VERMILLION, S.D.—University of South Dakota department of athletics announced today it will provide cost of attendance stipends in all 17 sports beginning with the 2016-17 season.

"Being a student-athlete at South Dakota is a full-time commitment and as such, it's important that we support our athletes in any way we can," said South Dakota Athletics Director David Herbster . "We are fully committed to a Division I championship mindset and this is the next step for Coyote athletics."

Cost of attendance is the gap between the full cost of attendance and the value of tuition, fees, room, board and books, which is the traditional definition of a scholarship. NCAA rules adopted in January and put into place Aug. 1 now allow for scholarships to include expenses such as academic-related supplies, transportation and other personal incidentals. The value of those benefits at University of South Dakota will be up to $4,145 per full scholarship.

Since gaining full Division I membership in 2012-13, USD athletics has quickly established itself with multiple conference championships, NCAA appearances, and a national champion pole vaulter. Additionally, South Dakota won the South Dakota Corn Showdown Series in 2014-15. Academically, Coyote student-athletes achieved a 3.3 grade point average in 2014-15 and nearly 70 percent currently carry a 3.0 GPA or higher.

"This is an exciting time to be a Coyote," said Herbster. "Support for our recent facility improvements has come from far and wide. Our fans have spoken. Coyote athletics is important to them and they have asked us to provide our student-athletes and coaches with the resources to win championships. Cost of attendance stipends will combine with the academic reputation of USD, an elite coaching staff, new facilities, and best in-region residence halls as proof that we are in it to win it."