Women’s Lacrosse Scholarships Explained: Percentages vs. Dollar Amounts
One of the most confusing—and misunderstood—parts of the women’s college lacrosse recruiting process is scholarship money.
Parents and athletes ask us this all the time:
“Coach offered us 30%. Is that good?”
“Is a percentage better than a flat dollar amount?”
The truth is: both types of offers can be good or bad, depending on the details. What matters most isn’t the number you hear, but what that number actually means over four years.
Understanding the differences between fixed-dollar and percentage-based scholarships can save families thousands of dollars in college costs.
Let’s break it down.
Fixed Dollar Scholarships (Flat Amounts)
What Is a Fixed Scholarship?
A fixed scholarship is a specific dollar amount offered each year.
Example:
“We can offer you $8,000 per year in athletic aid.”
Key Characteristics
The dollar amount stays the same each year
Does not automatically increase if tuition rises
Easy for families to budget
Common at private schools with stable tuition
Pros
Predictable year to year
Simple to understand
No surprises in the award amount
Cons
If tuition increases, the scholarship covers a smaller percentage of total costs over time
Percentage-Based Scholarships (% of Tuition)
What Is a Percentage Scholarship?
A percentage scholarship covers a portion of tuition, not a fixed dollar figure.
Example:
“We’re offering you 30% of tuition.”
Key Characteristics
Dollar value changes each year
Automatically adjusts if tuition increases
Common at public universities (especially in-state vs. out-of-state)
Pros
Keeps pace with tuition increases
Often more valuable long-term
Transparent relative to school costs
Cons
Harder to budget without knowing future tuition
Can look smaller on paper even if it’s stronger over four years
The Biggest Mistake Families Make
Many families compare scholarship offers based on the headline number instead of the real cost over time.
A 30% scholarship at one school could be worth significantly more than an $8,000 offer at another—especially if tuition rises every year.
This is why it’s critical to understand how the scholarship works, not just how much it sounds like.
3 Questions You Should Always Ask Before Committing
Before accepting a scholarship offer, make sure you ask:
Is the scholarship a fixed dollar amount or a percentage of tuition?
What does it actually cover? (Tuition only? Fees? Room & board?)
Is it renewable each year, and under what conditions?
Getting clarity on these questions upfront can prevent costly surprises later.
Final Thoughts
Scholarship offers can be confusing—but they don’t have to be.
When families understand how lacrosse scholarships are structured, they’re able to make smarter, more confident recruiting decisions that align with both athletic and financial goals.
If you ever want help breaking down or comparing offers, that guidance is exactly what we’re here for. Schedule a call with us HERE