MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW)-- Kansas State University leads the nation in paying its way in athletics.

A USA Today study of 99 college programs in 2010 and 2011 found a large disparity among the schools that pay for themselves and those that don't.

The difference is between what revenue a school generates minus its operating expenses, and KSU is the leader in efficiency.

The USA survey indicated K State generated over $66 million dollars in the 2010-2011 school year and had the lowest operating expenses of any of the top schools at just over $46.5 million. That difference is some $20 million dollars.

That put K State almost $4 million ahead of second place Texas, in terms of paying for itself.

The USA Today survey showed only 22 of 227 Division One schools generated enough income to cover expenses.The income comes from media rights contracts, ticket sales, donations and other sources.

The USA Today article said the large disparity between the haves and have nots in major sports could lead to the 60 schools in the Top 6 conferences, separating from the NCAA into a new so-called super division in athletics.