William & Mary Athletics has once again demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence, ranking among the top institutions in the United States for graduation rates. The NCAA released its annual graduation rate reports on **November 19, 2023**, revealing that the Tribe achieved a **Federal Graduation Rate (FGR)** of **87%**, placing it in the top two among Division I public institutions for the 21st consecutive year. This impressive rate significantly surpasses the national average of **68%** for all student-athletes.
The Tribe’s FGR places it eighth overall among all Division I schools, earning the distinction of having the highest rate in the state of **Virginia**. In addition to the FGR, the NCAA also calculates the **Graduation Success Rate (GSR)**, which offers a broader view by factoring in transfers into an institution while excluding athletes who transfer out in good academic standing.
William & Mary excelled in this area as well, achieving a GSR of **96%**, which is one point higher than last year’s score. This rate matches the highest in the **21-year history** of the report, previously reached in the **2005-06** and **2006-07** academic years. For context, the NCAA’s overall single-year GSR stood steady at **90%**.
Impressive Performances Across Teams
Within the GSR metrics, William & Mary ranked fourth nationally among Division I public schools. It also held third place in Virginia and fourth in the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA). Notably, **14 teams** from the Tribe reported a perfect GSR of **100%**, including every women’s program. This achievement marks the **16th time** in the report’s history that ten or more W&M programs reached a GSR of **100%**.
Four teams have consistently achieved perfect GSRs throughout the years: men’s and women’s gymnastics, men’s tennis, and women’s golf. Other teams, such as men’s golf, women’s soccer, and women’s lacrosse, have maintained streaks of over five consecutive years of earning **100% GSRs**. Additionally, programs like field hockey, women’s basketball, and men’s swimming also reached this remarkable milestone.
Six programs reported an FGR of **100%**, including women’s cross country, men’s gymnastics, and women’s tennis. Overall, **18** of the Tribe’s **19 programs** (with cross country and track and field combined) achieved GSRs above their respective national averages.
The data in this report reflects the cohort of students who began their higher education in the fall of **2018**, as well as the four-year average for students who first enrolled between the fall of **2015** and the fall of **2018**.
William & Mary Athletics continues to set high standards both on the field and in the classroom, reinforcing its reputation as a leading academic institution in college sports. This commitment to student-athlete success highlights the institution’s dedication to fostering an environment where academic and athletic excellence go hand in hand.
