Division I student-athletes are graduating at record rates, according to the latest Graduation Success Rate data announced Wednesday. The overall single-cohort rate held steady at 91%, which is the highest rate recorded.
Figures released Wednesday reflect graduation numbers among student-athletes who entered college in 2017.
Since the implementation of Division I academic reforms initiated over two decades ago — including modifications of initial-eligibility requirements and progress-toward-degree standards, as well as application of the Academic Performance Program — long-term graduation rate increases have been observed overall and across sport and demographic subgroups.
Since 2002, overall student-athlete GSR has increased from 74% to 91%, with notable increases in diverse student-athlete populations.
Black student-athlete graduation rates have increased from 56% to 82%. When analyzed by sport, Black Football Bowl Subdivision student-athlete rates have increased from 54% to 82%, and Black men's basketball student-athlete rates have increased from 46% to 84%. Hispanic/Latino student-athlete rates have increased from 64% to 89%.
"The increases and record highs in graduation success rates over the last two decades demonstrate the unique talents, abilities and tenacity of college athletes to achieve academic excellence, while performing at the highly competitive level of Division I athletics," said Robert Davies, president emeritus of Central Michigan and chair of the Division I Committee on Academics. "The Committee on Academics applauds student-athletes for their remarkable achievements and celebrates college educators and campus leaders for their commitment to advancing student-athlete academic success."
For more than 20 years, significant gains have been demonstrated within all student-athlete sport subgroups.
Baseball student-athlete graduation rates have increased from 66% to 91%. Football Bowl Subdivision rates have increased from 63% to 85%, while Football Championship Subdivision rates have increased from 62% to 80%. Men's wrestling rates have increased from 61% to 88%. Men's basketball rates have increased from 56% to 87%, and women's basketball rates have increased from 80% to 93%.
This year, all women's sports recorded a graduation rate of 92% or better, with gymnastics and lacrosse earning the highest marks at 99%.
Additionally, all men's sports recorded a graduation rate of 80% or better, with tennis having the highest rate of 95%.
While student-athlete graduation success rates remain at their highest level, deeper analysis and data forecasting indicate that the additional flexibility in rules governing competition after transfer could impact graduation rates in the future.
