William & Mary Athletics has solidified its reputation as a leader in academic achievement among NCAA Division I institutions. According to the NCAA’s annual graduation rate report released on November 19, 2023, the Tribe achieved a Federal Graduation Rate (FGR) of 87%. This remarkable figure places the university in the top two among public institutions for the 21st consecutive year, significantly surpassing the national average of 68% for all student-athletes.
This year, William & Mary ranked eighth overall in FGR among all Division I schools, making it the highest in the state of Virginia. The NCAA’s report also includes a different metric known as the Graduation Success Rate (GSR). Here, William & Mary achieved an impressive score of 96%, a one-point increase from the previous year. The GSR accounts for student-athletes who transfer into the institution and excludes those who transfer out while in good academic standing.
The NCAA’s overall GSR remained stable at 90%, underscoring William & Mary’s exceptional performance. The Tribe’s 96% GSR ties its best score in the 21-year history of this report, matching previous records set in the 2005-06 and 2006-07 academic years. In terms of national rankings, William & Mary placed fourth among Division I public schools and third in Virginia.
Outstanding Achievements Across Teams
A total of 14 teams from William & Mary reported a perfect GSR of 100% for the latest cohort, which includes all women’s programs. This marks the 16th instance in the history of the report where ten or more programs have achieved a perfect GSR. Notably, four teams—men’s and women’s gymnastics, men’s tennis, and women’s golf—have maintained a flawless GSR every year.
Other programs that continued their streaks of over five consecutive years with a 100% GSR include men’s golf, women’s soccer, women’s lacrosse, women’s swimming, and women’s tennis. Additionally, field hockey, women’s basketball, women’s cross country and track & field, men’s swimming, and volleyball also reached this achievement.
On the FGR front, six programs reported a perfect score. The teams achieving a 100% FGR for this cohort included women’s cross country and track & field, men’s golf, men’s gymnastics, men’s and women’s swimming, and women’s tennis.
In total, 18 of the Tribe’s 19 programs (cross country and track and field are combined) exceeded the national averages for their respective sports concerning GSR. The data encompasses students who began their higher education journey in the fall of 2018, along with a four-year average for those who first enrolled between the fall of 2015 through the fall of 2018.
William & Mary Athletics continues to exemplify excellence not only in sports but also in the academic realm, setting a standard for other institutions to aspire to achieve.
