Student Athletes Excel on Court and in Classroom

As the excitement of the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Basketball Championships reaches fever pitch, the participating teams are not only showcasing their skills on the court but also their dedication to academic success. The latest data on Graduation Success Rates (GSRs) reveals that these student-athletes are hitting the books just as hard as they hit the hardwood.

The fields of 68 teams in both tournaments have a combined four-cohort average GSR of an impressive 90%. The women’s teams have set the bar even higher, with an average GSR of 96%, while the men’s teams have achieved a respectable 84% average.

These rates, spanning the reporting period of 2020-23 and covering cohorts that entered college between 2013 and 2016, provide a comprehensive picture of the academic performance of these student-athletes.

In the men’s tournament, 52 teams have GSRs above the 75% mark, a testament to their commitment to both athletic and academic pursuits. Sixteen schools have achieved the remarkable feat of a perfect 100% GSR, including powerhouses like Alabama, Kentucky, and Florida, as well as lesser-known names like Samford and Saint Peter’s.

The women’s tournament paints an even more impressive picture, with 59 teams boasting GSRs at or above the 90% threshold. An astonishing 42 schools have attained the pinnacle of academic success with perfect 100% GSRs. This list includes familiar names like Baylor, Louisville, and UConn, as well as rising stars such as Green Bay and Sacred Heart.

These remarkable graduation rates underscore the dedication and hard work of these student-athletes, who juggle the demands of rigorous academic curricula with the intense physical and mental challenges of competing at the highest level of collegiate athletics.

“Academic success is a core value for our student-athletes,” said NCAA President Mark Emmert. “These impressive graduation rates demonstrate their unwavering commitment to excellence, both on and off the court.”

As the excitement of the tournaments builds, these student-athletes are not only inspiring fans with their athletic prowess but also setting an example for the next generation of scholars and athletes. Their ability to balance the demands of academics and sports is a testament to their discipline, resilience, and unwavering determination.

So, as you cheer on your favorite teams in the coming weeks, remember that these student-athletes are not only pursuing their dreams on the court but also laying the foundation for future success in the classroom and beyond.