Academic Excellence: Alabama athletes set new standards for graduates

According to the UA Athletic Department and the NCAA, student-athletes at the University of Alabama enjoyed a record-breaking graduation success rate.

Bama athletes surpassed a record-high graduation milestone with a 96% graduation rate, a 1% increase from last year.

That rate is well above the NCAA Division One average of 91%, making the University of Alabama the highest among the five public power institutions alongside Clemson, Louisville, Michigan and Virginia.

In addition to football and men’s basketball, Alabama also led the SEC with perfect finishes in men’s and women’s golf, gymnastics, rowing, soccer, men’s and women’s swimming and diving, softball, women’s tennis and volleyball.

“Really really, really motivated academically,” said Mike Ward, UA assistant athletic director. “A lot of them come here and their first conversation is about how I can get my degree within three or three and a half years. I want to be faster than the general student because I want to combine it with my professional opportunities and my sport. When that happens, it’s exciting. And, you know, it means they’re willing to work and do great things.”

According to the NCAA report, the university now tied with Vanderbilt for the highest student-athlete graduation rate in the SEC.

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