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Jefferson Reporter

Sunday, December 22, 2024

Jefferson County awards $19,209,392 in athletically-related financial aid to students in 2023

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President Beck A. Taylor | Samford University

President Beck A. Taylor | Samford University

Jefferson County's six universities invested $19,209,392 in athletically-related financial aid for college students in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

This is a 1.1% increase compared to the previous year, when the county invested $19,004,300 in college sports aid.

There were 1,086 male and 580 female student-athletes who competed for one or more sports teams representing the six colleges in the county in 2023. Male students received 22% more financial aid on average than female students.

Samford University stood out as the university in Jefferson County which received most of the financial aid during 2023. The institution received $9,405,073, or 49% of all the money invested in the county.

Male students who play basketball generally receive the most in financial aid, followed closely by football players. Female students playing ice hockey often receive the most in financial aid.

Only a small percentage of college expenses are typically covered by athletic scholarships, and only for a select few students.

A study found that 71% of student athletes participated in sports to earn a college scholarship.

Financial aid for College Sports in Jefferson County over 10 Years
YearAthletically Related Student AidStudent-athletes Enrollment
2014$15,590,9251,426
2015$15,096,2801,524
2016$14,202,7581,369
2017$15,026,0951,336
2018$17,870,1911,569
2019$18,384,3361,515
2020$17,644,0611,570
2021$18,733,2201,615
2022$19,004,3001,680
2023$19,209,3921,666