In U.S. higher education institutions, a student–athlete is any full-time enrolled student (undergraduate or graduate) who participates on a team sponsored by the institution that competes in intercollegiate sports at the varsity level. At many 2- and 4-year institutions that sponsor athletic programs, student–athletes receive some benefit for their participation in their chosen sport or sports. These benefits can include but are not limited to an athletic scholarship and financial resources for books, housing, and additional resources to cover the cost of living.

Sponsorship of athletics by an institution includes formal endorsement and recognition of the athletics program and its teams. This formal sponsorship includes furnishing teams with financial resources for coaches’ salaries, equipment, and athletic facilities, in addition to maintaining membership with at least one ...