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The Effects of Higher Admission Standards on NCAA Student-Athletes: An Analysis of Proposition 16

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  • Joshua A. Price

    (Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, josh.price@cornell.edu)

Abstract

This study examines the effect of an increase in minimum admissions standards on college enrollment and graduation rates of student-athletes. In 1996, the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) enacted Proposition 16, which increased admission standards for freshmen student-athletes at Division I schools, in an effort to improve graduation rates. Results indicate that Proposition 16 increased graduation rates significantly for Black student-athletes, and had no significant impact on graduation rates for White student-athletes. Results also indicate that graduation rates declined for Black student-athletes at Division II schools, which may have been driven by students transferring to Division I. As a result of the higher admission standards, Division I schools changed recruiting patterns and relied less on freshmen student-athletes, particularly Black student-athletes, to fill scholarships. Even though fewer Black freshmen student-athletes enrolled in Division I schools, the overall number of Black student-athletes did not change, suggesting that a greater proportion of transfer students into Division I schools were Black.

Suggested Citation

  • Joshua A. Price, 2010. "The Effects of Higher Admission Standards on NCAA Student-Athletes: An Analysis of Proposition 16," Journal of Sports Economics, , vol. 11(4), pages 363-382, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:jospec:v:11:y:2010:i:4:p:363-382
    DOI: 10.1177/1527002509347989
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    References listed on IDEAS

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