Final answer:
Female athletes have been found to graduate at higher rates than other female students, which correlates with data showing that athletes possess high academic standards, including fewer dropped classes and timely graduations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that female athletes graduated at a higher rate than other female students and at a higher rate than the general student body can be considered true, based on analysis of data regarding academic performance. While there may be a stereotype that college athletes are less academically focused, research, such as the data collected by the NCAA, has shown that athletes often possess high academic standards. Athletes tend to drop fewer classes, have higher grades, and are more likely to graduate on time compared to their non-athlete peers.
Further support for the academic success of female athletes can be seen in the broader context of women's educational achievements. Women have seen increasing college enrollments and are earning degrees at a higher rate than men, boosting their presence in high-skill, high-paying jobs. This trend of academic dedication and achievement among women could extend to female athletes, who often balance rigorous training schedules with their studies, potentially enhancing their time management and discipline skills which contributes to higher graduation rates.