UCF Student-Athletes Join Duke, Notre Dame Among Nation’s Best Graduation Rates

Once again, UCF student-athletes are graduating at a higher rate than any other NCAA Division I FBS public institution in the nation.

Based on data released by the NCAA Wednesday, UCF has an overall Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 93 percent. That mark puts the Knights in a tie with Vanderbilt for the sixth-best mark in NCAA Division I FBS, trailing only private institutions Duke, Notre Dame, Stanford, Northwestern and Boston College. UCF’s GSR is seven points above the national average of 86.

“We are all very proud of the academic culture at UCF,” UCF Interim Director of Athletics Brad Stricklin said. “Our student-athletes, coaches, support staff and administration all believe the number-one goal for our student-athletes should be graduation and preparation for life after college. Once again, this year, we’re associated with some absolutely great company when you look at the institutions we are grouped with in these rankings.”

Thirteen of UCF’s 14 programs (women’s cross country, indoor and outdoor track and field are combined by the NCAA for the purposes of GSR) are at or above the national average. Seven programs – women’s cross country/track and field, men’s golf, women’s golf, rowing, women’s soccer, women’s tennis and volleyball – had perfect scores of 100 percent.

At 90 percent, the Knights’ football program ranks No. 6 in the nation among FBS schools and owns the best GSR among all FBS public institutions. Twelve of UCF’s 14 programs came in at 90 percent or better.

Within the State of Florida, UCF’s overall GSR of 93 is tops among all NCAA Division I institutions (including FBS and FCS). Stetson ranks second at 91 percent, while Miami is No. 3 at 89 percent.

Ten UCF programs boast the top score among FBS schools in the State of Florida – baseball, football, men’s golf, men’s tennis, women’s cross country/track and field, women’s golf, rowing, women’s soccer, women’s tennis and volleyball. Eight UCF squads – football, men’s golf, women’s cross country/track and field, women’s golf, rowing, women’s soccer, women’s tennis and volleyball – were ranked No. 1 in the American Athletic Conference.

“The high level of achievement and commitment to academic success speaks to the student-athletes who give great effort every day,” said Herb Hopkinson, UCF Interim Director for Academic Services. “The culture UCF coaches and staff have established creates student-athletes who want to succeed in the classroom and are prepared for life after graduation – which is our ultimate goal. Our exceptional graduation rate showcases this and reflects the hard work of not only the students, but also the entire ASSA staff that dedicates itself to student-athlete success.”

The GSR data in this report includes student-athletes who first enrolled in 2008. The NCAA Graduation Success Rate is designed to show the proportion of student-athletes who earn a college degree.