Avid: You've gotten a number of very good answers to your original question.
I'll just add one more simple answer: In most cases, the student/athlete you're asking about isn't paying the 30+ grand/year. Rather, he has parents that really love and support him and his dream of playing DI football.
As for the guys that come back for a 5th year, in most cases it's not really a year. Most guys simply go back for the fall semester and only take the minimum number of hours required by the NCAA to be eligible (6). So, while it's not free, it's not as expensive as a full year or even a full semester. Having said that, in most cases the answer is the same; they come back for a 5th "year" b/c they have parents that love/support them.
As for me, I would have happily paid double for the friendships, enjoyment and pride I've experienced over the past 4 years. Looking forward to this last ride beginning in the fall.
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