University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels Excel In NCAA Graduation Rates Report
October 21, 2008 | General
Oct. 21, 2008
CHAPEL HILL - The University of North Carolina exceeded the national average in all but one of 22 sports and equaled the national average in the other in the NCAA's most recent graduation success rate report.
Carolina's overall graduation success rate was 88 percent for the class of students that entered the university in 2001, nine percentage points above the national average. UNC's rate for the incoming classes of 1998-2001 was 85 percent, seven points better than the national average.
Five women's teams had 100 percent graduate success rate for the classes from 1998-2001, including golf, gymnastics, rowing, softball and tennis. Six other women's teams - basketball, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming and volleyball reached or exceeded 90 percent. The graduation rate for women's track/cross country was 83 percent, one higher than the national average.
On the men's side, UNC had a four-year average of 79 percent, eight points above the national average. Five sports graduated at least 80 percent, including basketball, golf, lacrosse, swimming and track/cross country. Three other men's sports (baseball at 79 percent and football and tennis at 78 percent) just narrowly missed the 80 percent mark.
"We're very pleased with the graduation success rates of our teams," says Director of Athletics Dick Baddour. "Our student-athletes work hard in the classroom and receive outstanding encouragement and direction from our coaches and Academic Support Program. As successful as we have been, were committed to working toward even higher numbers in the future."
