College athlete grad rate improving

NEW YORK, Sept. 28 (UPI) -- The U.S. college graduation rate of athletes, often lagging in the past, is nearing 80 percent, the NCAA says in a report.

The new study shows that 77 percent of all Division I athletes get degrees within six years of entering college, USA Today reported. Further, rates are climbing in 24 of the 35 men's and women's sports.

"Overall, we're very encouraged," says NCAA President Myles Brand. "Even in sports that have traditionally lagged, such as basketball and football, we are seeing improvement."

Topping the football list: Navy (98 percent), Boston College (96 percent) and Notre Dame (95 percent). Men's basketball: defending champion Florida, Wake Forest, Western Kentucky, Bucknell and 12 other programs, all 100 percent.

Football's lowest: San Jose State (32 percent), Florida Atlantic (33 percent) and Arizona (39 percent). Men's basketball's lowest: New Mexico (7 percent) and Florida A&M and Georgia (both 9 percent).