The Best Sports Management Degrees and Schools

A degree in sports management can lead to a number of career paths – sports agent, publicist, facilities management, event planning, sports finances, and athletic director are just a few of the fields where this kind of degree can lead you. In many of these areas, your earning potential is virtually limitless, since billions of dollars are spent on sports every year. So, a degree in sports management could not only pay for itself very quickly, but could also lead to a very healthy bank account.

The potential payoff in the future doesn’t change the fact that you need money upfront to pay for your education. While student loans are available to most students, having these bills after graduation can significantly limit your savings and even be frustrating as you search for a job. Scholarships and grants are both better funding options, as they don’t have to be repaid when you graduate.

The Difference Between Scholarships and Grants

Scholarships and grants are both sources of money for your education, but they do differ a bit. Scholarships are typically given to students based on merit. You could receive a scholarship for your high school grades, standardized test scores, special talents (like music or sports skills), community service, or a number of other factors. Many scholarships require you to write an essay based on a question the scholarship committee asks, and these essays are judged, with the best winning the scholarship.

On the other hand, grants are typically based on financial need. The Federal Pell Grant is one of the best sources for money for school, as this government grant is available to any student whose family meets the financial qualifications. Other grants may be based first on a characteristic such as sex, race, or military status, but financial need is always one of the most important qualifications.

The line between grants and scholarships is somewhat blurred. Some grants take into account certain merit-based factors while some scholarships make financial need one of the qualifiers. Apply to both grants and scholarships in order to get the most financial aid for college.

Finding Sports Management Scholarships and Grants

Colleges are by far the biggest source for sports management scholarships and grants. Many athletes and other professionals in the sports world given scholarship money to their alma maters, so check with your financial aid department to find out what is available.

Private organizations and companies may also offer sports management scholarships and grants. Some places where you can start your search, since they’ve offered scholarships or grants for sports management majors in the past, include the following:

• Women’s Sports Foundation
• Institute of Sports Management
• Black Coaches Association

Remember, you can also look for general scholarships and grants, which are available to all students regardless of field of study. Combined with the sports management scholarships and grants you receive, you may end up getting your degree without paying a penny out of pocket.