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College Tuition Often Subsidizes Sports More Than You Realize, Researcher Says

We frequently hear about the rising cost of going to college.  The Federal Reserve Bank of New York says the average amount of student debt is about $20,000 for Americans under 25.  That may not surprise you.

But how about this:  During the 2010-2011 school year, more-than 200 public Division I NCAA schools took in more than $2 billion in athletic fees from students.  That’s according to research by University of South Carolina Upstate professor Jeff Smith. His research has received some national media attention.   Professor Smith spoke with WFAE from Spartanburg. 

Smith's research shows that NC Sate is on the low end for athletic department subsidies. It amounted to $36 a year in the 2010-2011 school year.  The subsidy for App State was $557.  At UNC Charlotte it was $630.

Marshall came to WFAE after graduating from Appalachian State University, where he worked at the campus radio station and earned a degree in communication. Outside of radio, he loves listening to music and going to see bands - preferably in small, dingy clubs.