The cost of attending college is rising by 6.5% every year. If you are planning to attend a public university figure on spending around $80,000 for that undergraduate degree; twice that if you have your eye on a private education. Sure, you can seek an academic scholarship, financial aid, a grant and student loans, but what if that’s not enough to get you there? $1.2 billion in scholarship money is awarded every year to high school athletes for their commitment to continue playing at the college level. As you start to put your application packet together, here’s what you should know about the process:

1. There’s an age cut-off. If you’re past 24 years-old you’ve missed the opportunity to earn a scholarship in exchange for playing sports. The range is from age’ to 24, so it makes sense for you to go straight to college after high school.

2. The NCAA (National College Athletic Association) recognizes 29 sports; therefore scholarships are available for them depending on the campus. Men’s sports include: Soccer, Baseball, Water Polo, Fencing, Volleyball, Cross Country, Track & Field (Indoor & Outdoor), Rifle, Basketball, Swimming and Diving, Golf, Football, Gymnastics, Ice Hockey, Tennis, Skiing (Cross Country and Downhill), Lacrosse and Wrestling.

Male athletes can earn scholarships in: Swimming and Diving, Football, Gymnastics, Cross Country, Golf, Tennis, Skiing (Cross Country and Downhill), Lacrosse and Wrestling, Soccer, Baseball, Water Polo, Basketball, Fencing, Volleyball, Ice Hockey, Track & Field (Indoor & Outdoor), Rifle.

3. Only the most successful college sports programs have the resources to send recruiters out to high school games to check out the star players. For coaches and players in other scenarios, it’s a good idea for the player to be aggressive off of the field. Make sure you introduce yourself during your campus visit and drop off your sports bio and media clips.

4. Grades still come first. Although coaches ultimately make the decision about which athletes will be granted a scholarship, the decision isn’t based on athleticism alone. Far from it, in fact. Did you know that you have to be accepted by the admissions board prior to being considered? Your SAT score, as well as your high school GPA and other materials in your application packet all factor into the coach’s decision.

If you are talented (and lucky!) enough to secure financial support for your college expenses based on your ability to play sports, you should keep your eye on your major. While there are some college athletes who go on to lucrative careers in professional sports, the majority of them find work their chosen field and find a different kind of success.

John Barnett is a high school baseball and soccer coach. He earned a masters degree at an online college and is considering several online colleges for additional study.