This study examines the types of programs provided by higher education institutions for student-athletes and assesses how well particular services contribute to students' academic and personal success. A survey instrument designed to measure perceptions and opinions about the variety and development of academic support services for student-athletes was completed by athletic directors and senior student affairs officers (n=212) at member institutions of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I-A football colleges during the 1995-96 academic year. The 21-item survey contained three demographic questions; the remaining 18 questions covered personal services, professional/career services, and academic services. The study found that athletic department personnel considered tutorial services, academic advising, and teaching of study skills the most important academic services; the same three services were also rated highly by student affairs personnel. Both athletic department and student affairs respondents rated least important support services such as planning for retirement from athletics, managing personal finances, and encouraging involvement in campus activities outside athletics. More than 80 percent of institutions reported providing services such as time management training, study skills programs, personal counseling, orientation and transfer help, study assistance centers, additional academic advising, and tutorial programs. A table summarizes ratings. (Contains 15 references.) (CH)