My $2 bill (that's $.02 in 2016 conditions).......
My kid, a swimmer, received varying offers from the 7 schools to which he applied (application fees are killers).
2 schools were publics. 5 were privates, 4 in state, 3 in Timbuktu.
We learned late in the application process that the University price tag is not that important if your student-athlete has that "something" that any particular University considers admissible criteria. One of the Ivy representatives told us that if the applying student has the right grades and test scores not to be occupied with expenses. His quote was in essentially, "You work to get admitted and we will work to be sure you do not suffer financially". The privates high costs can be balanced by their generous scholarships funded by their endowments. In more dire situations we were told by the same representative student expenses could include living expenses, per diems, air fares for which the University might assist.
My son was accepted at all 7 Universities to which he applied (do your homework starting freshman year, he started looking at over +25 schools). His priorities were field of study (academics), coach & facilities and location.
Of the 2 Publics one University (my alma mater) offered 15% scholarships, the other Public 30% (but were disbanding their swim program) both athletic admission advisors pushed the Pell Grant and loan programs.
Of the 5 Privates 1 of the Ivies and ND offered 85% of all University directly related costs (no extracurricular expenses).The other 3 Privates offered a minimum of 65% to 75% scholarships for directly related costs. All the Privates pushed student employment priorities as a way to guarantee covering 100% of the costs. Both coaches at the 2 Privates which did not offer "athletic scholarships" said that they would assist in the financial aid process as insiders who understand the process.
Each year of his 4 years his academic scholarships actually increased (he gave up his athletic scholarship his senior year to help benefit the offerings to incoming freshmen) The NCAA annually awards limited expense funds to athletes who maintained high academic standing which were very helpful. The University he chose offered great academic (hence the increasing annual scholarship funding) and health support to its athletes. His University athletic department made sure that the athletes were give priority enrollment for their classes which can be difficult during the competition season. If you want your kid to finish in 4, enrollment priority is a biggie.
I can not understate the need for you and your student athlete doing the necessary homework EARLY when thinking about college. We found college admissions fairs very useful. Contact your prospective Universities for a list of west coast tours. Often the person representing the University is one of the main admission officers; nobody understands the admission process of their respective university better than these folks. Talk to any parent who has recently gone through the admissions process; they can be a wealth of information. If your kid wants to do varsity sports of course the coach, facilities and program are important. But even though 4 years will go fast events such as injuries, coaches leaving, personality conflicts even change of academic focus can make those 48 months an eternity.
Cost is important (unless you do well on Saturday's Big Spin) but we found the higher the cost the greater the available financial offerings. The application process and financial support search is a second job for a couple years. Do it right now and it will pay off immediately. Be relaxed now and pay big later.
