GAO Data Reveals Student Fees Subsidize Failing Athletic Department Budgets

By Josh Moody · Inside Higher Ed · 2026-08-07

Inside Higher Ed reports that a vast majority of Division I sports programs are operating at a loss, forcing institutions to bridge multi-billion dollar deficits using student tuition and federal aid. A federal audit found that only 20 of the highest-level athletic departments ma

Inside Higher Ed reports that a vast majority of Division I sports programs are operating at a loss, forcing institutions to bridge multi-billion dollar deficits using student tuition and federal aid. A federal audit found that only 20 of the highest-level athletic departments ma