API Access Tiers

This is the main pricing surface for CollegeFootballData.com. Start with a free key, use the exporter to prove your workflow, then step into higher tiers only when you need more calls, live data, or GraphQL access.

No setup fees

Cancel anytime

Academic tier available

Which tier should I choose?

Start with the buyer path, then compare the full tiers

Most visitors fit one of these three paths. The detailed tier cards below are still here when you need every limit and feature.

Testing

Free is right when you are validating an idea

Use the free key for docs, sample requests, and small exporter pulls before you decide what the season workflow needs.

1,000 calls/month
Historical data and core endpoints
No credit card

Best fit for modelers

Tier 2 fits heavier analytics and recurring exporter work

Choose Tier 2 when notebooks, weekly pulls, and model refreshes need more room than the free tier.

30,000 calls/month
Live play-by-play included
Good fit for recurring exports

App builders

Tier 3+ is for apps, live data, GraphQL, and higher volume

Move into Tier 3 or above when you are building products, using GraphQL, or expecting repeated in-season traffic.

GraphQL access
Higher monthly call limits
Live-data product workflows

Call volume

Monthly limits control how often your workflows can hit the API.

Live data

Live scoreboard and play data matter most for in-season apps and tools.

GraphQL

Tier 3+ adds GraphQL for builders who want more precise queries and subscriptions.

Supporter benefits

Patreon support also powers ad-free use and premium workflow features across the site.

Full comparison

Tier-by-tier API access

Scroll to view all tiers

Start Here

Free

Perfect for getting started

Free

1k API calls/month

What's Included

Basic API Endpoints
Games, teams, conferences, etc.
Historical Data
Access to past seasons data
Team Statistics
Season and game-level team stats
Player Statistics
Individual player performance data
Recruiting Data
Player recruiting information
Betting Lines
Historical betting odds and spreads
Advanced Metrics
EPA, PPA, Win Probability, etc.

Student Discount

Academic

For students and researchers

Free

3k API calls/month

What's Included

Basic API Endpoints
Games, teams, conferences, etc.
Historical Data
Access to past seasons data
Team Statistics
Season and game-level team stats
Player Statistics
Individual player performance data
Recruiting Data
Player recruiting information
Betting Lines
Historical betting odds and spreads
Advanced Metrics
EPA, PPA, Win Probability, etc.

Requires registration with a .edu email address

Tier 1

For hobbyists and small projects

$1/month

5k API calls/month

What's Included

Basic API Endpoints
Games, teams, conferences, etc.
Historical Data
Access to past seasons data
Team Statistics
Season and game-level team stats
Player Statistics
Individual player performance data
Recruiting Data
Player recruiting information
Betting Lines
Historical betting odds and spreads
Advanced Metrics
EPA, PPA, Win Probability, etc.
Opponent Adjusted Metrics
Metrics adjusted for opponent strength
Weather Data
Game weather conditions
Live Scoreboard
Real-time game scores and updates

Tier 2

What's Included

Basic API Endpoints
Games, teams, conferences, etc.
Historical Data
Access to past seasons data
Team Statistics
Season and game-level team stats
Player Statistics
Individual player performance data
Recruiting Data
Player recruiting information
Betting Lines
Historical betting odds and spreads
Advanced Metrics
EPA, PPA, Win Probability, etc.
Opponent Adjusted Metrics
Metrics adjusted for opponent strength
Weather Data
Game weather conditions
Live Scoreboard
Real-time game scores and updates
Live Play-by-Play
Real-time play data during games

Tier 3

Dynamic data access

$10/month

75k API calls/month

What's Included

Basic API Endpoints
Games, teams, conferences, etc.
Historical Data
Access to past seasons data
Team Statistics
Season and game-level team stats
Player Statistics
Individual player performance data
Recruiting Data
Player recruiting information
Betting Lines
Historical betting odds and spreads
Advanced Metrics
EPA, PPA, Win Probability, etc.
Opponent Adjusted Metrics
Metrics adjusted for opponent strength
Weather Data
Game weather conditions
Live Scoreboard
Real-time game scores and updates
Live Play-by-Play
Real-time play data during games
GraphQL API
Advanced query capabilities with subscriptions

