This could change with television contracts being what they are and all. I'm sure (or at least I hope) a school like Arizona State or USC makes money on their atheletic program given tickets going for as much as they do and TV and all of that. But what about Cal State Santa Barbara? What about University of Texas at El Paso? What about Western Michigan? They have the same equipment costs, the same travel costs, the same ridiculous costs to operate stadiums...
How much did it cost for you to attend college? Higher education received funding from the state at one point. As that money kept decreasing the cost kept rising. It costs over $600,000 to obtain a degree in law or to become a doctor. I know you didn't pay that amount.
I think college is way overrated. Unless you get a degree from a well ranked college or get a degree that is academically very tough it really isn't worth it. We need more trade schools and apprenticeship opportunities an less colleges. I know so many guys in trades who are doing way better than college grads. The problem is most colleges in particular those that have low sat requirements and for profit colleges are in the business of selling dreams to students that most likely won't come true. They make the student feel special and important like they can do anything they want with hard work when in fact intellectual abilities students are born with has a much bigger impact in future jobs than the degrees they get. It use to be many years ago that the trades were good for your average ability student to find a good paying job after trade school and college was reserved for the top of class kids. Many good paying jobs that require a degree want someone with above average intellect not just average. I have met many just average ability adults who make good money in trades. I have not met many just average ability college grads with easy college degrees with great salaries out of college.
In the 1970s, I paid $8000 for a four year degree in Engineering. Tuition, room and board My beer bill was slightly higher