Each academic school year, students pay $548 in athletic fees at N.C. Central University.
Some students pay this fee and have no clue what they are paying for.
The athletic fee that students pay goes towards scholarships, recruiting, tutors, academic support and operating costs.
The debate of whether students should have to pay or not pay is often asked.
Sports management sophomore Hugh Hudson said he feels that the school should have to pay.
"I came here to get an education. I pay for school not to play sports. The athletes should have to pay," said Hudson.
Every year the U.S. Department of Education produces the Equity in Athletics Data Analysis report (EADA) which breaks down each Institutions Expenses and Revenue for the academic year.
The most recent report which was released to the public shows the academic year of 2008-2009.
Child development junior Brandi Fulmore never heard of the report and didn't know the specific data that was included in it.
"I knew that every school has a budget, but I didn't know that I could see the actual breakdown of every teams operating cost and how much we spend," said Fulmore.
Among HBCU'S in the state of North Carolina NCCU ranked fourth under the category of athletic related student aid.
This aid refers to the scholarships, grants, or aid that was provided to athletes to participate in sports programs at NCCU.
Mass Communications junior Eric Covington doesn't feel he should have to pay to help for the aid and operating cost of the sports programs.
"When I attend games, I feel as though athletes aren't as interested as they should be," he said.
"If they're not interested, why should I pay?"
"Money should come from government funding or alumni," he added.
NCCU sports teams grossed $4 million this past year.
The report shows the operating expenses of each team on campus.
NCCU's basketball team spent the most in operating expenses.
The basketball program spent $349,740 which included traveling, meals, lodging, equipment for staff and team and payment for officials.
The total cost of operating expenses for all NCCU athletic programs was $1,008,299.
NCCU spent a total of $1.7 million in athletically related student aid. Operating expenses consist of lodging and traveling.
Expenses by team includes fundraising, salaries and benefits, recruiting expenses, promotional activities, supplies and any other expenses attributable to intercollegiate athletic activities.
NCCU athletics grand total in expenses for the year was $6,236,537.
This includes operating expenses and expenses by team in total.
All information is opened to the public and can be found online at http://ope.ed.gov/athletics.
NCCU students are encouraged to see this information and see how their university's athletic programs are operating.
is a member of the 
Be the first to comment on this article! Log in to Comment
You must be logged in to comment on an article. Not already a member? Register now