Today, there are more than 450,000 college athletes and the National College Athletics Association (NCAA) faces a difficult decision about whether or not college athletes should be paid. Many people think they should do it, and others think they shouldn't do it. College athletes enjoy several benefits as student-athletes. Why should they receive even more benefits than their scholarship and many benefits? Today, most college athletes receive a scholarship to pay part or sometimes all of their tuition. So, what does a scholarship cover? According to an article written by Tyson Hartnett, “A $25,000 scholarship covers the basics, college costs, tuition, housing, a meal plan and textbooks. » But most scholarships awarded to college athletes are not full rides. According to US News, in 2010, the average scholarship awarded to a college athlete was worth $10,400. Even with this amount, many college athletes do not receive scholarships and must pay for college on their own. Yes, college athletes on scholarship still need money in their pockets: they need personal money for gas, food, clothing. , and other things a student may need. Paying these athletes can reduce the stress they feel about their off-season work. Unlike a student who goes to college on a scholarship, a college athlete on an athletic scholarship does not have the time to hold a job with workouts, classes, training and study time required. But if we compare a student-athlete to just a regular student, the athlete still enjoys many advantages. Several Division I college athletes are still being monitored by their respective professional leagues. There is no re... middle of paper ...... ig-money-in-college-sports-disappears. (accessed December 10, 2013). Montopoli, Brian. Kevin Ware's injury could put the stock market at risk. April 1, 2013. http://www.cbsnews.com/news/kevin-ware-injury-could-put-scholarship-at-risk/. (accessed December 7, 2013). Brynelson, Troy. For all the money college sports teams make, should student-athletes get paid. October 28, 2013. http://dailyemerald.com/2013/10/28/for-all-the-money-college-sports-teams-bring-in-should-student-athletes-be-paid/. (accessed December 7, 2013). Rosenfeld, Evan and Scarlett McCourt. Opposing opinions: Should NCAA athletes be paid? September 17, 2013. www.wildcat.arizona.edu/article/2013/09/opposing-views-should-ncaa-athletes-be-paid-091813. (accessed December 7, 2013). Jacobson, Robert. Sports in America: Leisure, Business, Education and Controversy. Wylie, Texas: Information More, 2006.