Oregon Public Broadcasting

Playing varsity sports or joining a fraternity or sorority doesn't hurt your chances to graduate from college on time.  Just the opposite, actually. Those extracurricular activities may help according to a new study from Washington State University. 

Researchers at WSU followed the college careers of nearly 6,000 freshmen who enrolled in 2002 and 2003.  Roughly one-third of them failed to graduate in timely fashion. 

The study examined what factors best predicted college success. 

Professor Vicki McCracken says high school grade-point average is still the best predictor.  But some other influences may surprise you.

Vicki McCracken: "Comparing similar students, the student who is an athlete is more likely to graduate than the student who is not an athlete."

Twice as likely in fact says McCracken, perhaps because varsity athletes typically have to demonstrate academic progress to stay on the team. 

The same study also found students enrolled in science and engineering or involved in Greek life were nearly three times as likely to graduate in a timely fashion as students who were not, all else being equal. 

Web extras:

6-year Graduation Rates At Selected NW Universities (2002 or 2003 freshmen enrollees):

University of Washington-Seattle campus: 77%Washington State University: 68%University of Oregon: 66%Oregon State University: 60%University of Idaho: 53%Boise State University: 26%Source: Institutions or AEI