Colgate recorded a 99 percent graduation success rate for its student-athletes, according to a recent report by the NCAA.
The school’s success rate far outpaced the national average of 80 percent. The NCAA report covered Division I athletes entering school between 2001 and 2004 who earned a degree within six years.
“Having a 99 percent graduation rate is a credit to the dedication of our excellent student-athletes, coaches and staff,” said David Roach, Colgate director of athletics. “We take great pride in the fact our students strive for success on and off the field of play.”
Colgate’s graduation rate was third among all Division I schools. Columbia and Brown both recorded a 100 percent rate. Last year, Colgate was the only school in the nation with a perfect score, after sharing the No. 1 ranking with Notre Dame in 2009, with each school garnering 99 percent.
Colgate and the seven other Patriot League schools scored above 85 percent in graduation success rates, putting the entire league at or near the top of the NCAA charts. American and Colgate each earned a 99 percent rate to tie for third place nationally, and were followed closely by Holy Cross (98), Bucknell (97), Lafayette (97), and Navy (96), along with Army (90) and Lehigh (86).
The Patriot League had as many schools in the top 10 as any other conference in the country.
The NCAA data differ from federal graduation statistics because it accounts for students who transfer. The NCAA does not penalize an institution for athletes who leave to attend other colleges, as long as they depart in good academic standing.
See the national rankings as compiled by USA Today and The Chronicle of Higher Education.