Douglas Olsen
College football is a significant source of income for many universities, with students often paying high prices to attend games. While some colleges offer free tickets to students, others charge a flat fee for every home game, and prices can vary depending on the opponent. Students at some colleges pay a low student activity fee that includes football games, while others have payment plans or All-Sports Passes that give access to all sports for the season. With college football being an enduring tradition, a way of life, and a display of school spirit for many Americans, students are often willing to pay to attend games, even if it means a tight budget for other necessities.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colleges with free football tickets for students | University of South Carolina, Vanderbilt University |
| Colleges with paid football tickets for students | Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Louisiana State University, The Ohio State University, University of Michigan, Colorado University |
| Colleges with discounted football tickets for students | Oregon ($55), Arizona State ($150) |
| Colleges with a flat fee for multiple sports | BYU ($120 for football and other sports), Oregon State (yearly sum for football and basketball) |
| Colleges with payment plans for season tickets | NA |
| Colleges with resale opportunities | NA |
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What You'll Learn
- Student tickets vary in price and availability depending on the college
- Some colleges offer payment plans or season tickets to students
- Students have mixed opinions on paying for football tickets
- Colleges with successful teams tend to charge more for tickets
- Students can sometimes buy discounted tickets on game day
Student tickets vary in price and availability depending on the college
The price of college football tickets is a divisive issue among students. While some colleges offer free tickets to students, others charge high prices, with the average ticket for a Power Five Conference football team costing $147, exceeding the $107.50 average price of an NFL ticket. The University of South Carolina and Vanderbilt University are the only schools in the SEC that provide free football tickets to students. In contrast, Alabama students pay more on average per ticket, despite having more seats available in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Tennessee, LSU, and Colorado offer cheaper tickets to students, but the programs have not achieved the same level of success as Alabama.
Some colleges offer discounted tickets or reserved sections for students, while others have payment plans or resale opportunities to help students afford tickets. For example, BYU offers an "All-Sports Pass" for around $120, which includes season tickets for football and access to other sports. Oregon State includes the cost of sports tickets in the yearly student body fee, while Arizona State charges $150 for access to football and basketball games. Tennessee previously offered free tickets to students but now charges $10, a relatively low price compared to other colleges.
The demand for college football tickets is high, with stadiums consistently filled to capacity. The arrival of a new coach at Colorado University sparked a 285% increase in average ticket prices, from $73 to $281. Students at Colorado pay $517 on average to attend all six home games in 2023, almost half of their semester fees. While some students are willing to pay for tickets, others struggle to afford them, especially with the already high cost of college tuition.
The variation in ticket prices and availability among colleges reflects the different approaches taken by each institution. While some colleges prioritize accessibility by offering free or discounted tickets, others focus on revenue generation, taking advantage of the high demand for college football. The decision to charge for tickets may also be influenced by a college's football team's success, with Alabama's success justifying the ticket prices for some students. Overall, the availability and pricing of student tickets vary depending on the college, impacting students' ability to attend games and support their school teams.
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Some colleges offer payment plans or season tickets to students
The cost of attending college football games has become unaffordable for many students, especially for schools with competitive Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) teams. The average ticket for a Power Five Conference football team is $147, well above the average price of an NFL ticket.
Some colleges also offer discounted tickets for students. At UVA, students pay a low student activity fee and can swipe in for football games, sitting in the student section. Other colleges, such as Oregon State, include the cost of tickets in the yearly student body sum, essentially providing free tickets to students.
The University of South Carolina and Vanderbilt University are the only schools in the SEC that provide free football tickets to students. On the other hand, Alabama is known for charging its students for tickets, with prices ranging from $470 to $517 for all home games.
While some students are fortunate to have access to free or discounted tickets, others must weigh their enthusiasm for supporting their school's football team against their tight budgets.
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Students have mixed opinions on paying for football tickets
Students across various colleges have differing opinions on paying for football tickets. While some believe that students shouldn't have to pay for tickets, others are willing to pay, especially if their college has a successful football team.
At the University of South Carolina and Vanderbilt University, students don't have to pay for football tickets, as these are the only schools in the SEC that provide free tickets. On the other hand, Alabama students have to pay for tickets, and some are okay with this because of their team's success. Alabama students attending Auburn University pay more per ticket, despite having more seats available in the Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Students at the University of Tennessee, Louisiana State University, The Ohio State University, and the University of Michigan pay a consistent price for every home game, regardless of the opponent. Tennessee and LSU charge relatively lower prices, contributing to their lower attendance numbers compared to Alabama.
