Identifying Predictor Variables Of Academic Performance For Student-Athletes

Abstract

Numerous studies have been conducted over the years to find out exactly what factors play a primary role in determining the academic success of student-athletes in college. The purpose of this paper is to conduct a survey on existing writings and literature pertaining to this relationship. Using secondary data from the National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) and various academic journals, this paper examines the factors and conditions that affect academic performance as well as their level of impact. One would generally expect that participation in collegiate athletics would lead to better academic performance because the organized regimen of the competitive season may carry over into the student-athlete’s academic life. However, research findings show that this is not always the case. Studies have shown that student-athletes participating in a high-profile sport with high time demands such as basketball and football are found to perform better academically in the off-season despite taking fewer courses during the season. Although the NCAA reported that graduation rates of Division I student-athletes had gone up considerably over the last 15 years, a closer look at the report indicates that the rates differ based on other factors. Based on the literature, factors that may impact academic performance are high school GPA, type of sport, race, gender, and university ranking on U.S. News’ “Best Colleges.”