Work

Academic performance and salary expectations of couch potatoes, recreational and elite athletes

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Using a large sample with detailed information on some 4700 students attending 24 German universities and colleges of applied sciences, we answer three different, yet closely related research questions: First, do university grades vary between couch potatoes, recreational athletes and elite athletes? Second, does the time required to complete the respective academic degree differ between these three groups of students? Third, do salary expectations differ between these three types of students? Our regression results show that elite athletes perform significantly better in terms of their grades, need significantly more time to complete their respective degree and expect significantly higher starting salaries than couch potatoes and recreational athletes. Our findings are compatible with a simple time allocation model as well as human capital and signaling theory.

Source: German Journal of Exercise and Sport Research

DOI: 10.1007/s12662-026-01090-z

Authors: Bernd Frick, Nikolaus Risch, Laura Urgelles

Institutions: Paderborn University, Dortmund University of Applied Sciences and Arts

Language: English

Topic: Higher Education Research Studies

Subfield: Education

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,590