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The role of football win percentage on college applications for Power Five and Group of Five schools

Author

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  • Craig McFarland
  • Peter A. Groothuis
  • Dennis Guignet
Abstract
Investing in athletics is one approach that universities have taken to better appeal to potential students. We analyze whether football success, as measured by win percentage, is correlated with a higher number of student applicants. We find that for schools in the major “Power‐Five” conferences, win percentage does not significantly change the number of students who apply. However, in the smaller “Group‐of‐Five” conferences, win percentage is associated with an increase in the number of applications. This is a particularly relevant finding because smaller universities may often be the ones struggling to maintain the size of their student body.

Suggested Citation

  • Craig McFarland & Peter A. Groothuis & Dennis Guignet, 2024. "The role of football win percentage on college applications for Power Five and Group of Five schools," Contemporary Economic Policy, Western Economic Association International, vol. 42(3), pages 474-482, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:coecpo:v:42:y:2024:i:3:p:474-482
    DOI: 10.1111/coep.12642
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    References listed on IDEAS

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