Student athletes can win financial aid to pay for online degree programs

Student athletes can win financial aid to pay for online degree programs

High school athletes who wish to pursue higher education may want to consider applying for financial aid packages that could help them cover the cost of tuition, such as the Steve McNair Iron Will Scholarships.

Keith Bulluck, a linebacker for the Tennessee Titans, has announced the winners of the inaugural awards, which he created in memory of quarterback Steve McNair, who was killed last year, ESPN reports.

A total of nine high school athletes were named winners at the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame annual awards in a surprise announcement from Bulluck. The awards are worth $1,000 each and may be put toward the cost of tuition at a campus-based or online degree program.

Bulluck told the news source that he selected the winners himself based on their GPAs, coaches' comments, extracurricular activities, community involvement and the number of letters they received for team sports. He added that only 54 applications were accepted - the same number that appeared on McNair's jersey.

The linebacker was also present at the event to accept the Bonnie Sloan Courage Award, the Tennessean reports.

Similar scholarship programs could help student athletes finance higher education at a campus-based or online school.

By Stefanie Hughes