Clay Reporter

Clay County's two universities invested $3,617,939 in athletically-related financial aid for college students in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

This is a 10.8% increase compared to the previous year, when the county invested $3,265,420 in college sports aid.

There were 344 male and 209 female student-athletes who competed for one or more sports teams representing the two colleges in the county in 2023. Male students received 5% more financial aid on average than female students.

William Jewell College stood out as the university in Clay County which received most of the financial aid during 2023. The institution received $3,617,939, or 100% of all the money invested in the county.

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	$3,710,876	384
2015	$3,929,528	401
2016	$4,284,648	418
2017	$4,151,861	408
2018	$3,884,516	388
2019	$4,206,347	365
2020	$4,098,486	377
2021	$4,248,813	408
2022	$3,265,420	431
2023	$3,617,939	553