Student athletes feeling overwhelmed by the financial burdens of attending college can rest assured that NCAA President Mark Emmert is aware of the situation, and is looking to do something about it.
During a meeting with the Knight Commission on Intercollegiate Athletics on Monday Emmert stated, “This week, I'll be asking the board to support a proposal to allow conferences—not mandate anyone, but allow conferences, not individual institutions—to increase the value of an athletic grant in aid to more closely approach the full cost of attendance,” according to the Associated Press.
Between practicing, playing games, and a full time academic load, it is extremely difficult for student athletes to find time for a part-time job to support themselves. The current model for athletic scholarship has not changed for 40 years according to Emmert, having not been adjusted for inflation like the salaries of the working class.
Emmert said that the increase would likely be $2,000 to go toward tuition, fees, room and board, and books and supplies.
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