Gender differences in academic performance among university athletes at a school in Division I of the National Collegiate Athletic Association were studied, using correlational and regression analysis. Data were obtained for 519 athletes (69% male and 31% female) for fall 1980 through spring 1984. High school and college academic performance of athletes were considered, including: high school and college grade point average (GPA), aptitude test scores, a measure of intensity and commitment to athletic participation, and whether the student was on academic probation or left school for academic reasons. No direct relationship was found between gender and university academic performance. However, significant relationships were found between gender and intervening variables, such as intensity of athletic involvement and athletic scholarship assistance. A number of inequities between men's and women's athletic programs were identified. In particular, scholarships awarded to athletes and program budgets were inequitably distributed. Implications for additional research, such as the complexity of the relationship between gender, athletic participation, and academic performance, are briefly considered. A literature review is included, as well as a bibliography and several tables. (SW)