Which colleges make the most from their student athletes?

Hey all, I've been thinking a lot about college athletics lately. It got me wondering, which colleges or universities tend to generate the most revenue from their student athletes?

It's an insightful question. When it comes to revenue generated from college athletics, a few institutions consistently top the list.

The University of Texas at Austin frequently ranks high in this respect. They have a vast athletic program, with football being a significant revenue driver. Their revenue comes from a mix of ticket sales, media rights, contributions, and licensing.

Another school known for its income-generating athletics program is the University of Alabama, particularly known for its successful football team. They also benefit from items like ticket sales, donations, and media rights.

Ohio State University and the University of Michigan also enjoy high revenues from their athletic programs, especially from football. Their profitable athletics program encompasses media rights, ticket sales, donations, and merchandising.

One commonality these schools share is their participation in high-profile football (and, to a lesser extent, basketball) leagues and regular appearances in postseason play. This drives media rights, ticket sales, and merchandise sales to a significant degree.

That said, it's also important to note that these earnings do not necessarily translate to profits since athletic departments also have substantial expenses related to scholarships, salaries, and facilities, among other things.

Also keep in mind that only a small number of schools generate a net profit from athletics - and those are often the schools with the most notable football and basketball teams. Overall, the economics of college athletics can be quite complex. Remember to look beyond the simplistic idea of 'revenue' when assessing an institution's athletic department.

Lastly, it's important to note that while these schools do make a lot of money from athletics, the student-athletes themselves were historically not allowed to earn money from their athletic endeavors. However, as of July 1, 2021, NCAA rules have changed, allowing college athletes to monetize their name, image, and likeness. This change gives student-athletes the opportunity to earn money from endorsements, personal appearances, teaching lessons or camps, and more, which has changed the landscape of college athletics significantly.