For student-athletes aspiring to play college sports, understanding the different pathways to joining a team is essential. Two of the most common routes are earning an athletic scholarship or walking on. Each option comes with its own set of advantages and challenges, and knowing the distinctions between them can help athletes make informed decisions about their recruitment journey.
In this article, we'll break down the differences between being a walk-on and receiving a scholarship, so you can better understand which path might be right for you.
What Is a Scholarship Athlete?
A scholarship athlete is a student who has been offered financial aid by a college or university in exchange for competing in a sport. Scholarships can be full or partial, depending on the sport and the program, and they help cover tuition, room and board, and other expenses.
Full vs. Partial Scholarships
- Full Scholarship: A full-ride scholarship covers all the major costs of attending college, including tuition, room, board, and sometimes even books and supplies. Full scholarships are most commonly offered in "head count" sports, such as Division I football (FBS) and basketball, where a set number of full scholarships are allocated to the team.
- Partial Scholarship: In "equivalency" sports, such as baseball, soccer, or track and field, coaches can divide scholarship money among multiple athletes, resulting in partial scholarships. This means that a portion of your expenses might be covered, but not all.
Advantages of Being a Scholarship Athlete
- Financial Assistance: The biggest benefit is the financial aid provided, which can ease the burden of college costs. A full scholarship can be worth hundreds of thousands of dollars over four years.
- Guaranteed Roster Spot: As a scholarship athlete, your spot on the team is typically secure, as the program has made a significant financial investment in you.
- Additional Support: Scholarship athletes often receive additional resources, such as academic tutoring, nutrition plans, and access to exclusive training facilities.
Challenges for Scholarship Athletes
- High Expectations: With a scholarship comes the expectation that you will consistently perform at a high level. Coaches may have less tolerance for underperformance or lack of effort.
- Pressure to Maintain Scholarship: In some cases, scholarships can be renewed annually, meaning athletes must continue to meet performance, academic, and conduct standards to keep their financial aid.
What Is a Walk-On Athlete?
A walk-on athlete is someone who joins a college team without being offered a scholarship. Walk-ons can still compete at the highest levels of collegiate athletics, but they do not receive financial aid specifically for their sport.
There are two types of walk-ons:
- Preferred Walk-On: A preferred walk-on is an athlete who has been recruited by the coach and is guaranteed a roster spot but without scholarship money. While you won't receive athletic financial aid, you'll still have the opportunity to prove yourself and potentially earn a scholarship in the future.
- Tryout Walk-On: A tryout walk-on, or "walk-on tryout," refers to an athlete who was not recruited and has to earn a spot on the team through open tryouts once on campus. These athletes often face stiff competition, and there are no guarantees of making the roster.
Advantages of Being a Walk-On Athlete
- Opportunity to Prove Yourself: Walk-ons have the chance to earn a spot on the team and can later secure a scholarship if they perform well. Coaches sometimes award scholarships to walk-ons who demonstrate outstanding work ethic and talent.
- Less Initial Pressure: Walk-ons typically face less pressure than scholarship athletes in terms of expectations. Since the program hasn’t made a financial commitment, there’s more freedom to develop at your own pace.
- Access to the Same Resources: Once on the team, walk-ons generally have access to the same training facilities, coaches, and academic support as scholarship athletes.
Challenges for Walk-On Athletes
- No Financial Aid: The most significant drawback is the lack of financial aid. Walk-ons must pay for tuition, room, board, and other expenses out of pocket, which can add a financial burden.
- Uncertain Roster Spot: Walk-ons do not have the security of a scholarship, so their spot on the team can be more precarious. Coaches may prioritize scholarship athletes when it comes to playing time or roster decisions.
- Limited Playing Time: In many programs, walk-ons receive less playing time compared to scholarship athletes, especially in their first year. It may take time to earn the coach’s trust and work your way into the lineup.
Key Differences Between Walk-Ons and Scholarship Athletes
1. Financial Aid
- Scholarship Athletes: Receive full or partial financial aid to cover college expenses. Full scholarship athletes often have most or all of their costs covered.
- Walk-On Athletes: Do not receive any financial aid related to athletics. They are responsible for covering their tuition and other expenses, although they may still qualify for academic or need-based scholarships.
2. Recruiting Process
- Scholarship Athletes: Are typically heavily recruited by the coaching staff, receiving offers after the recruitment process. These athletes may have multiple offers to choose from and are often prioritized by the team.
- Walk-On Athletes: May or may not be recruited. Preferred walk-ons are recruited and guaranteed a spot on the team, while tryout walk-ons must earn their place through an open tryout process.
3. Roster Spot Security
- Scholarship Athletes: Have a more secure position on the team since the school has invested scholarship money in them. Barring disciplinary or performance issues, they’re less likely to lose their spot.
- Walk-On Athletes: Must continually prove themselves to stay on the roster. They may face more competition for playing time and could be cut from the team if they don’t meet expectations.
4. Playing Time
- Scholarship Athletes: Often see more playing time, especially early in their college career. Coaches tend to prioritize scholarship athletes in terms of development and game time.
- Walk-On Athletes: May have to wait longer to earn playing time and work harder to climb the depth chart. However, walk-ons who prove themselves can earn significant roles over time.
5. Future Opportunities
- Scholarship Athletes: Are already on the radar of college coaches, which can lead to more networking and post-collegiate playing opportunities.
- Walk-On Athletes: Have the potential to earn scholarships if they perform well. Many successful college athletes, including those who go on to professional careers, started as walk-ons.
Choosing between walking on and pursuing a scholarship depends on your individual goals, talent level, and financial situation. Here are some factors to consider:
- Talent Level: If you’re highly recruited, a scholarship might be a realistic goal. If you’re flying under the radar or developing later in your high school career, walking on might give you the chance to prove yourself.
- Financial Considerations: Scholarships can alleviate the financial burden of college, but if you don’t receive a scholarship offer, walking on is still a viable option—especially if your family can support the costs.
- Personal Drive: If you’re determined to compete at the collegiate level but don’t have a scholarship offer, being a walk-on can still lead to a successful athletic career. Many athletes have worked their way from walk-ons to star players.
Whether you earn a scholarship or walk on to a college team, both paths offer opportunities for growth, development, and success. Scholarship athletes benefit from financial support and security, but walk-ons have the chance to prove themselves and earn their place over time. By understanding the key differences between these two paths, you can make the best decision for your athletic future and approach your recruitment journey with clarity.