Two recent changes in NCAA rules are resulting in major-college athletes receiving nearly $160 million a year in additional benefits, a USA TODAY Sports analysis has found.
That figure is certain to rise as more schools implement — or increase their distribution of — athletic scholarships that can cover not only the traditional tuition, room, board, books and fees but also incidental costs of attending college such as transportation and personal expenses.
The enhanced scholarships took effect Aug. 1, following a vote at January's NCAA convention by school and athlete representatives from the nation's five wealthiest conferences that allowed, but did not require, all Division I schools to cover athletes' cost of attendance.