Final answer:
Nonoperating revenue for colleges includes income not tied to their primary educational mission, such as endowment income and donations, potentially affecting discussions around paying student athletes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Nonoperating revenue for colleges typically includes income streams that are not related to the core educational services that the institution provides. Examples of nonoperating revenue can include endowment income, donations, and revenue from investments. When considering the context of paying student athletes, nonoperating revenue could potentially be used to supplement teacher salaries or fund athletic programs, which might include scholarships or stipends for athletes. However, this is a polarizing topic, as there are arguments both for and against the payment of student athletes. Proponents of paying student athletes argue that it could help in recruiting talent and compensating them for the revenue they generate, while opponents raise concerns about the potential impact on the amateur status of college sports and financial sustainability for the colleges.