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Exclusives: From
the Cheap Seats
By Matt Golden '94 You're a standout high school student-athlete in the midst of a recruiting battle. Harvard wants you. So do Princeton, Penn, Yale, and Penn State. But the price tag of an Ivy League education has you leaning toward a scholarship school. After all, if you choose one of the Ivies, the student loans you accrue by graduation will be more impressive than your degree. With decision time approaching
for many recruits in that very predicament, Princeton made choosing
a college a whole lot easier. The university announced last month
that it w This groundbreaking policy is designed to take finances out of the equation for admitted students who are deciding whether or not to attend Princeton. But, in the realm of intercollegiate athletics, the switch from loans to grants brings finances to the recruiting forefront. The new policy creates a clear financial distinction between Princeton and its Ivy competitors. Previously, a recruited student-athlete would face roughly the same financial picture at all eight Ivy institutions. Now, Princeton has a clear advantage. That same recruit can choose Harvard and thousands of dollars in student loans or opt for the orange-and-black and be able to graduate debt free. The timing of Princeton's
announcement could have a profound effect on the success of Tiger
coaches in this spring's critical recruiting The remainder of the Ancient Eight will probably open their coffers and fall in line with Princeton in very short order. But, the impact of one dominant recruiting class could be felt throughout the league for years to come. Matt Golden can be reached at golden2@erols.com
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February
21, 2001