William & Mary Athletics has once again demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence, achieving remarkable graduation rates according to the latest NCAA reports. Released on November 19, the annual data revealed that for the 21st consecutive year, the Tribe ranked in the top two for the Federal Graduation Rate (FGR) among Division I public institutions. With an impressive FGR of 87%, William & Mary significantly outperformed the national average of 68% for all student-athletes.
Outstanding Performance in Graduation Metrics
The Tribe’s FGR placed it eighth overall among all Division I schools and marked the highest rate in the state of Virginia. Complementing the FGR, the NCAA also assesses a metric known as the Graduation Success Rate (GSR). William & Mary achieved an exceptional GSR of 96%, a one-point increase from the previous year. This measure accounts for student-athletes who transfer into the institution while excluding those who transfer out in good academic standing.
The NCAA reported a steady overall GSR of 90% across all institutions. William & Mary’s 96% GSR is tied for its best performance in the 21-year history of the report, matching scores previously recorded in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 academic years. The Tribe ranked fourth nationally in GSR among Division I public schools and third in Virginia.
Impressive Achievements Across Teams
Highlighting the depth of academic success, 14 teams at William & Mary reported a perfect GSR of 100%, including every women’s program. This achievement marks the 16th instance in the report’s history where ten or more teams reached a GSR of 100%. Notably, four teams—men’s gymnastics, women’s gymnastics, men’s tennis, and women’s golf—have consistently achieved a perfect GSR every year since the report’s inception.
Several teams have shown impressive streaks in maintaining 100% GSRs over consecutive years. For instance, men’s golf recorded 10 consecutive years, while women’s soccer reached nine years. Other teams, including women’s lacrosse, women’s swimming, and women’s tennis, have maintained streaks of over five years. Additionally, six programs achieved an FGR of 100%, including women’s cross country and track & field, men’s golf, men’s gymnastics, and women’s tennis.
In total, 18 of the Tribe’s 19 programs (cross country and track and field are combined) exceeded their respective sport national averages in GSR. The reported data includes the cohort of students who began their higher education in the fall of 2018 and covers a four-year average for those who first enrolled between the fall of 2015 and the fall of 2018.
William & Mary continues to set a benchmark for academic achievement in athletics, underscoring the institution’s commitment to fostering both academic and athletic excellence. The remarkable performance of its student-athletes serves as a testament to the supportive environment cultivated by the athletics staff and the broader university community.
