Financial Aspects of College Football Programs

I've heard some mixed things and thought I'd put it out there. Do most college football programs actually make money? Or do they usually end up losing money?

The financial aspects of college football programs can be pretty complex. For a handful of schools, especially those in the Power Four conferences (ACC, Big Ten, Big 12, and SEC), football programs can generate substantial revenue. These schools often have large, dedicated fan bases and lucrative television contracts, which contribute to high ticket sales and media rights revenue.

However, revenue is just one part of the equation. These football programs also have significant expenses. For instance, salaries for coaching staff, scholarships for athletes, and facility costs can mount up. Despite this, for many top-tier programs, the revenues often exceed the expenses, making them profitable.

On the other hand, for many other schools, particularly those in smaller conferences or division II and III, their football programs often operate at a loss. The generated revenue from ticket sales, donations, and media rights often do not cover the operational and scholarship costs. The institutions justify this expense because of the exposure and sense of community that the football programs bring to their campuses, which they believe has intangible benefits.

So, the short answer to your question is, it depends on the school. There's quite a contrast between the high-profile, revenue-generating Power Five programs and smaller football programs at lesser-known schools.