Carnegie Mellon Student-Athletes Exceed GPA of General Student Body

The 2008-09 academic year was the best in school history for Carnegie Mellon Athletics, as the Tartans turned in record-breaking performances across the intercollegiate program. While the accomplishments on the fields of play were certainly remarkable, the performance of the university’s student-athletes in the classroom is even more impressive.

In a study of student-athlete grade-point averages conducted by the University Athletic Association, Carnegie Mellon student-athletes significantly outpaced the general student body in terms of classroom achievement. Male student-athletes had a cumulative GPA of 3.27 during the 2008-09 academic year, while female student-athletes registered a 3.29. In general, male students averaged a 3.16 at Carnegie Mellon last year and female students had a 3.18 GPA.

“We are exceedingly proud of our student-athletes and their educational achievement,” said Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation Susan Bassett. “Our men and women have displayed the ability to compete at the highest level of Division III athletics while excelling in their academic pursuits. They are the epitome of student-athletes.”

Sixteen of Carnegie Mellon’s 17 intercollegiate programs had GPAs above 3.0. The women’s cross country team had the highest cumulative GPA with a 3.53 among its 19 student-athletes. The 99 student-athletes on the football team combined for a 3.23 GPA while the men’s soccer team boasted a 3.35.

“Carnegie Mellon is a world-renowned institution and our student-athletes are doing everything they can to maximize their collegiate experience,” Bassett said. “Their performance has been and continues to be outstanding. We are so proud of them.”