If you did not receive a full ride, there is always room to negotiate.
Each year, athletic college scholarships enable countless student-athletes to fund their college education. While many students receive athletic scholarship offers, not all will receive a full ride or the total amount of funds they need to attend college full time. When an athletic scholarship is offered that does not meet the student's full financial need or is lower than the student feels he deserves, there is the possibility of negotiating for a higher scholarship amount.
Instructions
1. Determine the amount of funds needed. Add the total cost of all tuition and expenses for a full year; scholarship packages are typically offered on a yearly basis. Subtract any amounts you have already been offered or awarded. This is the remaining amount of funds you will need for the year, the amount you will need to negotiate.
2. Ask for the additional funds. Contact your coach or recruiter and let him know that you will need an increase in your scholarship amount. Tell them exactly how much additional funds you require and that it will be difficult for you to attend this school without that amount.
3. Play your strengths. In order to have some negotiating power you must know your strengths or your selling point. What value will you bring to the school's athletic program that is worth the contribution of additional funds? Remind the recruiter of your high scoring records or that you are a local favorite with the ability to draw large game-day crowds. Mention that other schools are offering you excellent scholarship packages or that it will cost you more to attend this school, even though it is your first choice.
4. Be firm but respectful. Let the coach know that you are serious and don't allow him to blow you off. Ask him if there are additional funds available to offer. If so, why aren't you eligible to receive them, especially if the school is really interested in retaining you? Reiterate that you are really excited about playing for this school but will need more help meeting the financial obligations to do so. The National Collegiate Scouting Association provides helpful tips for asking and answering tough scholarship negotiation questions.
Tags: additional funds, will need, amount funds, that will, this school, athletic scholarship