Bentley Student-Athletes Earn Highest Graduation Rate in the Country
For the fifth straight year, 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.
The Academic Success Rate represents the percentage of student-athletes who graduate within six years of initial enrollment at a college. This marks the fourth year that Bentley’s success rate was 99 percent, the eighth straight year that Bentley has achieved a rate of 97 or better and the 11th straight year above 90 percent. Bentley’s rate is far above the national average of 76 percent.
“Bentley student-athletes are a force to be reckoned with in the classroom and beyond,” said J. Andrew Shepardson, vice president for Student Affairs. “I’m proud of their continued commitment to excellence culminating with this national recognition for a fifth year in a row.”
The success of the university’s student-athletes is at the core of the strategic plan guiding Bentley Athletics, which focuses on ensuring they will be outstanding leaders in sport, in the classroom and in the world. With a 99 percent graduation rate, Bentley was tied for first in the U.S. with Saint Michael’s College.
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"Being ranked number one in Division II in academic success rate is a tremendous tribute to Bentley University, our student-athletes and their dedication to succeeding in the classroom," said Director of Athletics Vaughn Williams. "To be able to be number one for five straight years is truly incredible. What a great accomplishment!"
Of the 19 Bentley sports that were evaluated (indoor track, outdoor track and cross country are considered one sport), 16 had perfect 100 percent Academic Success Rate scores, including all women’s sports. They are baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country and track, field hockey, men's golf, men's ice hockey, men's and women's lacrosse, women's soccer, softball, women's swimming, men's and women's tennis, and volleyball.
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 and removes students who left the institution in good academic standing. In addition, the rate also measures student-athletes who don’t receive athletically related financial aid, a significant number of Division II athletes.
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NCAA DIVISION II ACADEMIC SUCCESS RATE – TOP 10
1. Bentley University – 99
1. Saint Michael's College (Vt.) – 99
3. Hillsdale College (Mich.) – 98
3. Thomas Jefferson (Pa.) – 98
3. Biola University (Cal.) – 98
6. Le Moyne College (N.Y.) – 96
6. Rollins College (Fla.) – 96
6. Davenport University (Mich.) – 96
9. Seattle Pacific University (Wash.) – 95
9. Rockhurst University (Mo.) – 95