I don't know how much money GT earns on research but I would imagine it is a lot of money and it is also untouchable due to some legal framework.
Is the AA subsidized by the school in some way or is it self-sustaining? My understanding is that most collegiate athletic programs are not profitable and are subsidized by the school.
I think a vast majority of AAs lose money. But that is why donations to buy tickets, etc were instituted.
The "problem" is that almost all the other sports are sustained by football.
In Georgia I believe, but not sure, it is against state law for University funds to be used by athletic drpsrtments. Others may have more info.
The problem for GTAA, as compared to a lot of other schools, is that the Alumni Assn often seems as if they don't care if the GTAA succeeds or fails.
Have always found it strange that during the great Dodd days the GTAA would allow the Alumni Assn / Roll Call to pass containers down the aisles at a football game to solicit money.
But now the Alumni Assn seems to have forgotten those days.