Northwestern Boasts Top Graduation Success Rate Among FBS Institutions
11/16/2018 8:53:00 AM | Baseball, Football, General, Men's Basketball, Men's Golf, Men's Soccer, Men's Swimming and Diving, Men's Tennis, Softball, Women's Basketball, Women's Cross Country & Track, Women's Golf, Women's Lacrosse, Women's Soccer, Women's Swimming and Diving, Women's Tennis, Women's Volleyball, Wrestling, Field Hockey, David G. Kabiller NU for Life Program, Academic Services & Student Development, Randy Walker Memorial 5K, Women's Fencing, Sports Medicine
EVANSTON, Ill. — Northwestern student-athletes continue to set the national standard in the classroom, according to new Graduation Success Rate (GSR) data released Wednesday by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Northwestern turned in a 98-percent overall GSR, which is tied for the highest mark among all Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) institutions and leads the Big Ten Conference by five percentage points.
"Our purpose every day is to provide a world-class experience, and prepare our student-athletes for success in life," said Combe Family Vice President for Athletics & Recreation Jim Phillips. "Our Wildcats thrive in the classroom, dedicate themselves to giving back in the community and compete for championships at the highest level of college athletics, all on the way to earning one of finest degrees in higher education. This exceptional group of more than 500 young men and women continues to set a national standard for excellence and make the entire University community proud."
NCAA DIVISION I GSR DATABASE
Northwestern's 98-percent GSR matches the department's all-time record and the highest mark by a Big Ten athletic department in the 14 years GSR data has been released. The Wildcats have scored 96-percent or higher overall each year, finishing in the top-four among FBS athletic departments annually.
Northwestern football's 99-percent GSR is the top score among all FBS institutions across the nation, and leads the Big Ten by 10 points. Wildcats football has ranked first or second in the nation in GSR among FBS schools for eight consecutive years. Northwestern is the only Division I football program to appear in the most recent College Football Playoff rankings (No. 22) and have a GSR above 95-percent.
Twelve Wildcats programs posted perfect scores for the current cohort, the most since 2013: baseball, cross country, lacrosse, volleyball, men's and women's golf, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's tennis, women's swimming and diving, and fencing. An additional six varsity programs scored 92-percent-or-better, including football, men's swimming and diving, softball, wrestling, women's basketball and field hockey.
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 2017-18 rate is based on student-athletes who entered college in the fall of 2011, the most recent data available. The four-year GSR rate also includes the freshman classes of 2008, 2009 and 2010. The rate shows the percentage of those student-athletes who earned a degree by the spring of 2017. This marks the 17th year GSR data has been collected.
"Our purpose every day is to provide a world-class experience, and prepare our student-athletes for success in life," said Combe Family Vice President for Athletics & Recreation Jim Phillips. "Our Wildcats thrive in the classroom, dedicate themselves to giving back in the community and compete for championships at the highest level of college athletics, all on the way to earning one of finest degrees in higher education. This exceptional group of more than 500 young men and women continues to set a national standard for excellence and make the entire University community proud."
NCAA DIVISION I GSR DATABASE
Northwestern's 98-percent GSR matches the department's all-time record and the highest mark by a Big Ten athletic department in the 14 years GSR data has been released. The Wildcats have scored 96-percent or higher overall each year, finishing in the top-four among FBS athletic departments annually.
Northwestern football's 99-percent GSR is the top score among all FBS institutions across the nation, and leads the Big Ten by 10 points. Wildcats football has ranked first or second in the nation in GSR among FBS schools for eight consecutive years. Northwestern is the only Division I football program to appear in the most recent College Football Playoff rankings (No. 22) and have a GSR above 95-percent.
Twelve Wildcats programs posted perfect scores for the current cohort, the most since 2013: baseball, cross country, lacrosse, volleyball, men's and women's golf, men's and women's soccer, men's and women's tennis, women's swimming and diving, and fencing. An additional six varsity programs scored 92-percent-or-better, including football, men's swimming and diving, softball, wrestling, women's basketball and field hockey.
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 2017-18 rate is based on student-athletes who entered college in the fall of 2011, the most recent data available. The four-year GSR rate also includes the freshman classes of 2008, 2009 and 2010. The rate shows the percentage of those student-athletes who earned a degree by the spring of 2017. This marks the 17th year GSR data has been collected.
••••••
Be the first to know what's going on with the 'Cats -- Follow @NU_Sports on Twitter, become a fan of Northwestern Athletics on Facebook, check us out on Instagram, visit our Social Media page and download our mobile app from the Apple Store and Google Play! To get involved with the #B1GCats, become a season-ticket holder or join the Wildcat Fund!Football - Western Illinois Cinematic Recap (9/5/25)
Monday, September 08
Football - Week 3 Monday Press Conference (9/8/25)
Monday, September 08
Football - Western Illinois at Northwestern Postgame Press Conference
Saturday, September 06
Football - 'Cats Roll Western Illinois, 42-7 in Home Opener (9/5/25)
Saturday, September 06
