Student-athletes at Valparaiso University continue to distinguish themselves academically, graduating at a higher rate than their peers at many other universities, according to information released by the NCAA today, Nov. 18.

Using an average of graduation rates compiled by the four most recent classes, the NCAA study showed that 82 percent of Valpo’s student-athletes graduated within six years of enrollment and that they had a Graduation Success Rate of 96 percent.

The graduation rate is determined using methodology employed by the federal government while the Graduation Success Rate, which incorporates information on students transferring into and out of institutions, was created by the NCAA. Nationally, the graduation rate for student-athletes at NCAA Division I institutions was 63 percent and the Graduation Success Rate was 79 percent.

For the second consecutive year, both the graduation rate and the Graduation Success Rate for Valpo’s student-athletes were the highest among members of the Horizon League in which Valpo competes.

Reports on specific teams showed the men’s cross country and track teams and women’s soccer, softball and swimming each achieved 100 percent graduation rates and Graduation Success Rates. Other teams with 100 percent Graduation Success Rates were men’s soccer, men’s and women’s tennis, and women’s basketball, cross country and track, and volleyball.

“We are proud to see our student-athletes continue to demonstrate their excellence in the classroom, in competition and in service to the community,” President Mark A. Heckler said. “Our student-athletes recognize that success in each of these arenas will enable them to achieve their goals in life.”

Heckler noted that Valpo provides a rigorous academic program for all students, and that the graduation rate for its student body as a whole is much higher than the national average.