Hillsborough Sun

Hillsborough County's two universities invested $4,198,242 in athletically-related financial aid for college students in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

This is a 7.3% increase compared to the previous year, when the county invested $3,913,077 in college sports aid.

There were 502 male and 353 female student-athletes who competed for one or more sports teams representing the two colleges in the county in 2023. Male students received 26.8% more financial aid on average than female students.

Saint Anselm College stood out as the university in Hillsborough County which received most of the financial aid during 2023. The institution received $4,198,242, or 100% of all the money invested in the county.

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	$2,284,847	694
2015	$2,585,536	642
2016	$2,694,238	635
2017	$1,934,460	628
2018	$2,519,722	648
2019	$2,827,310	643
2020	$3,619,996	658
2021	$3,849,035	423
2022	$3,913,077	789
2023	$4,198,242	855