EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern has scored a 97 percent overall Graduation Success Rate (GSR) in the latest data released by the NCAA today (Nov. 15), a figure which leads the Big Ten by seven percentage points and ranks among the best scores in the nation.

"Today's NCAA Graduation Success Rate data gives all involved in Northwestern Athletics yet another reason to be proud of the standard our Wildcats set academically," Northwestern Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Jim Phillips said. "Our purpose is to offer these young men and women a world-class experience - in the classroom, in the community and in competition – and prepare them to graduate with a foundation to build on for the rest of their lives. This year's GSR report shows we continue to be leaders among our peers in that respect."

SEARCHABLE NCAA GRADUATION SUCCESS RATE DATABASE

The Wildcats have scored 96 percent-or-higher overall in each of the 12 years GSR data has been released, finishing in the Top-4 among FBS athletic departments in every year.

Nine of NU's 19 varsity sports have perfect 100 percent GSRs. Men's and women's golf, men's and women's tennis, men's soccer, lacrosse, softball, women's swimming and diving, cross country and volleyball achieved those perfect scores for the `Cats. Eight additional Wildcats programs earned a score of 93-or-better.

Northwestern football earned a 97 percent GSR for the current cohort to mark its fifth-straight year with that score. NU leads the Big Ten by 11 percentage points in football GSR and ranks second in the nation among FBS programs. The Wildcats have ranked first or second in the nation in GSR among FBS schools for seven consecutive years.

Northwestern has dominated its GSR peers on the football field. Among the Top-8 FBS programs in today's report, Northwestern is a perfect 9-0 with wins over Stanford, Notre Dame, Duke (3), Boston College (2) and Rice (2) since 2008.

The Wildcats' cross country, men's soccer and lacrosse teams are each one of just two Big Ten squads to earn perfect scores in their respective sports. Northwestern men's basketball and men's swimming and diving also are of note, with both ranking among the Big Ten's Top-2.

The NCAA developed the Graduation Success Rate (GSR) to more accurately assess the long-term academic success of student-athletes. The rate holds institutions accountable for transfer students, unlike the federal graduation rate. The GSR also accounts for midyear enrollees and is calculated for every sport. Under the calculation, institutions are not penalized for outgoing transfer students who leave in good academic standing. The outgoing transfers are included in the receiving institution's GSR cohort.

The GSR allows student-athletes six years to earn their degree. The 2015-16 rate is based on student-athletes who entered college in the fall of 2009, the most recent data available. The four-year GSR rate also includes the freshman classes of 2006, 2007 and 2008. The rate shows the percentage of those student-athletes who earned a degree by the spring of 2015. This marks the 15th year GSR data has been collected.

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Northwestern University Athletics

Northwestern University Athletics

Northwestern Paces Big Ten In New Graduation Success Rate Data

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