UP Gazette

Chippewa County's Lake Superior State University invested $1,684,554 in athletically-related financial aid for college students in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

This is a 6.5% increase compared to the previous year, when the county invested $1,582,220 in college sports aid.

There were 102 male and 72 female student-athletes who competed for one or more sports teams representing Lake Superior State University in 2023. Male students received 13.7% 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	$1,431,864	194
2015	$1,483,226	171
2016	$1,407,405	173
2017	$1,296,192	157
2018	$1,401,826	171
2019	$1,361,233	183
2020	$1,473,551	132
2021	$1,429,607	148
2022	$1,582,220	164
2023	$1,684,554	174