VILLANOVA, Pa.—In the latest set of Graduation Success Rate (GSR) data released by the NCAA on Thursday afternoon Villanova recorded its highest mark ever with a 98 percent rate in the NCAA GSR method. The newest release of academic data shows record-breaking achievement in the classroom by NCAA student-athletes, while Villanova continues to maintain its position among the nation's elite universities for its combination of excellence in academics and athletics.
 
In this week's GSR release Villanova had 12 of its athletic programs post a perfect 100 percent graduation success rate for the 2011-2014 cohort. This data measures the percentage of student-athletes who entered college on institutional aid (whether athletics-based or otherwise) between those years and graduated within six years. Villanova had seven women's programs and five men's programs earn a 100 percent GSR in the release.
 
The NCAA GSR differs from the federal graduation rate calculation in two important ways. First, the GSR holds colleges accountable for those student-athletes who transfer into their school. Second, the GSR does not penalize colleges whose student-athletes transfer in good academic standing.
 
The across-the-board success of Wildcats student-athletes stands out even more under close examination of the latest GSR data. Villanova's overall GSR of 98 is tied for the highest among BIG EAST schools, while each of the Wildcats varsity programs to have a score in the latest data met or exceeded the overall national average GSR of 92 percent. Villanova was also second among BIG EAST schools with 12 programs earning a 100 percent NCAA GSR rate.
 
Villanova performed particularly well in the high-profile sports of men's basketball, women's basketball and football. In basketball, the Wildcats were one of only two BIG EAST schools to achieve a 100 percent GSR score for both its men's and women's teams. Villanova was also one of two BIG EAST women's basketball programs to achieve a 100 percent score in both the GSR and federal rate calculations, while the men's basketball program was one of three BIG EAST teams to have a 100 percent NCAA GSR. The Wildcats FCS football program ranked second in CAA Football with a 95 percent NCAA GSR and topped all CAA schools with a matching 95 percent federal rate.
 
The data released on Thursday afternoon showed Division I student-athletes continuing to graduate at their highest rate in the 20 years the NCAA GSR has been tracked. The overall single-year rate held steady at last year's rate of 90%. Since its inception 20 years ago, Graduation Success Rates for Division I student-athletes overall have increased 16 points.
 
During the past four academic years (2017-18 through 2020-21), the Wildcats won a combined 21 regular season and postseason conference championships. Villanova made 14 national postseason appearances during the four-year stretch, including the men's basketball team winning its second national title in a three-year span in 2018. Women's swimming & diving won its program record eighth consecutive BIG EAST title in 2021, while the men's and women's indoor track & field teams each captured their third straight conference crowns in 2020 and the softball team won its first-ever BIG EAST title and advanced to an NCAA regional in 2021.
 
Villanova Programs Earning a 100 Percent NCAA Graduation Success Rate (2011-2014 Cohorts)
Baseball
Men's Basketball
Women's Basketball
Field Hockey
Golf
Women's Lacrosse
Men's Soccer
Women's Soccer
Women's Swimming & Diving
Men's Track & Field/Cross Country
Women's Track & Field/Cross Country
Volleyball