Conference re-alignment and university academics

With some ACC schools considering re-alignment with the Big 12, three things come to mind which they should consider, S E C.

It baffles my mind when I hear counter arguments against joining the Big 12 due to academic status. This coming from universities in the ACC that are underachieving financially compared to their competition, the SEC. In this article, I will provide a major reason why some schools should not let academics persuade them from joining the  Big 12.

Graduation Rate for ACC schools considering re-alignment to Big 12

ACC

Florida State University Four-year graduation rate 50.2%

Clemson University Four-year graduation rate 49.7%

Georgia Tech Four-year graduation rate 32.9%

University of Maryland Four-year graduation rate 62.5%

Results from: http://www.collegeresults.org/ 

After reviewing the information above, besides the University of Maryland, it really does not look like graduation is a high priority for the rest. So, my question remains, why is academic standards so important when these schools have low graduation rates? At this point, teach these students how to make money by joining a conference  (Big12) that can increase your financial status. In the end, your students will learn that money comes to those who act, while the rest learn the hard way when they,” let the train pass them by.”