The debate picks up again today on social media in regards to paying players after Alabama releases a video of their new $14M nutrition facility. Schools are making hand over fist off of college football players in particular. I am not in the boat that players should be paid, but they should be able to make all the money they want off their name by signing autographs, selling shirts with their face on them etc. Anyone that went to college knows how much of a pain in the a$$ it is to pay student loans. It sets you back financially on many aspects of life when trying to buy a house or start a family. Along with the free education you are eating (as the video shows below) better than any non-athlete on campus, by a mile. Add in the academic counseling, free sports apparel, tickets for family members, and around $500/month in free stipend money you are good to go.
Here are the costs to go to the University of Nebraska:
TUITION AND EXPENSES
Cost of Attendance
In-state: $24,840
Out-of-state: $40,140
Tuition and Fees
In-state: $8,901
Out-of-state: $24,201
Room and Board
$10,959
Books and Supplies
$1,012
Other Expenses
$3,968
This also doesn't include the amount a normal student would have to pay in student loan debt interest that they have taken on. Average rates for undergrad are around 4.5% - that lasts until your $100k in debt is paid off. Even if you take out room and board after freshman year it still is close for the amount you will pay for an apartment or house over the course of a year. Remember, you don't have to be Ndamukong Suh to receive these benefits, you could be a third string OL riding the pine.
https://www.saturdaydownsouth.com/alabama-football/watch-alabama-shows-off-new-sports-and-nutrition-facility/
Sorry for the annual paying players off-season debate