureMost athletic scholarships are partial. What matters is what your family actually pays.3 min
2. 2. What a scholarship covers"Full ride" isn't a defined term. Ask for the numbers, in writing.3 min
3. 3. How each division paysDivision I changed in 2025. Division II splits money across the team. Division III gives none.2 min
4. 4. How long it lasts, and how it can endKnow if your award is for one year or more, and the protections you have.3 min
5. 5. Signing the aid agreementThe National Letter of Intent is gone. Here's what signing does now.3 min
6. 6. Verbal commitmentsA verbal tells you a program is serious. It doesn't bind anyone.3 min
7. 7. Walk-onsA real route onto a team, with the least security. Pick a school you'd attend anyway.3 min
8. 8. Cost of attendanceThe school's full yearly cost, and the one calculation that matters.3 min
9. 9. The FAFSAFile it every year, even if you think you won't qualify.3 min
10. 10. Comparing offersSort every line, ask the stacking question, and compare what you'd pay.3 min
11. 11. Loans and outside scholarshipsBorrow federal first and only what you need. Ask how outside awards are treated before you apply.3 min
12. 12. NIL: what's allowedAny pay for using your name, image or likeness counts, including free stuff. School-linked payers face extra tests.2 min
13. 13. Reporting NIL and taxesIf you're headed to Division I, deals of $600 or more from junior year on must be reported.4 min
14. 14. Revenue sharing and what's changingSchools can now pay athletes directly. And Congress may change the rules again.2 min