North Dakota State University’s football team has built a remarkable legacy, one that continues to thrive despite relatively modest spending compared to its FCS peers.
On January 6, 2025, the Bison captured their 10th national championship title, defeating top-ranked Montana State 35-32 in Frisco, Texas.
This victory is another chapter in a dynasty that has dominated the FCS landscape for over 15 years.
During this period, NDSU has consistently reached the semifinals or finals, missing out on a title only four times, a testament to their sustained excellence.
However, while NDSU’s on-field success has been undeniable, the financial aspect of their program tells a different story.
In the 2023 fiscal year, the university spent $6.4 million on football, which ranked 26th among FCS schools.
This is a far cry from Montana State’s $8.9 million, the highest spending in the division. Even more striking is the fact that NDSU’s football budget has actually decreased relative to other programs over the years.
In 2019, the Bison’s expenditure ranked 15th, but by 2023, it had fallen to 26th.
Despite this relatively low spending, NDSU has continued to win championships, proving that a high budget is not the only factor that contributes to success.
This trend of success, paired with a modest financial commitment, has led to constant calls from fans and alumni for the school to consider moving up to the FBS level.
Many other top FCS schools, such as Liberty and James Madison, have made the jump in recent years, often fueled by financial ambitions and the allure of a larger stage.
One notable distinction between FCS and FBS is the structure of their respective playoff systems. The FCS playoffs are organized by the NCAA and are part of a broader media deal with ESPN, worth $920 million over eight years. This setup has helped maintain the prominence of FCS football, although it remains distinct from the lucrative FBS College Football Playoff, which culminates in a national championship with considerable media attention and revenue.
The success of NDSU serves as a reminder that financial resources are important, but they are not the only determinant of success in college football. With a strategic approach, strong coaching, and a relentless drive to win, the Bison have proven that you don’t need the highest budget to achieve greatness on the football field. The question now is whether this dominance will continue or if the allure of FBS will eventually sway NDSU to make the leap to the higher division.
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