The sweeping sanctions against Pennsylvania State University's vaunted football program—including a $60 million fine, a prohibition on bowl-game appearances and fewer scholarships—fell short of a "death penalty" for the program, but it delivered a severe hit to the prestige of the university.

The National Collegiate Athletic Association said the penalties, which came as a heavy blow to many Penn State students and alumni, were intended to rebuild "a culture that went terribly awry" in dealing with child sexual abuse by an...