Bentley University’s student-athletes have the highest graduation rate in the nation at 99 percent, according to the latest NCAA Division II Academic Success Rate report. This is the second straight year that Bentley athletes have been No. 1 in the country.
The Academic Success Rate is the percentage of student-athletes who graduate within six years of initial enrollment at a college. It includes transfer students and athletes who do not receive athletic scholarships. This is the fifth straight year that Bentley athletes have achieved a rate of 97 percent or better and the eighth straight year above 90 percent.
“I am proud of our scholar-athletes and our coaches who ensure that holistic development is at the forefront of Bentley athletics,” said Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Dr. Andrew Shepardson.
Of the 19 Bentley sports that were evaluated, 13 had perfect, 100 percent Academic Success Rate scores, including every women’s sport.
“Bentley’s high ranking in this report is a direct reflection of the commitment our student-athletes have in the classroom,” said Assistant Athletics Director Cindy Scott. “Our student-athletes are just that – students first and athletes second. All of our student-athletes take as much pride in their academic successes as they do in their athletic achievements.”
About the ranking
The NCAA developed the Division II Academic Success Rate as a more accurate picture of student success than graduation data compiled by the federal government. The Academic Success Rate takes transfer students into account – it does not count students who transfer out in good academic standing as graduation failures. In addition, the rate also measures student-athletes who don’t receive athletically related financial aid, a significant number of Division II athletes.
NCAA DIVISION II ACADEMIC SUCCESS RATE – TOP 10
1. Bentley University 99
2. Thomas Jefferson University (Pa.) 97
2. Hillsdale College (Mich.) 97
2. Seattle Pacific University (Wash.) 97
2. Saint Michael’s College (Vt.) 97
2. Point Loma Nazarene University (Calif.) 97
7. Stonehill College (Mass.) 96
8. Eckerd College (Fla.) 95
8. Rollins College (Fla.) 95
10. University of California, San Diego 94
10. University of the Sciences (Pa.) 94
10. Davenport University (Mich.) 94
10. Biola University (Calif.) 94
10. Flagler College (Fla.) 94
10. Regis University (Colo.) 94