About ROA

What is Return on Athletics^®?

Return on Athletics (ROA) is the NAIA’s proprietary approach to the management of collegiate athletics. It distinguishes the NAIA from its competitors by aligning collegiate athletics with the priorities of our member institutions, specifically enrollment, student success, and financial viability.

It’s no secret that participation in collegiate athletics can positively shape a student-athlete’s future. In addition to scholarship dollars, benefits can include the development of leadership skills, a strong work ethic, and lifelong relationships. But what about the college itself? Is it possible to measure the return on athletics at the institutional level?

The NAIA believes so and is working to identify measurable, quantifiable benefits. While anecdotes can convey the importance of athletics to institutional culture, there is a need for data that can quantify the benefits of NAIA membership to an institution. ROA is the NAIA’s proprietary approach to the management of collegiate athletics, putting the business of our member institutions front and center.

To learn more about the Return on Athletics – go to NAIA.org/ROA