Digging Deeper into the Numbers
The decision to attend college is often seen as a pivotal moment in a person’s life. It’s a time filled with dreams, aspirations, and the promise of a brighter future. For student-athletes, the journey to college is imbued with the pursuit of athletic excellence and educational achievement. However, the real measure of success lies not just in attending college but in graduating. We’ll discuss the academic challenges that student-athletes face, examine the actual graduation rates across collegiate athletic associations, pinpoint reasons behind student-athletes not graduating, and discuss what student-athletes should consider when selecting a college or university to maximize their chances of graduating.
Academic Challenges Faced by Student-Athletes
Student-athletes live a unique dual life, balancing rigorous academic demands with the intense commitment required for their sport. The grueling practice schedules, travel for games, and other athletic responsibilities can be academically challenging. The pressure to perform on the field or court while also excelling in the classroom is a constant juggling act that can affect their academic progress.
Actual Graduation Rates Across Collegiate Athletic Associations
Believe it or not, college graduation rates among student-athletes is roughly 8% – 12% higher than the general student population. Student-athletes in some sports average a 97% graduation rate! The actual graduation rates may vary across different collegiate athletic associations, and graduation rates within each association member school will vary as well. The higher graduation rate among student-athletes may be attributed to more college academic preparation and better time management than non-athletes.
While the NAIA and NJCAA do not publish graduation rates, they both encourage their respective member schools to support student-athletes to achieve high GPAs and to graduate. In recent years, the NCAA has made a concerted effort to increase its member schools’ graduation rates, and this effort has been notable. As of 2022, the NCAA has boasted these graduation rates:
- NCAA Division I: 90%
- NCAA Division II: 76%
- NCAA Division III: 88%
Why Some Student-Athletes Do Not Graduate
Several factors can contribute to student-athletes not graduating. These include the demands of their sport, time management issues, academic struggles, and sometimes inadequate support from their schools. Balancing a full-time sport and a full-time academic load can be overwhelming, and without proper resources and guidance, student-athletes may falter. To mitigate the chances of not graduating, you need to be thorough when researching and learning about any collegiate sports program in which you’re interested.
What Student-Athletes Should Look For When Selecting a College or University
When choosing a college or university, student-athletes should prioritize factors that maximize their chances of graduating. Look for institutions that offer academic support services tailored to the needs of student-athletes. Consider the school’s commitment to both athletic and academic success. Evaluate the team’s academic performance and the resources available for student-athletes. During your unofficial and official visits, ask coaches how they support their athletes’ academic success, and ask individual team members how the school helps with academics.
Conclusion
While the allure of college sports and athletic scholarships can be enticing, it’s important to remember that the ultimate goal of attending college is to graduate. Success in the classroom is just as significant as success on the field or court. The path to graduation may have its hurdles for student-athletes, but with the right support, academic dedication, and careful selection of a college or university that values both their athletic and academic pursuits, they can turn their college dreams into lasting achievements.
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