College athletes nationwide and at LSU are more likely than ever to leave school with an undergraduate degree.
LSU’s graduation rate for scholarship athletes rose 6 percent during the past year, according to an NCAA report released Sept. 2.
By August 2003, the University graduated 55 percent of all student athletes who entered the University during the 1996-1997 school year. The number is only 2 percent less than the overall graduation rate for all University students.
The University’s increase is part of a national trend in rising graduation rates for student athletes.
According to the report, a record 62 percent of all scholarship athletes at Division I schools who entered college as freshmen in 1996-97 graduated within six years.
In a news release issued with the report, NCAA President Myles Brand attributed the rising national numbers to the organization’s toughening academic standards for eligibility.
The NCAA requires athletes to meet a minimum GPA requirement and show a certain amount of progress toward their degree each year.
The graduation rate for athletes nationwide rose two percent in the past year and another two percent from 2001 to 2002.
“I think all student athletes on a national level are realizing more and more the importance of graduating,” Roger Grooters, Academic Center for Student Athletes executive director, said.
The ASCA helps athletes select a major, get acclimated to their strenuous schedules and choose a career by offering tutoring sessions, monitoring their class attendance and offering job counseling.
Grooters said the rising numbers nationwide and at the University show student athletes are serious not only about remaining eligible to play their sport, but also succeeding after school.
Head Women’s Soccer Coach George Fotopoulos said he is encouraged by the rising graduation rates because it means LSU athletes are representing the University in a positive light.
Fotopoulos said the academic standards increase the athletes’ character and prepare them for life after graduation.
While he is encouraged by the increase, Grooters said he still is hoping to see more improvement.
Grooters, who has been director for two years, said his goal is to graduate 70 percent of all student athletes.
Grooters and the ACSA are making a large effort to meet this high goal by providing athletes with extensive educational support.