Return on Athletics® (ROA)

Athletics that Impact Your Bottom Line

Return on Athletics® (ROA) is a resource exclusive to NAIA members – and there’s nothing else like it in small college athletics. ROA aggregates financial data from the NAIA’s 250 member institutions into clear, consistent benchmarks so you can see how your athletics department performs compared to your peers.

The result? Data you can actually act on — to optimize spending, grow enrollment, and get more value from every dollar your institution invests in athletics.

Why It Matters

The NAIA is the expert in the business of small college athletics — and the data proves it. Since 2019-20, member institutions have seen measurable gains in recruitment, retention, and financial sustainability. These results show what's possible when athletics is treated as a strategic investment, not just a line item.

of NAIA athletics departments realize a positive net return on student-athlete enrollment

increase in average net return

increase in average net tuition revenue

increase in average student-athlete enrollment

Is NAIA the Right Fit for Your Institution?

Curious if NAIA membership could strengthen your bottom line? Get a confidential peer comparison on enrollment, investment, and growth.

Contact Nick Davidson at ndavidson@naia.org
Vice President of Membership Recruitment and Retention

Support Student success, increase revenue, and drive enrollment are all equally important in return on athletics

Return on Athletics® (ROA) supports the key priorities of NAIA member institutions — enrollment, student success, and financial viability — by leveraging simple and consistent calculations to maximize the business performance of their athletic departments.

NAIA schools maximize their Return on Athletics®

$ MM

Average athletics department net return

Average net return per student-athlete

$ MM+

Average net return of Top 100 Directors’ Cup schools

Average increase in NAIA student- athlete participation over five years

COVID years have been removed from statistical analysis.

Read the Research

See the testimonials

"ROA has been invaluable for our community... It has helped to inform ways in which we can consider expanding in athletics on our campus and the potential return on investment."

Dr. Amy Novak
President, St. Ambrose University (Iowa)

“Nelson was able to design an enrollment management plan that fit within realistic discount rates, met revenue goals, and grew student-athlete enrollment."

Dr. Jesse Godding
Athletics Director, Nelson University (Texas)

“Having a tool that helps us consider options that will grow our financial and recruiting viability, and our roster sizes, is crucial.”

Dr. Roger Drake
President, Central Methodist University (Mo.)