Question 1

Is NILvault really free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NILvault is 100% free for student athletes. We don’t charge platform fees and we never take a cut of your deals. The core tools — media kit, public page, earnings tracker, tax estimator, and compliance toolkit — are all free.

Question 2

How does NILvault make money if it’s free for athletes?

Accepted Answer

Our business model is built around schools, partners, and optional premium services — never around taking money out of an athlete’s pocket. The athlete tools stay free.

Question 3

Will using NILvault affect my eligibility?

Accepted Answer

No. NILvault is a compliance and deal-management tool, not a pay-for-play marketplace. We built it around today’s rules — including College Sports Commission (CSC) / NIL Go reporting for Division I deals of $600+, plus state laws and school policy — with disclosure reminders to help you stay eligible. Always confirm specifics with your school’s compliance office.

Question 4

Why do you ask for my .edu email?

Accepted Answer

Your school email helps us verify that you’re a current student athlete, which keeps the community trusted and helps brands know they’re working with real athletes. We don’t share or sell it.

Question 5

Do I need a big following to use NILvault or get deals?

Accepted Answer

Not at all. Brands increasingly value engaged, local, and authentic audiences over raw follower counts. Athletes with a few thousand engaged followers land deals all the time — and our media kit helps you present your value.

Question 6

What is a media kit and how do I get one?

Accepted Answer

A media kit is a one-page snapshot brands use to evaluate you — your stats, audience, and highlights. NILvault builds yours automatically from your profile, and you can download it as a PDF or share a link.

Question 7

Do I have to pay taxes on my NIL income?

Accepted Answer

Generally yes — NIL income is usually self-employment income. Our free Tax Estimator helps you figure out how much to set aside and when quarterly payments are due. It’s educational, not a substitute for a tax professional.

Question 8

How do I keep my information private?

Accepted Answer

Your data is encrypted in transit and at rest, and we’re FERPA-aware in how we handle student information. You control whether your athlete page is public. We never sell your data. See our Privacy Policy for details.

Question 9

Can my whole team use it?

Accepted Answer

Yes. NILvault works for individual athletes and entire teams. Many athletes invite teammates — and our Ambassador Program rewards athletes who bring their school on board.

Question 10

How do I get help?

Accepted Answer

Reach us anytime at info@nilvaultai.com or 888-377-4213, or use the Contact page. We’re here to help you get set up and get paid.

Question 11

What does NIL actually stand for?

Accepted Answer

NIL stands for Name, Image, and Likeness. It refers to your right to earn money from your personal brand — things like sponsorships, social media posts, autographs, appearances, camps, and merchandise. Our beginner’s guide, “What Is NIL?”, breaks it all down in plain English.

Question 12

Can high school athletes get NIL deals?

Accepted Answer

In many states, yes — a majority of state high school associations now allow some form of NIL activity, though the rules vary widely by state and often restrict school logos, boosters, and certain categories. Always check your state association and school policy first. See our guide on NIL for high school athletes for details.

Question 13

What is NIL Go and do I have to use it?

Accepted Answer

NIL Go is the clearinghouse run by the College Sports Commission (CSC) where Division I athletes submit third-party NIL deals of $600 or more for review, generally within a short window after signing. It checks that deals reflect fair market value. Our NIL Go reporting guide walks through exactly what to submit and when.

Question 14

Do I need to report deals under $600?

Accepted Answer

The $600 threshold is the point at which Division I third-party deals must be submitted to NIL Go, and it’s also the common threshold at which payers issue a 1099. Even below $600, you should keep records and report the income on your taxes. When in doubt, log everything and confirm with your compliance office.

Question 15

What is the House settlement and does it affect me?

Accepted Answer

The House v. NCAA settlement, approved in 2025, allows schools to share revenue directly with athletes (up to a cap of roughly $20.5M per school in year one) on top of third-party NIL deals. It reshaped how college athletes get paid. Our House settlement guide explains what it means for you.

Question 16

Can I keep my NIL deals if I transfer?

Accepted Answer

It depends on how each deal is written. Deals tied to a specific school or collective usually end when you leave, while deals directly with a national brand may follow you. Read the term and termination language before you sign. Our transfer portal guide covers what to look for.

Question 17

Does NIL income affect my financial aid or FAFSA?

Accepted Answer

It can. NIL earnings are income and may factor into need-based aid calculations, though they don’t reduce the value of your athletic scholarship. The impact depends on amounts and timing. Our guide on NIL and financial aid explains how to plan ahead — and it’s wise to talk with your financial aid office.

Question 18

How much should I set aside for taxes?

Accepted Answer

A common rule of thumb is to set aside 25–30% of your NIL income for federal and state taxes, since it’s usually self-employment income. Our free Tax Estimator gives you a personalized number and quarterly due dates. See “How NIL Taxes Work” to understand the full picture.

Question 19

How do I price my first NIL deal?

Accepted Answer

Pricing depends on your audience size, engagement, the deliverables, and the usage rights the brand wants. Undercharging is common early on. Our guide on how to price NIL deals gives you frameworks and starting ranges so you can quote with confidence.

Question 20

How do I land my first NIL deal?

Accepted Answer

Start by building a strong profile and media kit, then reach out to local businesses and brands you genuinely use. Consistency and authenticity matter more than follower count. Our guide on landing your first NIL deal gives you a step-by-step outreach plan.

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