will i get paid as a college athlete?
For decades, the idea of a college athlete getting paid by their school was a violation of the NCAA’s sacred principle of amateurism. Athletes could receive scholarships and stipends, but their on-field talent was never to be directly compensated. That era is over. A series of landmark court cases and a massive multi-billion dollar settlement have fundamentally changed the rules. As of this year, Division I schools can now directly pay student-athletes, and many of the wealthiest athletic departments have already agreed to do so. This is a monumental shift that means your talent now has a potential monetary value, not just a scholarship value.
How Colleges Are Thinking About Direct Payments
While the new system allows for schools to pay athletes, it is far from a simple, one-size-fits-all salary. The NCAA has set a payment limit of around $20.5 million per school per year for direct payments to athletes. However, schools are still figuring out exactly how to distribute this money.
It’s important to understand that this is not a guaranteed salary for every player. Athletic departments are looking at a number of factors to determine distribution:
The "Big Three" Priority: In most cases, the vast majority of the funds will be directed to athletes in football and men's basketball, as these are the sports that generate the most revenue for the athletic department. A portion of the remaining money may be distributed to other sports.
Title IX Compliance: The distribution of these funds must be compliant with federal Title IX regulations, which mandate equal opportunities for male and female athletes. This adds a complex layer to the budgeting process, as schools will have to ensure a proportionate amount is distributed to a number of female athletes.
Performance and Status: Schools may choose to distribute the money based on athletic performance, seniority, or even academic standing. It will not be an equal split for every athlete on the roster. For instance, a starting quarterback will likely receive a different level of compensation than a walk-on.
Ultimately, whether you receive a direct payment from your school depends on a number of factors, including the school’s athletic budget, the sport you play, and the school’s internal distribution plan, which is still being developed at many institutions. To determine how a school pays its athletes, you will have to ask. Many schools still don’t have a finalized plan nor have they publicized any plan.
Additional Ways to Get Paid Through NIL
Even with the new direct payments from schools, the primary way for most college athletes to earn money is through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. Unlike direct school payments, which come from the athletic department, NIL money comes from outside sources—companies, boosters, fans, and collectives. This system has been in place since 2021, and it's where most of the money has been flowing.
Here are some of the ways college athletes can get paid through NIL:
Endorsement Deals: This is the most common form of NIL. Athletes can sign with a company to promote a product or service. This can range from a big brand like Nike or Adidas signing a star quarterback to a local restaurant paying a soccer player to promote their business on Instagram. Your social media following, local celebrity status, and personal brand are key to securing these deals.
Social Media Activations: Many NIL deals are based on an athlete's social media presence. Companies pay athletes to post about their products, run contests, or appear in sponsored content. This is a great opportunity for athletes in any sport who have a strong online following and an engaged audience.
Camps and Appearances: Athletes can earn money by hosting their own sports camps for kids, signing autographs at a local store, or making appearances at charity events. This is a great way to build a personal brand while engaging with the community.
Merchandise and Collectibles: Many athletes sell their own branded merchandise, such as t-shirts, hats, or signed memorabilia. This allows them to directly profit from their personal brand and connect with fans.
The NIL landscape is vast, and opportunities exist for athletes at every level, from a star player earning a multi-million dollar endorsement deal to a walk-on earning a few hundred dollars from a local business. The key to success is building a strong personal brand and a network of contacts.
Taking Control of Your Financial Future
The new direct payments and existing NIL rules have changed the game for college athletes, creating a path to earn money while competing. However, these opportunities aren't guaranteed and they don't come easy. You have to be proactive.
While a school's direct payments may eventually become a part of your recruiting conversation, you should continue to focus on building a strong athletic and academic resume. You should also start thinking about your own personal brand and how you can leverage it for future NIL deals. By focusing on your performance, your academics, and your brand, you can give yourself the best chance to not only get recruited, but to also take full advantage of the new financial opportunities available in college sports.
