Northwestern Shines In New NCAA Graduation Success Rate Report
11/8/2017 11:57:00 AM | Baseball, General, Men's Basketball, Men's Soccer, Men's Swimming and Diving, Softball, Women's Cross Country & Track, Women's Golf, Women's Lacrosse, Women's Swimming and Diving, Women's Tennis, Field Hockey, David G. Kabiller NU for Life Program, Academic Services & Student Development, King NU P.R.I.D.E. Program
EVANSTON, Ill. – Northwestern student-athletes are setting a national standard in the classroom, according to new Graduation Success Rate (GSR) data released Wednesday by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). Northwestern's 97-percent overall GSR ranks second among all Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) institutions, and leads the Big Ten Conference by five points.
The Wildcats have scored 96-percent-or-higher overall in each of the 13 years GSR data has been released, finishing in the Top-4 among FBS athletic departments in every year.
Northwestern also is one of just five schools in the nation currently recognized in both the College Football Playoff rankings (No. 25) and the Associated Press preseason men's basketball poll (No. 19). Wildcats field hockey, women's soccer and cross country also are preparing to open NCAA postseason play this weekend.
"The most important responsibility we have to our nearly 500 young men and women is to support them in earning one of the most valuable degrees in higher education," said Vice President for Athletics & Recreation Jim Phillips. "In line with Northwestern's mission, our Wildcats are committed to excellence in every facet of their college experience. While they continue to thrill us in competition, and serve as leaders in our community, their academic success is our guiding purpose. The tremendous outcomes reflected in today's GSR data are a source of sincere pride for our department and our entire University."
Northwestern football's 99-percent GSR is the top score among all FBS institutions across the nation, and leads the Big Ten by 14 points. Wildcats football has ranked first or second in the nation in GSR among FBS schools for seven consecutive years.
Ten Wildcats programs posted perfect scores for the current cohort: 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. An additional six varsity programs scored 94-or-better, including men's swimming and diving, which leads the Big Ten Conference with a score of 95, and fencing, which paces the Midwest Fencing Conference also with a 95.
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 2016-17 rate is based on student-athletes who entered college in the fall of 2010, the most recent data available. The four-year GSR rate also includes the freshman classes of 2007, 2008 and 2009. The rate shows the percentage of those student-athletes who earned a degree by the spring of 2016. This marks the 16th year GSR data has been collected.
The Wildcats have scored 96-percent-or-higher overall in each of the 13 years GSR data has been released, finishing in the Top-4 among FBS athletic departments in every year.
Northwestern also is one of just five schools in the nation currently recognized in both the College Football Playoff rankings (No. 25) and the Associated Press preseason men's basketball poll (No. 19). Wildcats field hockey, women's soccer and cross country also are preparing to open NCAA postseason play this weekend.
"The most important responsibility we have to our nearly 500 young men and women is to support them in earning one of the most valuable degrees in higher education," said Vice President for Athletics & Recreation Jim Phillips. "In line with Northwestern's mission, our Wildcats are committed to excellence in every facet of their college experience. While they continue to thrill us in competition, and serve as leaders in our community, their academic success is our guiding purpose. The tremendous outcomes reflected in today's GSR data are a source of sincere pride for our department and our entire University."
Northwestern football's 99-percent GSR is the top score among all FBS institutions across the nation, and leads the Big Ten by 14 points. Wildcats football has ranked first or second in the nation in GSR among FBS schools for seven consecutive years.
Ten Wildcats programs posted perfect scores for the current cohort: 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. An additional six varsity programs scored 94-or-better, including men's swimming and diving, which leads the Big Ten Conference with a score of 95, and fencing, which paces the Midwest Fencing Conference also with a 95.
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 2016-17 rate is based on student-athletes who entered college in the fall of 2010, the most recent data available. The four-year GSR rate also includes the freshman classes of 2007, 2008 and 2009. The rate shows the percentage of those student-athletes who earned a degree by the spring of 2016. This marks the 16th 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
Field Hockey - 'Cats Record Fourth Straight Shutout, Blank No. 8 Boston College (9/7/25)
Sunday, September 07
Men's Soccer - ‘Cats Strike Late At Xavier, 1-0 (9/6/2025)
Sunday, September 07
