While university athletic departments haul 
in millions of dollars per year, student-athletes aren't paid for their services.
in millions of dollars per year, student-athletes aren't paid for their services.
Mark Turgeon, the head coach of the Maryland men's basketball team, earned roughly $2.3 million the past year.
The disparity between athletic department income and player compensation is unjust, according to University of Maryland senior Ryan Baillargeon.
"If you take a guy like Kris Jenkins from Villanova, who hit that game-wining shot in the national championship, he brought so much revenue to Villanova with just that shot," Baillargeon said. "And he's seeing nothing for that."
University of Maryland's athletic department brings in $55.3 million in 2014
Athletic department revenue has increased substantially over the past decade, according to The Washington Post.
The University of Maryland earned $42 million in 2004, before hauling in $55.3 million in 2014.
Other Big Ten Schools have brought in much more money, though.
The top-six Big Ten schools earned an average of $123.35 million in 2014. Michigan hauled in $158 million.
Though progress has been made with the stipends, many believe student-athletes are deserving of more money, considering how wealthy athletic departments are becoming.
"We need to somehow find a mix where guys who are bringing in this much revenue for their schools are actually getting some in return," Baillargeon said.
NCAA answers critics by giving $5,000 stipends to basketball players
Starting with the 2015-2016 school year, Division I athletes earned additional stipends to their scholarships.
The stipends, usually worth around $5,000, are supposed to cover the "incidental costs" of college life — laundry money, student fees, movies, etc.
George Solomon, a former Washington Post sports editor, believes this was a fair compromise.
"I think it's much deserved," Solomon said.
The additional compensation came in the wake of former Northwestern quarterback Kain Colter making headlines for leading a union movement for his teammates.
Colter led a group of Northwestern students that appealed to the National Labor Relations Board.
In August 2015, the National Labor Relations Board rejected the bid.
"I also don't feel that under the terms of the a union worker, that that would stand," Solomon said. "And I don't think college athletes are union employees. I think they're still students."
George Solomon says free housing and tuition are enough compensation for student-athletes
Not everyone agrees with Baillargeon, though.
Solomon said student-athletes should receive some compensation, but not salaries akin to professional athletes.
"They should have enough money to subsist, and to do the normal things college students do." Solomon said. "Whether it's an additional $5,000 a year, or even more. I think it's much deserved. On the other hand, I don't believe in them being paid as professionals.
Division I men's basketball teams are afforded 13 scholarships each year.
In addition to receiving free tuition, players often receive free housing and generous meal plans.
That's why they don't need additional financial support, Solomon said.
"I think they should be compensated more than they were," Solomon said. "That being said, I still don't think they should be paid like professionals."
