IRVINE, Calif. (Nov. 15, 2022) -- Division I student-athletes continue to graduate at their highest rate in the 20 years the data has been tracked, according to the latest NCAA Graduation Success Rate data announced Tuesday. The overall single-year rate held steady at last year's rate of 90 percent, and The Big West has a multitude of teams and member-institutions surpassing the federal averages. 

A total of 77 teams in Big West-sponsored sports meet or exceed the 90 percent threshold, up from 70 last year, and an impressive 43 teams across the conference landscape reached the 100 percent mark for the 2015 cohort of student-athletes.  

"The academic success of our student-athletes and teams as shown in today’s GSR report proves The Big West is more than an athletic conference." Commissioner Dan Butterly said. "Our student-athletes are powerful not only in NCAA Division I competition, but within the classrooms of our world-renowned academic institutions. We celebrate the 43 teams across the membership with an annual graduation success rate of 100, and all the dedicated student-athletes achieving immense success in the classroom and in competition."

All 11 member-institutions saw at least one program reach the highest levels of academic success. Hawai'i leads the way with six teams at 100 percent, and Cal Poly, Long Beach State, UC Davis, UC Riverside and UC San Diego had five each. 

By sport, eight women’s tennis programs are at the highwater mark to pace The Big West. Men's golf had seven perfect marks, followed by men's tennis with six teams with perfect graduation rates. Also earning 100 percent GSRs are five women's volleyball, four softball, four women's golf, two men's basketball, two men's soccer, two women's water polo, one women's cross country/track & field and one women's soccer teams. 

Overall, UC Davis’ GSR of 91 is tops in The Big West, which exceeds the national average. 
 
Figures released today reflect graduation numbers among student-athletes who entered school in 2015. When the Graduation Success Rate was created more than two decades ago, then-NCAA President Myles Brand set an aspirational goal of 80 percent. Student-athletes first surpassed that goal with the release of the rates in 2011. 

NCAA President Mark Emmert congratulated student-athletes on their continued academic success. 

"Proud is an understatement to describe how we feel about the achievements of the talented student-athletes and the members who support them. They continue to exceed expectations and excel in the classroom to earn their degrees. We celebrate their commitment to academic excellence and admire their dedication to shattering records, both academically and athletically." 

Since its inception more than 20 years ago, Graduation Success Rates for Division I student-athletes overall have increased 16 points, with even larger percentage increases for Black and Hispanic/Latinx student-athletes. Female student-athletes continue to outperform their male counterparts, currently graduating at a rate of 95 percent.  

Even when using the less-inclusive federal graduation rate which does not take transfer students into account, college athletes graduate at a higher rate than the general student body. 

To read more about the NCAA’s Graduation Success Rates and utilize the searchable database, click here.