Jay McGrath described his graduation as a “special day” after embarking on a course that was “testing but enjoyable.”
“Being in the football environment, sometimes you forget you’re in the real world,” he told BBC Radio Stoke.
His father, now manager at Buxton, encouraged him to consider his options early in his career and said it was an “amazing achievement” to graduate at 21 years old, alongside playing professionally.
“Jay walks his own path and this was something he wanted to do,” John McGrath said, beaming. “We’re immensely proud of him.”
Mr Bayley said the degree course has left a great legacy and together with the university, the PFA had redefined what a footballer could be.
The PFA Business School, with bases in London and Manchester, said it would continue to offer its members subsidised courses and degree programmes.
It also offers financial support towards external qualifications.
