What are the least profitable college athletic programs?

I'm a student-athlete, so I know not all college athletic programs are created equal. I'm curious, what are some of the least profitable college athletic programs? And why aren't they profitable? Just trying to do my research before I commit somewhere.

Determining the least profitable athletic programs can be a bit tricky due to the variation in budget, division level, and sport across institutions. However, you're right that not all sports programs are equally profitable.

In general, football and men's basketball are often the primary revenue drivers for many universities' athletic departments, mainly due to television contracts, ticket sales, and merchandise. On the flip side, other sports like cross country, golf, tennis, and other non-revenue sports often operate at a deficit. This isn't because these sports are less important or valuable, but they frequently have fewer opportunities to generate large revenue, such as broadcasting rights or sizable event crowds.

There's also a stark difference between Division I, II, and III schools. Division I schools usually have sizable budgets and often benefit from multimedia deals and larger alumni donations. However, below Division I, particularly in Division III, almost all athletic programs are considered 'non-revenue' because they are mostly funded by the universities themselves and participation fees rather than external income.

In assessing the profitability of an athletic program, many factors come into play. These can include the institution’s investment in facilities and coaching staff, marketing, team performance, alumni engagement, and even geographical location. It's also important to know that a less profitable athletic program is not necessarily a weakness. Universities invest in these programs because they provide value beyond monetary income, such as student development, community engagement, and the university's reputation.

As you're making your decision, focus on finding an athletic program where you'll get a good balance between your sport and academic goals. You might also want to consider the support the school offers to athletes, like athletic facilities, coaching staff, academic support, and injury prevention and treatment. Remember, college is about more than just sports, so take a holistic approach as you consider your options!