Big East Commissioner Val Ackerman Wednesday said the NCAA has recently implemented positive change for student athletes’ compensation.

Continue Reading Below

“It’s the time to look at the overall package that the student athletes get,” Ackerman said during an exclusive interview with Maria Bartiromo on “Mornings with Maria.” “The NCAA has been looking hard at that over the last couple of years.”

Division I and II schools provide more than $2.9 billion in athletic scholarships annually to more than 150,000 athletes, according to the NCAA.

Full scholarships cover tuition and fees, room and board and books. Most student-athletes awarded with an athletic scholarship receive an amount that will cover a portion of these costs. The NCAA also assists student athletes with financial aid programs.

“Being able to go to school, get a degree and come out debt free is a pretty big benefit,” Ackerman added.