VERMILLION, S.D. (AP) — The University of South Dakota says it will provide stipends to all of its scholarship athletes in 17 sports beginning with the 2016-17 season.

Friday's move follows recent announcements by North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota.

University of South Dakota Athletics Director David Herbster says being a Coyote student-athlete is a full-time commitment, and it's important for the school to support its athletes in any way it can.

The stipends cover expenses beyond the standard room, board and books, such as academic-related supplies, transportation and other personal incidentals. NCAA rules adopted in January and put into place last month now allow for scholarships to include such additions.

USD says the value of the benefits will be up to $4,145 per full scholarship.

Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

More From KSOO-AM / ESPN Sioux Falls