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S
Stech OP
Jan 18, 2026 at 01:26 PM ET
Around 90% of Division I college football players graduate, according to
recent NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) data for student-athletes entering from 2015-2018, with rates holding steady around that mark for Division I overall, though specific football (FBS/FCS) rates can be slightly lower but still strong. While the overall DI athlete rate hits 90%, football's specific rates are typically in the mid-80s (e.g., 85% for FBS, 80% for FCS in a recent year). At least right now, most are indeed student athletes.

9 Replies

B
Baltimore_Hokie
6mo
This doesn't sound right.
S
Stech OP
6mo
It’s what came up when I Googled it, got something showing something
different, let us see it.
B
Baltimore_Hokie
6mo
I'm not trying to argue with you? I just said it didn't sound right.
Calamitous Calamitous
6mo
Interesting…
I’d like to see the same statistics on whether the wealthier NIL recipients are also graduating. And something I’m not sure can be measured… but are they getting the UNC treatment where they don’t really have to go to class? The other thing that perplexes me is how some of these “student athletes” in football and basketball are going to 4 universities in 5 years and somehow getting a realistic education. Not sure much has changed in the haves versus have nots in terms of athletes going to class and receiving a degree, but my gut sees it slipping away more.
anotherdamnyankeehokie anotherdamnyankeehokie
6mo
I'd guess that a high % get the UNC 250 word essay degree
Pylons Pylons
6mo
I wouldn't.
Even at UNC it wasn't at all a high % completing an entire degree program that way. Athletes, particularly football and basketball, are absolutely often taking the path of least resistance and getting a lot of help along it though.
S
Stech OP
6mo
I am concerned about the multiple transfer students and their rate
of graduation. Not enough time on them to know, but it is a concern for me.
V
VT ChemE 1986
6mo
Wonder what percentage is “unaided”?
S
Stech OP
6mo
Many get help, but many come from families that didn't go to college and
they weren't taught the right study habits at home. My grandfather never graduated High School, his parents died young and he had to work. However, my Dad graduated from a top University because of the tutors he had playing football. They taught him the right study habits, and he went on his own to get two post graduate degrees in the financial world. That was not only good for him, and his family, but good for society. He was unbelievably successful with his family and professional career. Maybe it is just me, but breaking that cycle is an awesome thing, and we need as much of that as we can get.