By Danez Marrable Lockhart
NFL Continuing Education Consultant
Many individuals seek alternative ways to fund their undergraduate education. The NCAA is a great source for individuals seeking additional financial assistance with completing their first undergraduate degree. The NCAA offers degree completion awards for former scholarship student-athletes at the Division I and II levels. In both Divisions, an individual must have received athletics-related aid. Since the inception of both awards, Individuals receiving the awards have over a 91% graduation rate. To apply for the NCAA Degree Completion Scholarship, it requires extensive information about an individual’s academic plan and financial status. Individuals planning to apply are strongly encouraged to communicate with their home institution early in the process and make sure to work with them to finalize all application materials. You can also contact me at danez.lockhart@nfl.com if you need some guidance or Ellen Summers, esummers@ncaa.org, for questions specific to the award programs. Due to major differences in the two Divisions’ programs, here is a quick breakdown of both.
Division I
The NCAA Division I Degree Completion Award Program was created to assist student-athletes who have exhausted their eligibility for institutional financial aid (first 10 semesters/15 quarters of fulltime enrollment). In addition, the former student-athlete must have exhausted his ability to receive athletics-related aid before applying and must be within 30 semester/45 quarter hours of completing their degree. Classes may be completed at more than one institution but the plan must be approved by the home institution.
Student-athletes receiving the award will receive an amount equivalent to tuition and fees, and they will also receive a book allowance based on the number of hours in which they are enrolled. The award is renewable for a second term pending a 2.0 or higher GPA from the first term.
The program is administered by the NCAA Degree Completion Scholarship consultants; made up of seven individuals from Division I Institutions. During selection of recipients, they will consider financial circumstances, involvement in campus and community activities (leadership) and academic accomplishments.
Applications are available beginning in March for the fall term and beginning in August for the winter/spring/summer terms. For more information, visit http://www.ncaa.org/ncaa-division-i-degree-completion-award-program.
Division II
The NCAA’s Division II Degree Completion Award Program is set up to assist individuals who have recently exhausted their eligibility (must exhaust during the academic year in which applying) and would like financial assistance to enroll for the upcoming academic year. The former student-athlete does not have to exhaust his ability to receive athletics-related aid but must not receive additional athletics aid to be considered. The former student-athlete must be within their first 10 semesters/15 quarters of fulltime enrollment and possess a minimum GPA of 2.5 with 32 semester/48 quarter hours or less remaining to complete his degree.
Former student-athletes receiving the award will be eligible for maximum amount of $6,000. The award is not renewable.
The selection process for this award emphasizes the academic performance of the student-athlete. Other factors considered are financial circumstances, athletic achievement and involvement in campus and community activities. Decisions are made by a committee comprised of six individuals from Division II Institutions.
Applications will be available in February through the home institution ONLY and all materials will be submitted by the deadline (the first Tuesday in April) through the home institution once a decision is made on which former student-athletes to recommend (each institution is limited to 3 applicants per award year). Recipients of the award will be made aware by early June. Individuals interested in applying are encouraged to contact their home institution and determine if they are a good candidate. For additional information, visit http://www.ncaa.org/division-ii-degree-completion-award-program.
So if financing your education is a question/consideration and you are willing to put in some time, this program is a wonderful opportunity for you!