Some colleges offer discounted tickets or payment plans to make it more affordable for students. For example, BYU has an "All-Sports Pass" for around $120, which includes season tickets for football and access to other sports. Similarly, Arizona State offers access to football and basketball games for $150. At UVA, students pay a low student activity fee that covers football games, and they can purchase additional tickets for parents or friends.
With the high demand for college football and the limited number of seats, ticket prices can be quite expensive. The average ticket for a Power Five Conference football team is $147, significantly higher than the average NFL ticket price of $107.50. At Colorado University, the average ticket price increased by 285% from $73 to $281 with the arrival of a new coach.
While some students are willing to pay to support their team, for others, the cost of tickets can be a significant financial burden, especially with the already high cost of college tuition.
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Colleges with successful teams tend to charge more for tickets
The pricing of college football tickets is a complex issue, with many factors influencing the cost. One significant factor is the success of the team. Colleges with consistently successful teams, such as Alabama, can charge higher prices due to their popularity and winning record. Conversely, colleges with less successful teams may opt for lower ticket prices to attract more spectators.
For example, the University of Tennessee, Louisiana State University, The Ohio State University, and the University of Michigan charge a flat fee for every home football game, regardless of the opponent. On the other hand, Alabama and Auburn vary their ticket prices, with Auburn students paying more on average despite having more seats available in their stadium. This could be attributed to Alabama's highly successful football program, with its 15th consecutive 10-win season in 2022, setting an NCAA record.
The demand for tickets also plays a crucial role in pricing. High-demand games, such as rivalry matches, can command higher prices due to increased interest. The location of the school is another factor, with colleges in larger cities or metropolitan areas tending to have higher ticket prices due to a larger fan base and greater demand. Conversely, colleges in rural or smaller towns may set lower prices to attract a sufficient number of spectators.
College athletic departments must consider the balance between revenue generation and attendance. While successful teams can charge more, they also need to ensure that tickets remain affordable for students and fans. Some colleges offer discounted tickets or special promotions to strike this balance. Additionally, colleges may employ variable ticket pricing, adjusting prices based on factors such as the opponent, day of the week, or holidays.
The cost of college football tickets can be a significant expense for students, especially those on tight budgets. Some colleges, like the University of South Carolina and Vanderbilt University, provide free football tickets to students. Others may offer discounted rates or include the cost in student activity fees. Ultimately, the pricing of college football tickets is influenced by a combination of factors, including team success, demand, location, and the college's revenue and attendance goals.
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Students can sometimes buy discounted tickets on game day
The cost of attending college football games has become unaffordable for many students. The average ticket for a Power Five Conference football team is $147, which is well above the average price of an NFL ticket. Even so, college football stands remain packed, with the top 20 teams filling their stadiums to at least 92% capacity in 2022.
Some colleges offer discounted tickets for students, with some schools providing free tickets. For example, the University of South Carolina and Vanderbilt University are the only schools in the SEC that provide free football tickets to students. Tennessee, LSU, Oregon State, and Arizona State also offer discounted tickets for students. At UVA, students pay a low student activity fee and can swipe in for football games, sitting in the student section. BYU offers an "All-Sports Pass" for around $120, which includes season tickets for football and access to any other sport for the entire season.
At other colleges, students pay a flat fee for tickets, regardless of the opponent. This includes the University of Tennessee, Louisiana State University, The Ohio State University, and the University of Michigan. Alabama is another school that charges its students for tickets, with tickets costing $470 on average in 2023.
While some students are fortunate to have discounted or free tickets, others must pay full price. The high cost of tickets can be a significant expense for students, especially those on a tight budget.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the college. While some colleges offer free tickets to students, others provide discounted tickets or season passes. Some colleges with competitive teams even charge higher prices for student tickets.
The University of South Carolina and Vanderbilt University are the only schools in the SEC that provide free football tickets to students. Oregon State also offered free tickets until a few years ago.
Colorado University, where the average ticket price rose from $73 to $281 in 2023, has one of the highest ticket prices. Other colleges with expensive tickets include Ohio State ($512), Tennessee ($492), Notre Dame ($481), and Alabama ($470).
Yes, some colleges offer season passes or payment plans to spread the cost. Colleges like BYU have an "All-Sports Pass" that includes football and other sports. Additionally, student tickets are often distributed through the school's official website, student services, or a dedicated ticketing platform.
