Alex Versen, executive director of The NOVA Foundation, has raised concerns about student-athlete funding at Virginia’s public colleges, suggesting that students should have a say in the athletics fees they pay. Versen highlighted rising mandatory athletics fees, which average $1,967 annually across the state’s public colleges, with some institutions charging even higher amounts. Longwood University, for example, imposes a fee of $3,206, while the Virginia Military Institute charges $4,186.
Data from the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia indicates that these fees increased by 5.5% last year, outpacing tuition hikes at all but one institution. According to Versen, while many students may not recognize the impact of these fees, which are often bundled with other costs, it is crucial for them to be aware of what they are funding.
Versen proposes a trial program where a select number of schools might make the athletics fee optional for a year. Students who choose to pay would retain current benefits, such as free tickets, while those who do not would forego these perks. This approach could particularly benefit students who are borrowing to pay for their education, ensuring they are not incurring debt to fund athletics they do not participate in.
He acknowledged that some athletic departments may struggle with this option, but believes they would adapt by enhancing their fundraising efforts through ticket sales and sponsorships. “It’s a test of whether the community values what they do,” he stated, noting that programs that engage students and create a vibrant game-day experience are likely to perform well.
The discussion surrounding athletics funding takes on new urgency with a pending federal lawsuit initiated by three current and former Division III athletes seeking to overturn the NCAA’s ban on athletic scholarships. Should this lawsuit succeed, schools like the Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University may find themselves competing for recruits with different financial capabilities. Versen pointed out that VMI and W&L have vastly different spending per athlete, and students at VMI deserve transparency regarding where their fees go if scholarship dynamics change.
The Virginia General Assembly has already mandated a study to analyze how the state’s colleges finance their sports programs, due in 2028. Versen suggests that this study should incorporate a pilot program to gauge student willingness to pay voluntarily, providing insights that traditional financial assessments cannot offer. He emphasizes the need for a dialogue that involves students, particularly as college sports are evolving rapidly with increased revenue and shifting conference alignments.
As discussions about athletics funding continue, Versen urges Virginia’s colleges to consider the student voice in a system where they are currently the primary source of funding without a clear say in the matter.
