College athletes outperforming others in classroom

[News1]

College athletes outperforming others in classroom

INDIANAPOLIS — 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 percent 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 percent. It is a one-point increase over last year and a new record.

Federal statistics say 64 percent 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.

[Y]

There's always talk about statistics and here's a good statistic to analyze. 

The are several implications here, one being that athletes do better in school - by virtue of graduating with a degree - than non-athletes.

Should we take that at face value?  After all, it is a 'statistic'. 

Any takers?