Ivy League schools are some of the most renowned universities in the world. While typically known for their academic programs and incredibly low admissions rates, these schools are also home to many NCAA Division I athletic programs. The athletes that compete at Ivy League schools are some of the best in the country, and the chance to compete in the highest level of a sport and earn a globally recognized degree is an incredible opportunity for these college athletes. 

When it comes to athletics, what makes Ivy League schools different from the rest of NCAA Division I schools? One answer is the fact that they do not award athletic scholarships to their college athletes. An athlete may be admitted into an Ivy League school based on their athletic ability, but they will not receive any sort of financial aid for it. 

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Money Talks

The reason Ivy League schools don't give out athletic scholarships stems from the fact that the admissions process at these schools is incredibly competitive. These schools give the rationale that because students have already showcased their academic or athletic merit to get into the school, they cannot receive any financial aid on top of simply being admitted. 

In fact, Ivy League schools only give out financial aid on the basis of need. This means that once students fill out their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), they can be given financial aid if they showcase that they won't be able to afford to attend school without it. Ivy Leagues are known for supplying students with 100% of their needed aid, so many students are still able to receive financial aid without having an athletic or academic scholarship.

The Silver Lining

Even without being offered athletic scholarships, some very notable professional athletes spent their college years perfecting their craft at Ivy League schools. These athletes include Ryan Fitzpatrick, a journeyman quarterback who played 17 seasons in the NFL after leading the offense at Harvard. Jeremy Lin also went to Harvard, and went on to play nine seasons in the NBA before continuing his professional career in China. Ken Dryden, one of the most legendary goalies in NHL history, backstopped Cornell University to a national championship in 1967 before beginning his career with the Montreal Canadiens.

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The Ivy Leagues offer another prime example of the fact that college athletes don't necessarily need athletic scholarships to become some of the best in their respective sports. Some would even argue that the Ivy League education alone holds enough weight to justify playing at one of its schools over another school that does offer athletic scholarships.

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* Originally published on April 25, 2023, by Owen Roche