College football isn’t just a popular sport. It also plays a key role in shaping university admissions and campus culture. Its influence is grand and it extends far beyond the football field. The sport can affect how the student chooses colleges, how the schools market themselves to students, and even affect the overall student experience. 

For many universities these days, especially the ones with successful football programs, college football is the base of the school’s identity, their community spirit – and even their enrollment strategies. In this post, we will explore how the athletic college football is linked with admissions and campus culture. 

The Relationship between Football and University Admissions

College football is the front door for many universities with a successful sports program. In many cases, the students will literally choose a school solely based on the fact that they have a good football team. In other cases, students will consider more than one option, and go for the one with the better football team because it gives them a sense of the institution’s identity, as well as a chance to play for promising athletes. 

Athletes today will most likely choose a college with a good football program over one with an average one. They have the opportunity to become great in the sport, especially since there is now online help for students in case they have tough deadlines or assignments. Athletes today can free up time from their busy schedule by delegating their tasks to Edubirdie, simply by saying write my homework for me to one of their professional writers. Then, they can use all that free time to practice the sport – and still achieve excellent academic success. 

These days, major televised football games and events like bowl games, which are highly publicized, provide universities with national visibility. This makes them more attractive in the eyes of the students. Schools that have successful football programs, such as Ohio State University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Alabama, to mention a few, put the sport on a pedestal – advertising it as one of the best things about their school. 

So, to answer your question ‘do colleges care about sports’, yes, they surely do! Here is why:

Boost in College Applications

Universities with strong football teams often see an increase in college applications. For instance, one research has revealed that college applications increase by an average of 18.7% after a school wins a major bowl game. This surge is a result of increased media exposure, as well as a boost in the school pride that naturally comes from a major victory. 

Of course, this is not always one of the big factors, with many schools that don’t have a football team – and still attract some of the best students. If you were wondering what states don’t have a football team, this includes Alaska, Maine, Montana, North Dakota, Rhode Island, and more. 

Increased Selectivity

The rise in college applications allows schools to become more selective when it comes to their admission process. When they have a larger pool of applicants to pick from, they can raise their academic standards. This, in return, can boost their overall academic profile and make the school in question stronger on the educational market. This process contributes to another feedback look with more high-achieving students being attracted to the school, which once again boosts the college’s appeal. 

The Relationship between College Football and Campus Culture

The influence of college football goes beyond the admission office, too. This plays a big role in how the campus culture is shaped. Football, in itself, has a great way to foster a sense of unity, tradition, and school pride. It can create a shared identity among alumni, students, and faculty members. How is this, you wonder?

Well, for many students these days, attending games is a major part of the college experience. This is how they bond with others, connect with their peers – and have some much-needed fun. 

Football stadiums nowadays are a cultural hub of a campus. They bring together students, local residents, staff, faculty members, and more. The culture that surrounds these games is a very good example of how the sport works wonders on social interactions and campus culture. 

Wrapping Up

The dual power of football in college education is now stronger than ever. College football holds a powerful sway over admissions in universities, as well as campus culture. The sport is a driving force between student engagement and the identity of the school, making it far more than just a game.