The Effect of Collegiate Athletics on Alumni Generosity

Abstract

This study tests the effect collegiate athletics plays within the parameters of a model for alumni giving. A sample of over 650 schools, both with and without athletic programs, indicates universities participating in NCAA football can see substantial increases in alumni revenues, while basketball programs have no significant bearing on contributions. Further investigation into the relative success of an athletic team proves inconsequential, concluding that it is not how well a university performs; only that it performs at all.