Date

5-20-2026

Degree

Master of Science in Sport Management (MS)

Chair

Laura Hatfield

Keywords

Student-athlete, Grade Point Average, academic outcomes, transfer portal

Disciplines

Sports Management

Abstract

The study explored the impact that transfer student-athletes have on the overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of a team in Division I Men’s Basketball. Through the use of Alexander Astin’s Input-Environment-Output model, academic preparation and environments were examined to determine their role in academic outcomes. The purpose of this research was to test this theory in order to answer three key research questions: Is there a statistically significant difference in overall team GPA when comparing Division I men’s basketball teams with a high number of transfer student-athletes, and teams with no transfer student-athletes? What is the relationship between the number of transfer student-athletes on a roster and the team’s Academic Progress Rate? What are the roles of entering GPA, academic preparation, and environment, on GPA? This study employed a mixed-methods design and conducted interviews, and document analysis in order to better understand the Environment portion of Astin’s model and connect emerging themes to academic success levels. The findings provide guidance for support staffs on the levels of academic support deemed necessary for student success.

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