Eight ACC programs amongst nation's top earners

Duke ranks 40th in the nation in athletic department profit, according to a new report from Businessofcollegesports.com.

The Blue Devils made more than 567 thousand dollars in profits during the 2010-11 year, the fourth highest total in the ACC. Seven other ACC schools were listed amongst the nation's top earners, led by Virginia–The Cavaliers' profit of more than 6 million dollars was good for 19th in the country. North Carolina ranked just ahead of Duke on the list, pulling in approximately 660 thousand dollars during the period.

Not surprisingly, it was schools with the biggest football programs that topped the list—Alabama, Penn State and Michigan were the top earners, as each made more than 26 million dollars in profit. Texas' athletic department was the biggest spender but also brought in the most revenue, earning them the fourth ranking.

According to the report, only 48 schools in the so-called "BCS" conferences turned a profit, and 13 of those netted less than one million dollars.