NCAA Release | 2024 NCAA Division I GSR Trends | Searchable Database

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 (GSR) data announced Wednesday. The overall single-cohort rate held steady at 91 percent, and The Big West has a multitude of teams and member-institutions surpassing the federal averages.
 
A total of 86 teams in Big West-sponsored sports meet or exceed the 90 percent threshold and 41 teams across the conference landscape reached the 100 percent mark for the 2017 cohort of student-athletes. 
 
"Student-athletes in The Big West are the embodiment of excellence, thriving on the field, in the classroom, and within their communities," said Big West Commissioner Dan Butterly. "Our 11 world-class member institutions and these 41 teams continue to set the standard, with an annual graduation success rate of 100 for numerous programs and a commitment to preparing champions for life beyond competition. We take pride in celebrating these remarkable individuals who exemplify the spirit of hard work, determination, and leadership."
 
All 11 member-institutions saw at least one program reach the highest levels of academic success. UC San Diego led the way with nine, followed by Cal Poly with five and Hawai'i with four.  
 
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 women’s volleyball with six. 
 

"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."

Figures released Wednesday reflect graduation numbers among student-athletes who entered college in 2017. The NCAA has tracked GSR for more than two decades, and student-athletes have surpassed the original benchmark goal of 80%, with long-term graduation rate increases being observed year after year from an overall 74 percent in 2002 to this year's record 91 percent.  

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.