Where Did Travis Kelce Go to College? His College Journey Before Taylor Swift

Ever watched Travis Kelce dominate on the football field and wondered where he honed those skills? The Kansas City Chiefs tight end didn't just appear in the NFL fully formed.

His college years shaped both his athletic career and his approach to education, and his story offers some surprising lessons for students thinking about their own college paths.

Key takeaways

• Travis Kelce attended the University of Cincinnati from 2008 to 2012, playing for the Bearcats football team
• He redshirted his freshman year and faced a one-year suspension during his college career, extending his time on campus to five years
• Kelce graduated with a degree in exploratory studies, a flexible program that let him customize his coursework

Travis Kelce's college choice: University of Cincinnati

Travis Kelce chose the University of Cincinnati, a public university in Ohio. He enrolled in 2008 and played for the Cincinnati Bearcats football team.

The decision wasn't made lightly. Kelce wasn't heavily recruited out of Cleveland Heights High School in Ohio.

His offers were limited, and Cincinnati gave him a shot when bigger programs passed. Sometimes the best opportunities come from schools that believe in your potential rather than your current stats.

His brother, Jason Kelce, had already played at the University of Cincinnati too. Family connections can make a huge difference when you're choosing where to spend the next four years of your life.

How athletic scholarships actually work

Travis Kelce played college football on an athletic scholarship. For many student athletes, these scholarships are the main way they afford college. But here's what most people don't realize: athletic scholarships don't always cover everything.

Full-ride scholarships usually include:

• Tuition and fees
• Room and board (dorm and meal plan)
• Required textbooks
• Some course supplies

Football is one of the few sports where full scholarships are common, especially at Division I schools like Cincinnati. But even with a full ride, athletes often face extra expenses.

What scholarships typically don’t cover:

• Travel home during breaks
• Personal items and toiletries
• Off-season housing
• Special food or nutrition supplements
• Entertainment and social activities

Student athletes can't work regular part-time jobs during their season because of practice and game schedules. That's why knowing your full financial picture matters before you commit to a school.

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Kelce's college career timeline

Travis Kelce's path through college wasn't exactly smooth. It took him longer than expected to graduate, which made it potentially more expensive.

Here's how his five years at Cincinnati broke down:

• 2008 (Freshman Year): Kelce "redshirted," which means he practiced with the team but didn't play in games. This saved a year of eligibility so he could play four seasons later.
• 2009 (Redshirt Freshman): He saw limited playing time as a backup tight end and played on special teams.
• 2010 (Sophomore Year): This was supposed to be his breakout year. Instead, Kelce violated team rules and was suspended for the entire season. The details were kept private, but it cost him a year of development.
• 2011 (Junior Year): Kelce returned to the team and started showing his potential.
• 2012 (Senior Year): He had his best season, catching 45 passes for 722 yards and 8 touchdowns. NFL scouts noticed, and the Kansas City Chiefs drafted him in 2013.

That suspension meant Kelce spent five years on campus instead of four. For scholarship athletes, this creates problems.

TuitionHero Tip

Scholarships are typically guaranteed for four years. If you need a fifth year, you might have to find other ways to pay for it.

What Kelce studied at Cincinnati

Travis Kelce graduated with a degree in exploratory studies. This program lets students create their own curriculum by mixing courses from different departments instead of following one traditional major.

Flexible degree programs are great for athletes with crazy schedules, helping them juggle training and school. Finishing your degree, like Kelce did before going pro, is super smart because it gives you solid backup options—especially when you consider that the average NFL career is only about 3.3 years.

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Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

Did Travis Kelce pay for college himself?

Travis Kelce attended the University of Cincinnati on a Division I football scholarship, covering tuition, fees, room, and board. His family likely covered other expenses.

How long did Travis Kelce stay in college?

Kelce spent five years at the University of Cincinnati from 2008 to 2013. He redshirted his freshman year (meaning he practiced but didn't play) and served a one-year suspension in 2010. Both of these extended his college career beyond the typical four years. He graduated with his degree before entering the NFL draft.

What would Travis Kelce's college cost today?

For an in-state student at the University of Cincinnati, total costs including tuition, room, and board currently run about $25,000 per year. Out-of-state students pay closer to $41,000 per year. These numbers don't include books, transportation, or personal expenses, which can add several thousand dollars more.

Can college athletes get regular student financial aid?

Yes, college athletes can receive financial aid beyond athletic scholarships. They can apply for federal student loans, grants, and academic scholarships just like other students. If an athletic scholarship doesn't cover all expenses, athletes often use other financial aid to cover the gap.

Did Travis Kelce's brother go to the same college?

Yes, Jason Kelce also played football at the University of Cincinnati. Jason attended from 2007 to 2010 as a walk-on player who eventually earned a scholarship. He played offensive line for the Bearcats before being drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles, where he became a Super Bowl champion and future Hall of Fame center.

Final thoughts

Travis Kelce's college experience at the University of Cincinnati shaped him into the NFL superstar he is today. His path wasn't perfect (that suspension could have derailed everything), but he made the most of his opportunity at a school that believed in his potential.

Whether you're a student athlete or simply curious about how college works for athletes, understanding the realities of scholarships, costs, and academic requirements matters.

College is expensive, but it's also an investment in your future. Travis Kelce proved that where you go matters less than what you do when you get there.

Source

• Travis Kelce - Wikipedia
• Who is Travis Kelce? | University of Cincinnati
• Jason Kelce - Wikipedia