How many college athletes are there 2023?

By Jason Bolton December 03, 2023 20:08

Photo by Maddie Meyer

In 2021-22, the number of college student-athletes competing in NCAA championship sports reached an all-time high, with over 520,000 individuals participating. This significant increase in participation can be attributed to various factors, including the return of athletics department budgets to pre-pandemic levels and the extension of the additional season-of-competition eligibility for student-athletes. In this article, we delve into the details of this surge and explore the implications of the rising numbers of college athletes in 2023.

The Breakdown of College Athletes:

Division I: Division I witnessed a notable increase in student-athletes, contributing to the overall rise in numbers. Although the exact figures are not provided, it is evident that Division I sports continue to attract a significant portion of college athletes.
Division II: Following Division I, Division II experienced a growth in student-athletes. This increase showcases the continued popularity and appeal of Division II sports.
Division III: Division III saw the most substantial growth in student-athletes compared to the other divisions. This surge highlights the increasing interest and participation in Division III athletics.

Factors Driving the Increase:

Athletics Department Budgets: The return of athletics department budgets to pre-pandemic levels has played a crucial role in accommodating more student-athletes. With increased funding, colleges and universities can support a larger number of sports programs and provide opportunities for student-athletes to compete at higher levels.
Extended Eligibility: The additional season-of-competition eligibility granted to student-athletes has also contributed to the surge. This extension allows athletes to continue competing beyond their initial eligibility period, attracting more individuals to participate in college sports.

Gender Disparity: In 1981-82, men's sports participants accounted for a staggering 72% of the total participation. However, in recent years, there has been a notable shift, with men's sports participants now comprising 57% of the total. This trend reflects the growing emphasis on gender equality in college athletics, with women's sports gaining more recognition and opportunities.

Sports with Significant Increases: Several sports have witnessed remarkable growth in terms of student-athlete participation in 2021-22. These include:

Football: The most popular college sport, football, saw a significant increase in student-athletes. This surge can be attributed to the immense popularity of football in the United States.
Men's Soccer: Men's soccer experienced a notable rise in participation, showcasing the increasing interest in the sport at the collegiate level.
Men's and Women's Indoor Track and Field: Both men's and women's indoor track and field have seen a surge in student-athlete participation, highlighting the appeal of these sports among college athletes.
Women's Soccer: Women's soccer also witnessed an increase in participation, reflecting the growing popularity and recognition of women's sports.
Women's Volleyball: Women's volleyball rounds out the list of sports with significant growth in student-athlete participation, further demonstrating the diverse range of sports attracting college athletes.

The NCAA's relationship with money has been a subject of contention. The organization's status as the sole buyer of athletes' labor has raised questions about fair compensation. The NCAA generates billions in revenue, prompting debates on whether student-athletes should receive additional compensation beyond scholarships. In a recent Supreme Court ruling, it was determined that NCAA rules limiting education-related benefits violated antitrust laws. This decision has sparked further discussions and rule changes surrounding student-athlete compensation, ultimately reducing the NCAA's monopsony power.

The number of college athletes in 2023 has reached record-breaking heights, with over 520,000 student-athletes participating in NCAA championship sports. This surge can be attributed to various factors, including increased athletics department budgets and extended eligibility for student-athletes. The growth in participation spans across divisions, with Division III experiencing the most substantial increase. As college athletics continue to evolve, the ongoing debate on student-athlete compensation adds another layer of complexity to the landscape. Nevertheless, the surging numbers of college athletes highlight the enduring popularity and significance of sports in higher education.