College athletes outperforming others in classroom

    INDIANAPOLIS (AP) - 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.