St. Cloud State to pay all athlete costs in hockey

St. Cloud State is joining the parade of schools that will pay the total cost of attendance for at least some athletes.

The so-called "cost of attendance" policies go beyond the tuition, fees and room and board expenses covered by traditional scholarships. They would cover additional things such as travel expenses and extra food.

The St. Cloud Times reports the policy will start in fall 2016 for men's and women's hockey, where the school plays Division I. The Huskies are Division II in other sports.

Athletic director Heather Weems says the change has been driven in part by lawsuits against the NCAA over what some people see as profiting from athletes, especially in football.

North Dakota State and the University of North Dakota recently announced similar moves.