Athletic Status and Academic Performance and Persistence at a NCAA Division I University

Abstract

There is growing concern over student-athlete academic performance at Division I schools, but insight has been plagued by data limitations. After reviewing the various theoretical frameworks, this study examines the relationship between athletics and academics with data that overcome many of the concerns previously voiced in the literature. The results indicate that athletic participation at Division I schools is positively associated with academic performance. Athletes appear both more likely to graduate and to have higher GPAs than their non-athlete counterparts. In contrast to much of the literature, the results have positive implications for those concerned about the academics of college athletes. The study adds to a small but growing literature that highlights the benefits — not drawbacks — of intercollegiate sport.