Lyon County’s Southwest Minnesota State University invested $1,126,081 in athletically-related financial aid for college students in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
This is a 10.3% decrease compared to the previous year, when the county invested $1,255,891 in college sports aid.
There were 194 male and 146 female student-athletes who competed for one or more sports teams representing Southwest Minnesota State University in 2023. Male students received 15.1% 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 | $748,320 | 345 |
| 2015 | $764,138 | 357 |
| 2016 | $812,355 | 356 |
| 2017 | $857,311 | 339 |
| 2018 | $958,154 | 323 |
| 2019 | $1,019,863 | 315 |
| 2020 | $1,167,830 | 345 |
| 2021 | $1,212,963 | 193 |
| 2022 | $1,255,891 | 387 |
| 2023 | $1,126,081 | 340 |
