For many student-athletes, an athletic scholarship is the Holy Grail. It’s the chance to compete at the highest level while getting a free education. But what happens when an injury forces a college athlete to hang up their spikes prematurely? 

Unfortunately, in many cases, the scholarships are simply not there for student-athletes who suffer catastrophic injuries while competing in college. Here’s what you need to know if you’re a college athlete with dreams of playing professionally.

How Many College Athletes Lose Their Scholarships Due To Injury?

There is no definitive answer to how many college athletes lose their scholarships due to injury. But judging by the thousands of injuries per year, and the NCAA rules about career-ending injuries, then we can assume that almost 100% of these student-athletes who experienced serious, career-ending injuries lose their scholarships. 

The NCAA has very relaxed rules regarding career-ending injuries leaving colleges and universities to determine on their own if the student-athlete can keep their scholarships. The schools are also not responsible for medical insurance, leaving the cost of medical expenses to the students. 

What Causes These Injuries?

Several factors can contribute to an increased risk of injury for college athletes. First, the level of competition is higher than ever before. With more and more students competing for fewer and fewer spots on college teams, the pressure to perform is intense. 

This can often lead to athletes pushing themselves harder than they should, resulting in overuse injuries. Additionally, the fact that many collegiate athletes are still developing physically can make them more susceptible to injury. 

And finally, as we’ve seen in recent years with concussions, some injuries are simply unavoidable no matter how well-trained or prepared an athlete may be.

What Are The Consequences Of These Injuries?

For many student-athletes, an injury sustained during competition can have devastating consequences. Not only does it mean the end of their season (and often their collegiate career), but it also puts their scholarship at risk. 

The loss of the scholarship and the mounting medical bills due to rehabilitation can often leave student-athletes thousands of dollars in debt and saddled with medical bills that they cannot afford to pay. 

If you’re a college athlete with dreams of playing professionally, suffering a catastrophic injury can feel like your worst nightmare come true. You lose your season, your career, and your scholarship.  

Sadly, this is a reality for far too many student-athletes who suffer serious injuries while competing in college. As a result, many downplay their injuries or put themselves under immense pressure not to get injured.

Protecting Yourself From Career-Ending Injuries

So what can you do to protect yourself? Talk to your coach about your concerns and make sure you have good health insurance coverage in case the worst should happen. 

By taking these precautions, you’ll be giving yourself the best possible chance to recover from any potential setbacks and achieve your long-term goals. If you lose your athletic scholarship, don’t fret. It’s not the end of the world. 

There are other scholarships available for college students, or you can also continue to earn a degree online. Check out this Go Degree guide on the best websites to find college scholarships.