Santa Cruz County did not provide any athletically related financial aid for college students in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
This is unchanged compared to the previous year.
There were 328 male and 220 female student-athletes who competed for one or more sports teams representing the two colleges in the county in 2023.
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.
| Year | Athletically Related Student Aid | Student-athletes Enrollment |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | $0 | 510 |
| 2015 | $0 | 512 |
| 2016 | $0 | 527 |
| 2017 | $0 | 445 |
| 2018 | $0 | 604 |
| 2019 | $0 | 485 |
| 2020 | $0 | 433 |
| 2021 | $0 | 236 |
| 2022 | $0 | 479 |
| 2023 | $0 | 548 |
