FAQ's about The Letter of
Intent & Financial Aid
What is the Letter of Intent?
The Letter of Intent is a binding agreement between a prospective
student-athlete and an institution in which the institution agrees
to provide a prospective student-athlete who is admitted to the
institution and is eligible for financial aid under NCAA rules
athletics aid for one academic year in exchange for the prospect's
agreement to attend the institution for one academic year.
Can a college or university reduce or cancel my scholarship during
the academic year?
If a student-athlete is receiving institutional financial aid
based in any degree on athletics ability, that financial aid MAY
be reduced or canceled during the period of award (e.g., during that
year or term) only if the student-athlete:
- Renders himself or herself ineligible for intercollegiate
competition; or
- Misrepresents any information on an application, letter of
intent or financial aid agreement; or
- Commits serious misconduct which warrants a substantial
disciplinary penalty (the misconduct determination must be made
by the university's regular student disciplinary authority); or
- Voluntarily quits the sport for personal reasons. In this
case, the student-athlete's financial aid may not be given to
another student-athlete during the term in which the aid was
reduced or canceled.
- Institutional financial aid based in any degree on athletics
ability MAY NOT be reduced, canceled or increased during
the period of award:
- Based on a student-athlete's ability, performance, or
contribution to a team's success; or
- Because an injury prevents the student-athlete from
participating; or
- For any other athletics reason.
How long does a scholarship last and can the college cancel my
scholarship after the first year?
Aid based in any degree on athletics ability cannot be awarded in
excess of one academic year; the decision of whether a
student-athlete is awarded institutional financial aid is made on a
year-by-year or term-by-term basis, depending on the regulations of
the institution.
If a student-athlete is receiving institutional financial aid
based in any degree on athletics ability, the institution must
notify the student in writing on or before July 1 whether the aid
has been renewed or not renewed for the next academic year. This
written notification comes from the institution's financial aid
authority and not from the athletics department.
If the institution decides not to renew the aid, or is going to
reduce the aid, the institution must notify the student-athlete in
writing that he or she has the right to a hearing. This hearing is
held before the institutional agency making the award.
Keep in mind that the decision to renew or not renew the
financial aid is left to the discretion of the institution, to be
determined with its normal practices for students generally.
If you have more questions, refer to the NCAA's Guide for the
College-Bound Student Athlete.
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