New York Giants Official Website

The continuing education program is designed to assist players and their families interested in completing their degree requirements or furthering their education. With the help of Farleigh Dickinson University and the NFL's continuing education department, we are able to offer our players the ability to continue their education in the New York - New Jersey area, at the player's original institution, or another location of their choice (including Internet coursework). The continuing education program involves academic advising, distance learning, graduate school advising, tutoring services, assessment testing and other educational opportunities.

 

The NFL University is comprised of colleges and universities in major franchise cities that have been invited by Commissioner Paul Tagliabue to facilitate programs especially for NFL players. The New York Giants work with Fairleigh Dickinson University within the NFL University system. In order to participate, players must provide a completed transcript release form to the Director of Player Development, which gives the NFL and the team authorization to evaluate credits and courses necessary to earn a degree in a specific academic area. Each player who is interested in participating in the program then works with the Player Development Department and the NFL to create a degree completion plan. This plan includes an analysis of the player's best options of schools and courses, enrollment information, important phone numbers and additional services offered.

LB Nick Greisen has participated in the Giants continuing education program.

After these various forms are completed an education counselor works alongside a player to determine which option is best for him. Options range from independent study, enrolling in a player's original institution, transferring to another establishment or distance learning coursework. Coordinators of this program work with players, local institutions and college representatives to help construct a valuable experience. This experience is often challenging and requires commitment and hard work.

1999-2000 Research Results

• 46% of the players in the league have at least their undergraduate degree.
• 28% of the players are one year or less away from a degree
• Half of those who do not have a degree are less than one academic year away from earning a degree
• The incoming graduation rate of rookies over the past 13 years is only about 30%
• The NCAA graduation rate for D1 football players is 52% (NCAA Data, 1999)
• The NCAA graduation rate for D1 athletes is 57% (NCAA Data, 1999)
• The NCAA graduation rate for the general student body is 56% (NCAA Data, 1999)
• Only 20% of the general population over the age of 25 has at least a bachelor's degree (U.S. Census data, 1990).

INTRO | CONTINUING EDUCATION | FINANCIAL | CAREER

Copyright New York Giants 2004