FCS power North Dakota State to provide athlete stipends

FARGO, N.D. – Football Championship Subdivision powerhouse North Dakota State said Thursday it will provide thousands of dollars in stipends to scholarship athletes in all 16 sports beginning next year, a move that could persuade other mid-majors to follow suit.

The plan to pay for the full cost of attending college originated with the most influential conferences at the Bowl Subdivision level, which approved the legislation in January after gaining autonomy from the NCAA.

NDSU officials say the additional cost will be up to $3,400 per full scholarship.

“This is not our student-athlete coming in and picking up a paycheck because they rushed for 200 yards or they threw a no-hitter or whatever it may be,” athletic director Matt Larsen said. “This is to cover the costs while they’re here as a student-athlete for North Dakota State.”