Do College Hockey Players Get Paid
College hockey is changing fast. Players don't get traditional salaries, but new opportunities are emerging in 2025. The rules players followed for years are shifting right now. Do college hockey players get paid? The answer is becoming more complicated and way more interesting.
What college hockey players actually earn
College hockey players earn money through three main sources. Scholarships cover tuition, room, and board. Many schools also provide expense stipends for meals, equipment, and travel. Starting in 2025-26, schools can now pay players directly through revenue-sharing programs. A top player might earn anywhere from partial scholarships to six-figure contracts. The amount depends on talent, position, and school resources (basically, how much money your school has to spend).
The big NCAA changes coming in 2025
The House v. NCAA settlement changed everything. Schools can now pay athletes directly starting next season. Athletic departments will distribute around $20.5 million annualy per school to compensate players. Top hockey players could sign contracts worth serious money. Players who played in junior leagues like the CHL can now join NCAA teams without losing eligibility if they only received expense money. Scholarship limits also increased from 18 to 26 per Division I program.
Playing junior hockey without losing eligibility
This rule is huge for player development. CHL players who earned only meal, lodging, and equipment stipends can now play NCAA Division I hockey. Previously, any compensation meant losing college eligibility. Now players can develop in junior leagues and still reach college hockey. Coaches have more flexibility recruiting players with professional experience. Players have more options for their career paths, which is pretty cool.
What this means for your hockey future
If you're a player or parent, track every payment carefully. Understand your contract terms before signing anything. Ask your school exactly what compensation you're receiving and why. These changes affect recruitment decisions compare schools based on scholarships plus potential direct payments. Don't assume all schools offer equal support. Talk to current players about real costs and actual payments. The landscape keeps changing, so stay informed about NCAA policy updates and your school's specific offerings.
This material is AI-assisted. See something that doesn't look right? Contact zoneonecomplex at [email protected].