Athletes give us something to get excited about while we are in college. Whether they are shooting baskets, scoring touchdowns, or crossing the finish line first, college athletes are an integral group of students at every school. It makes sense that these athletes – who are almost seen as heroes at some schools – should receive some sort of compensation for their efforts, which is why most people think athletes receive full scholarships to the school they attend. However, a new report shows this isn’t true.
Researchers at Ithaca College recently reported that the “average ‘full scholarship’ Division I athlete winds up having to pay $2,951 annually on school-related expenses.” These expenses include everything from campus parking permits to school supplies.
“It’s really deceptive to use the words ‘full scholarship,’” said Ramogi Huma, head of the National College Players Association. “There’s never an explanation for recruited athletes that the price for attending school falls short of the scholarship amount.”
Let’s take a minute to think about this. If the average college athlete who receives a “full ride” to school has to spend $2,951 each year for four years, he/she will end up paying $11,804 for his/her college education. In 2009, one year of tuition and fees was $7,020, on average. So, obviously, college athletes are still paying much less for their education than other students.
What do you think? Should college athletes receive a full ride to school? Or should those funds be designated for other purposes, such as campus improvements or need-based scholarships? Share your opinions with us below!
