If you’re a student-athlete going through the recruiting process, you might be wondering: can I negotiate my athletic scholarship offer? While athletic scholarships are largely standardized due to NCAA rules, there are still ways to have productive conversations with coaches to maximize your opportunity. The key is knowing what to ask, how to ask, and what not to ask. When it’s time to “negotiate” or speak with a recruiter, you want to be in the best position possible: asking the right questions can make a difference in the experience you have, the amount of monies you can receive, and the amount of student loan debt you won’t have to pay back for years to come. Here are a few questions to ask, and what questions to avoid.
Understanding the Limits of Athletic Scholarships
Unlike academic or need-based financial aid, athletic scholarships are awarded at a coach’s discretion within the limits of their program’s budget. For NCAA Division I and II, scholarships can be full or partial, depending on the sport. Some sports (like football and basketball) tend to offer full rides, while others (such as baseball, track, and soccer) often split scholarship funds among multiple athletes.
Since you can’t negotiate perks like NIL opportunities or extra benefits outside of what’s allowed, your goal is to gather information and position yourself as a valuable recruit.
How to “Negotiate” with Legitimate Questions to Ask
When discussing your scholarship offer, these are some respectful and insightful questions that can help you understand your financial situation while showing maturity and professionalism:
Is this scholarship guaranteed for all four years, or is it reviewed annually? Some scholarships are renewed yearly based on performance, academics, or team needs. Understanding this upfront prevents surprises later.
Are there opportunities to earn more scholarship money in the future? Coaches may have flexibility to increase your scholarship after a strong freshman season.
What other financial aid opportunities are available? If the athletic scholarship doesn’t cover everything, asking about academic scholarships, grants, or work-study options can help bridge the gap.
What does my scholarship cover beyond tuition? Some athletic scholarships cover room, board, and books, while others do not. Clarifying what’s included can help with budgeting.
How does this scholarship compare to what other players in my position or year received? This is a solid question. This gives you insight into where you stand on the team and whether there’s room for improvement in your offer.
What happens to my scholarship if I get injured? Some schools offer medical waivers, while others may reduce or revoke scholarships if you can no longer play.
How Not to “Negotiate”: Questions to Avoid
Some questions can come across as entitled or uninformed. Don’t be that athlete who talks themselves out of a scholarship- I’ve seen it happen! Avoid these questions to maintain a positive impression with the coaching staff:
Can you match another school’s offer? Unlike academic offers, athletic scholarships aren’t always negotiable like a bidding war. Coaches don’t always have extra money available.
Can I get extra perks, like a car or NIL deals? Asking about things outside of the scholarship rules (such as personal benefits) can be a red flag for coaches.
How much playing time will I get? While it’s okay to ask about competition at your position, demanding guaranteed playing time can make you seem entitled. I remember hearing parents ask college coaches this question… and let’s just say many schools didn’t follow up to offer that athlete a scholarship.
Can I take a scholarship from another player? Scholarship budgets are carefully allocated, and this question comes across as inappropriate.
While you may not be able to “negotiate” your athletic scholarship in the traditional sense, you can ask strategic questions to fully understand your offer and position yourself for future opportunities. Coaches appreciate recruits who approach the process with professionalism and respect. Focus on the right questions, stay informed, and show gratitude for any opportunity, to set yourself up for success in the recruiting process.