South Georgia Times

Lowndes County's Valdosta State University invested $1,870,594 in athletically-related financial aid for college students in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

This is a 1.1% increase compared to the previous year, when the county invested $1,849,350 in college sports aid.

There were 247 male and 94 female student-athletes who competed for one or more sports teams representing Valdosta State University in 2023. Male students received 45.2% more financial aid on average than female students.

Male students who play basketball generally receive the most in financial aid, followed closely by football players. Female students playing ice hockey often receive the most in financial aid.

Only a small percentage of college expenses are typically covered by athletic scholarships, and only for a select few students.

A study found that 71% of student athletes participated in sports to earn a college scholarship.

Year	Athletically Related Student Aid	Student-athletes Enrollment
2014	$2,194,162	315
2015	$2,191,354	303
2016	$2,139,065	313
2017	$2,099,527	327
2018	$1,994,955	336
2019	$1,938,766	335
2020	$1,843,020	324
2021	$1,793,715	317
2022	$1,849,350	314
2023	$1,870,594	341