Wednesday, November 18, 2009

The NCAA says college athletes continue to graduate at a higher rate than other students.

The NCAA's latest graduation report, released Wednesday, shows that 79% of student-athletes who entered college in 2002-03 received diplomas. That matches last year's percentage as the highest ever.

The four-class average, covering students who entered college between 1999 and 2002, also was 79%. It is a one-point increase over last year and a new record.

Federal statistics say 64% of student-athletes graduate, the same as last year. That's two percentage points higher than the general student body.

Federal stats do not include transfer students.