* Data Collection Challenges: Tracking athletes after they leave college is difficult. Many institutions don't systematically follow up on all former athletes, particularly those who don't go pro.
* Definition of "Utilize": What constitutes "utilizing" a degree is subjective. Does it mean working directly in the field of study, or does it encompass related fields?
* Variations Across Sports: Graduation rates and post-graduation employment vary significantly between sports. High-profile sports like football and basketball might have different outcomes compared to less prominent sports.
* Scholarship Type: The type of scholarship (full, partial, etc.) could influence the athlete's commitment to academics.
While precise figures are unavailable, research suggests that graduation rates for college athletes overall are generally comparable to or even higher than the general student population in some studies. However, the percentage who actively utilize their degrees in their professional careers is likely lower, especially for athletes whose scholarships were primarily based on athletic prowess rather than academic merit. Many former athletes may leverage their athletic experience in other career paths.
To find more specific data, you would need to research individual sports, universities, or specific studies that have focused on post-graduation outcomes for college athletes. Even then, the findings will be subject to the limitations mentioned above.