<p>I posted this in the scholarship section and no one answered. Perhaps someone here will …</p>
<p>How common is it? Can coaches pressure players into returning scholarship money? What are the reasons for doing it? What are the repercussions of not returning aid?</p>
<p>Athletic scholarships are given in one-year increments. They have to be renewed each year. Coaches generally do not like to get a reputation for pulling scholarships as it makes recruiting more difficult but they sometimes do pressure kids into giving up their scholarships if they want the scholarship for a newer, better player. You would never be asked to return aid. Once on scholarship, the money goes from the athletic department to the school. It generally is not in your bank account or under your control so you cannot be asked to return it. Some players on full scholarship get a stipend check in addition to tuition and books but once scholarship money is awarded it is yours. My son DID have a situation once where they accidentally paid the players too much one month and their stipend was reduced the following month to make up for the mistake. Most colleges have a person in the financial aid office who works with athletes. They are totally independent of the coaches. Ask your athletic FA person about your particular situation. One thing to remember: most schools will not release your transcripts or clear you for your degree if they think you owe the school a debt.</p>