Memphis State Study Focuses on Degrees

Former college athletes who failed to graduate are as likely to be successful in life as their colleagues who finish school, a Memphis State University study said Friday.

The study was begun following news reports that only 22 of 74 basketball players graduated from Memphis State over a 12-year period.

“Contrary to the popular stereotype, nearly all of the . . . athletes are working,” said Dr. Jerry N. Boone, a professor of clinical psychology at Memphis State.

Boone and his associates reviewed the academic records of 76 football players and 18 basketball players who had attended Memphis State between 1973 and 1984.

Former athletes who failed to graduate and did not become professional athletes have average incomes of more than $20,000 a year, and most would play college ball again if they had a chance, Boone said. His report added, however, that most of the former athletes would study harder if they could repeat their college years.

Former football players who graduated and were interviewed for the study had average annual incomes of $21,000, and basketball players averaged $18,000. Individual incomes ranged from $11,000 a year to $45,000, the study said.