Student-athletes at Valparaiso University are graduating at a higher rate than their classmates and their peers at many other universities, according to information released by the NCAA this fall.

            Using an average of graduation rates complied by the four most recent classes, the NCAA study showed that 83 percent of Valparaiso’s student-athletes graduated within six years of enrollment and that they had a Graduation Success Rate of 96 percent.  The graduation rate for the student body at large was 74 percent.

            The graduation rate is determined using methodology employed by the federal government while the Graduation Success Rate, which incorporates information on students transferring in and out of institutions, was created by the NCAA.  Nationally, the graduation rate for student-athletes at NCAA Division I institutions was 64 percent and the Graduation Success Rate was 78 percent.

            Both the graduation rate and the Graduation Success Rate for student-athletes were the highest among members of the Horizon League in which Valpo compete.

            Reports on specific teams showed the men’s cross country and track teams, women’s swimming and softball teams each with 100 percent graduation rates and Graduation Success Rates.  Other teams with 100 percent Graduation Success Rates were men’s and women’s soccer, men’s and women’s tennis, women’s basketball, women’s cross country and track, and volleyball.

            “We are proud of the graduation rate of our students, which is much higher than the national average,” Valparaiso President Mark A. Heckler said.  “Our student-athletes face the same academic rigor in the classroom as the rest of the student population so it is gratifying when they achieve an even higher graduation rate.

            “I applaud our student-athletes for their dedication to their academic program and thank the coaches and members of the athletics department for their support of these students.”