Breaking Down the Numbers: Trends in NCAA Division I Graduation Success Rates

Introduction

Graduation rates for NCAA Division I student-athletes are often cited as measures of academic success and institutional support. The latest NCAA report on Graduation Success Rates (GSR) and Federal Graduation Rates (FGR) provides a comprehensive view of how these rates have evolved over the past two decades. This analysis highlights the steady progress, key disparities, and the significance of academic reform initiatives in shaping student-athlete outcomes.

Read entire report here: https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/research/gradrates/2024/2024D1RES_GSRTrends.pdf

Key Highlights from the Report

1. Steady Growth in Graduation Success Rates (GSR)

• The overall GSR for Division I student-athletes has increased from 74% in 2002 to 91% in 2024, reflecting long-term improvements in academic outcomes.

• Notable gains for specific groups include:

  • Black student-athletes: From 56% in 2002 to 82% in 2024.

  • Hispanic/Latino student-athletes: From 64% to 89%.

  • Black FBS football players: From 54% to 82%.

  • Black men’s basketball players: From 46% to 84%.

These improvements highlight the impact of NCAA academic reforms, including stricter eligibility and progress-toward-degree standards.

2. Comparison of GSR and Federal Graduation Rates (FGR)

• GSR captures a broader perspective by including student-athletes who transfer to other schools and graduate, unlike FGR, which only tracks graduation at the initial institution.

• The 2024 data shows that:

  • Overall GSR for student-athletes: 90% vs. 68% (FGR).

  • Black women student-athletes: 89% (GSR) compared to 66% (FGR).

  • Hispanic/Latino men: 84% (GSR) vs. 59% (FGR).

GSR’s inclusive methodology paints a more accurate picture of student-athlete success across institutions.

3. Gender Disparities

• Women student-athletes consistently outperform their male counterparts in both GSR and FGR:

  • Women’s GSR: 95%, compared to 86% for men.

  • Women’s FGR: 74%, compared to 62% for men.

• Sports such as gymnastics and lacrosse for women achieve near-perfect GSRs (99% and 98%, respectively).

4. Impact of Transfers on Graduation Rates

• The rise in transfer behavior has negatively affected FGR, as outgoing transfers are counted as non-graduates under this metric.

• Despite this, subgroup FGRs for student-athletes—particularly Black and Hispanic/Latino groups—have shown improvement over the years, suggesting that athletes are finding success at subsequent institutions.

5. Sport-Specific Insights

• Sports with the highest GSRs:

  • Women’s gymnastics: 99%.

  • Men’s golf: 94%.

• Football (FBS) and men’s basketball, while improving, still have comparatively lower GSRs at 83% and 85%, respectively. These disparities often reflect the high demands and visibility of these sports.

The latest trends in NCAA Division I Graduation Success Rates (GSR) provide valuable insights into the academic progress of student-athletes, showcasing significant achievements and highlighting areas where further support is needed. For high school counselors working with aspiring collegiate athletes, these findings carry important implications for how to best prepare students for success in both academics and sports.

Analysis of the Key Takeaways

1. Steady Increases in Graduation Success Rates
   Over the past two decades, GSRs have risen dramatically across all demographics, with the overall rate climbing from 74% in 2002 to 91% in 2024. Subgroups such as Black and Hispanic/Latino student-athletes have experienced even greater gains, narrowing historical achievement gaps. These improvements highlight the success of NCAA academic reforms, which have emphasized progress-toward-degree standards and incentivized schools to prioritize student-athlete academic outcomes.

2. Gender Disparities Persist
   Women consistently outperform men in both GSR and FGR, with women achieving a GSR of 95% compared to 86% for men. The gap is particularly stark in sports like basketball, where women’s GSR stands at 93%, far outpacing men’s basketball at 85%. This indicates that while women benefit from structured support systems, male athletes in certain high-pressure sports may need additional academic resources and mentorship to achieve similar outcomes.

3. The Impact of Transfers
   While the GSR accounts for transfer students who graduate at other institutions, the FGR does not, often painting an incomplete picture of student success. The rise in transfer activity has negatively affected FGR rates, particularly for high-profile sports like football and basketball. Yet, subgroup data shows that many transfers—especially among Black and Hispanic/Latino athletes—are finding success in new environments, suggesting that transfers, when thoughtfully executed, can be a positive step.

4. Sport-Specific Trends
   Sports like gymnastics, golf, and lacrosse continue to lead with near-perfect GSRs, reflecting the balance of academic and athletic demands in these disciplines. Conversely, football and men’s basketball, while showing improvements, remain below the Division I average, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions in these sports.

Implications for Counselors

For counselors working with high school athletes, these findings offer valuable lessons on how to guide students toward informed and strategic decisions:

1. Emphasize Academic Readiness and Planning
   As GSR trends show, academic preparedness is key to success in college athletics. Counselors should work with students to prioritize academics early, helping them meet NCAA eligibility requirements and develop strong study habits. Highlighting the importance of degree progress can help students transition smoothly to collegiate demands.

2. Prepare Students for Transfer Realities
   With transfer behavior becoming increasingly common, students should understand how moves between schools may affect their academic trajectory. Counselors can guide athletes to carefully assess potential transfer opportunities, ensuring alignment with their long-term academic and athletic goals.

3. Tailor Support by Sport and Demographic
   Male athletes in sports like football and basketball often face heightened pressures that can hinder academic achievement. Counselors can collaborate with coaches to provide targeted academic support, ensuring these athletes receive the resources they need to succeed. Similarly, Black and Hispanic/Latino student-athletes, while showing significant progress, may benefit from additional mentorship and advocacy to sustain these positive trends.

4. Focus on Holistic Development
   The data reinforces the importance of treating student-athletes as whole individuals. Counselors can foster this perspective by emphasizing the dual role of college as a place for athletic competition and intellectual growth. Promoting resilience, adaptability, and time management will prepare students for the demands of collegiate life.

Looking Ahead

While the improvements in Graduation Success Rates reflect significant progress, challenges remain. Counselors have a critical role in bridging the gap between high school and college, equipping student-athletes with the tools they need to thrive academically and athletically. By leveraging insights from this data, counselors can help their students make informed decisions, set realistic goals, and ultimately achieve long-term success both on and off the field.