Northwestern To Provide '5980' Awards Beginning In 2022-23
9/13/2022 3:07:00 PM | General, Academic Services & Student Development
EVANSTON, Illinois -- The Northwestern University Department of Athletics and Recreation today announced its commitment to provide academic awards to student-athletes starting this Fall. Beginning with the 2022-23 academic year, all Wildcats scholarship student-athletes will have the opportunity to accept academic awards per the Supreme Court ruling (NCAA v. Alston) in June of 2021.
"Our purpose always will be centered on supporting Northwestern student-athletes in every possible way as they develop in the classroom, in the community and in competition," said Combe Family Vice President for Athletics and Recreation Dr. Derrick Gragg. "This ability to recognize and reward academic achievement is the latest example of our University providing a first-class foundation for Wildcats to grow and excel."
Last year Wildcats student-athletes earned a 3.412 cumulative grade-point-average, and a 98% NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) that ranked second among Power 5 institutions and led the Big Ten Conference. A school-record 361 Wildcats received Academic All-Big Ten recognition while a record 142 'Cats took home Big Ten Distinguished Scholar honors in 2021-22.
Ten teams earned a perfect Academic Progress Rate (APR) score in the latest data released by the NCAA. As a department, Northwestern posted an average score of 997, among the best in the nation. For the fourth straight year, the football program scored 995 or better, pacing the Big Ten Conference and ranking fourth nationally in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Men's basketball is one of two Big Ten hoops programs to record a perfect score and one of 20 nationally. The women's basketball, field hockey, and wrestling programs ranked in the Top-2 among Big Ten members for their respective sports.