Tier 4

Scaling up your application

$15/month

125k API calls/month

What's Included

Basic API Endpoints
Games, teams, conferences, etc.
Historical Data
Access to past seasons data
Team Statistics
Season and game-level team stats
Player Statistics
Individual player performance data
Recruiting Data
Player recruiting information
Betting Lines
Historical betting odds and spreads
Advanced Metrics
EPA, PPA, Win Probability, etc.
Opponent Adjusted Metrics
Metrics adjusted for opponent strength
Weather Data
Game weather conditions
Live Scoreboard
Real-time game scores and updates
Live Play-by-Play
Real-time play data during games
GraphQL API
Advanced query capabilities with subscriptions

Tier 5

High-volume applications

$20/month

200k API calls/month

What's Included

Basic API Endpoints
Games, teams, conferences, etc.
Historical Data
Access to past seasons data
Team Statistics
Season and game-level team stats
Player Statistics
Individual player performance data
Recruiting Data
Player recruiting information
Betting Lines
Historical betting odds and spreads
Advanced Metrics
EPA, PPA, Win Probability, etc.
Opponent Adjusted Metrics
Metrics adjusted for opponent strength
Weather Data
Game weather conditions
Live Scoreboard
Real-time game scores and updates
Live Play-by-Play
Real-time play data during games
GraphQL API
Advanced query capabilities with subscriptions

Tier 6

Very high-volume applications

$30/month

500k API calls/month

What's Included

Basic API Endpoints
Games, teams, conferences, etc.
Historical Data
Access to past seasons data
Team Statistics
Season and game-level team stats
Player Statistics
Individual player performance data
Recruiting Data
Player recruiting information
Betting Lines
Historical betting odds and spreads
Advanced Metrics
EPA, PPA, Win Probability, etc.
Opponent Adjusted Metrics
Metrics adjusted for opponent strength
Weather Data
Game weather conditions
Live Scoreboard
Real-time game scores and updates
Live Play-by-Play
Real-time play data during games
GraphQL API
Advanced query capabilities with subscriptions

Swipe to view all tiers

Start Here

Free

Perfect for getting started

Free

1k calls/mo

Included

Basic API Endpoints
Historical Data
Team Statistics
Player Statistics
+3 more features

Student Discount

Academic

For students and researchers

Free

3k calls/mo

Included

Basic API Endpoints
Historical Data
Team Statistics
Player Statistics
+3 more features

Requires registration with a .edu email address

Tier 1

For hobbyists and small projects

$1/month

5k calls/mo

Included

Basic API Endpoints
Historical Data
Team Statistics
Player Statistics
+6 more features

Tier 2

Included

Basic API Endpoints
Historical Data
Team Statistics
Player Statistics
+7 more features

Tier 3

Dynamic data access

$10/month

75k calls/mo

Included

Basic API Endpoints
Historical Data
Team Statistics
Player Statistics
+8 more features

Tier 4

Scaling up your application

$15/month

125k calls/mo

Included

Basic API Endpoints
Historical Data
Team Statistics
Player Statistics
+8 more features

Tier 5

High-volume applications

$20/month

200k calls/mo

Included

Basic API Endpoints
Historical Data
Team Statistics
Player Statistics
+8 more features

Tier 6

Very high-volume applications

$30/month

500k calls/mo

Included

Basic API Endpoints
Historical Data
Team Statistics
Player Statistics
+8 more features

Detailed Feature Comparison

Complete breakdown of features available in each tier

Feature	Free	Academic	Tier 1	Tier 2	Tier 3	Tier 4	Tier 5	Tier 6
Basic API Endpoints Games, teams, conferences, etc.
Historical Data Access to past seasons data
Team Statistics Season and game-level team stats
Player Statistics Individual player performance data
Recruiting Data Player recruiting information
Betting Lines Historical betting odds and spreads
Advanced Metrics EPA, PPA, Win Probability, etc.
Opponent Adjusted Metrics Metrics adjusted for opponent strength
Weather Data Game weather conditions
Live Scoreboard Real-time game scores and updates
Live Play-by-Play Real-time play data during games
GraphQL API Advanced query capabilities with subscriptions

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about CFBD API access tiers

What happens if I exceed my monthly call limit?

Your API key may be temporarily disabled until the next month. You can upgrade to a higher tier at any time to increase your limit.

Can I change tiers anytime?

What's the difference between REST API and GraphQL?

Do you offer academic discounts?

Ready to Get Started?

Start with our free tier and upgrade as your needs grow.