MLB Tuition Policy?

These items are negotiated on an individual basis with the team. I believe it is based upon the school tuition where you have signed a letter of intent, at least this happened to a friends son.

My suggestion would be to go the college route. If pro ball is in the future it will still be there at end of junior/senior year.

Many people do not understand the dynamics of the minor leagues {rookie, low A, high A}. Many parents have to supplement kids income just so they can survive, in fact a few kids I know who purchased expensive SUV cannot make car/insurance payment on their salary. Of course if you go in top two rounds you can draw off your bonus to supplement income. After first few rounds bonus drops off quickly.

Hope this helps, I would suggest speaking with as many people as possible. During the off season is great time to talk to kids who are playing before they head off to report.

Here is the MLB site which should provide some of your answers:

http://mlb.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/mlb/official_info/scholarship.jsp

As I understand it, the college package is something that is negotiated between the player and team that drafted him.

Hope this helps,
Frank

I think it can be safely said that the Division I player lives and travels better than kids in rookie ball

Perhaps bbscout will drop by and give you a authoritative answer as he deals with this regularly

MT,
I suggest you try to get a copy and read it for yourself. Anyone who gets a visit from a scout should ask to see one.
Your son's scholarship amount could be a strong negotiating point. Not too many were willing to give into the fund everything for my son's scholarship (out of state), but more than happy to provide for FL's lower cost instate tuition.
The plan is only good as long as the person decides to use it, there is a time limit on it after one leaves.
Rs,
I'd rather supplement my son's income in college rather than when he is employed, but that is just my opinion.

MT07LHP,

It's been awhile since I've been involved with anything regarding the MLB Scholarship Plan. I'll try to answer your questions, others might give you more info. The College Plan is very good, but the truth is, often players who have it don't take full advantage of it.

1. - Is this mandatory or something that is negotiated into the contract.

It is not mandatory, It can be part of the offer and/or it can be negotiated. Also, it can be left out of the offer.

2. - Does this apply regardless of round he is drafted

It can, it just depends on if the club wants to offer it.

3. - Is tuition paid in full or an agreed percentage.

It is an actual dollar amount, rather than a percentage. It could end up being the same thing as a “full ride” or it could end up being a percentage of what will be needed.

4. - Are there dollar limits on tuition cost.

Not really, only those set in the contract. You can attend any college you want, but you’ll get what is in your contract. It is usually based on the cost of a specific college. Often the nearest state University. It can also be based on the school you have signed with if the club agrees. ie. Stanford

5. - Is there a window of opportunity for a kid to declare his desire to attend college or is it valid for the length of the contract.

The money comes from MLB scholarship fund. There are certain rules that need to be followed. Once you start or start back to college you must continue unless you’re playing baseball in the off season. Baseball is the only employment that allows for interruption. If you are out of baseball and start college you need to follow the guide lines or risk losing out. It is all to the players benefit, they just need to follow the rules.

The college plan should be explained fully before signing a contract. Of course, the first thing is… You need to be offered a contract.

All of the above is based on my memory (Not so good at times) If anyone has more current accurate info, please post.

DUH!

Do what "FrankF" has suggested.

PG, Thank you for the explanation. I had thought there was a mandate somewhere that in drafting H.S. kids the contract had to include tuition if the boy later opted for college. In reading that link that FrankF was kind enough to share it seems the whole tuition/scholarship package is entirely negotiable:

Quote
The Plan provides benefits to those players who had negotiated for participation in the Plan as part of their first professional Minor League Uniform Player Contracts. The maximum reimbursable amount is determined by the amount specified in the participant's first Minor League Uniform Player Contract.
Unquote

Thanks again.