R yan Simmons’ budget is typically tight.
Simmons, a rising senior at Oklahoma State and linebacker on the football team, has a full scholarship that covers his tuition, room and board and books. But he still faces financial stress when it comes to food, personal expenses and his desire to help his family back in Cibolo, Texas.
“You’re really living almost check to check,” he said.
Soon, a monumental change will alleviate some of the worry. This fall, scholarship athletes in the so-called “Power 5” conferences — and at other schools that opt to participate, like Tulsa — will receive the full cost of attendance in their scholarships.