Lexington, Kentucky, November 20, 2025
The University of Kentucky has set a new milestone with a Graduation Success Rate of 93% for its student-athletes, surpassing the previous high of 92% from 2024. This achievement, marking the 20th consecutive year of record-breaking rates since 2005, showcases the university’s commitment to academic excellence and effective support systems for student-athletes. The latest NCAA report reflects the success of student-athletes who entered college between 2015 and 2018, highlighting UK’s GSR as three points above the national Division I average of 90%.
Lexington, Kentucky – The University of Kentucky (UK) has achieved a record-breaking Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 93% for its student-athletes, surpassing the previous high of 92% set in 2024. This marks the 20th consecutive year that UK Athletics has either broken or tied its GSR record since the NCAA began tracking the statistic in 2005. The latest report, released by the NCAA on November 19, 2025, reflects the academic success of student-athletes who entered college between 2015 and 2018.
The GSR is a four-year composite statistic that accounts for student-athletes who entered college from 2015 to 2018. UK’s GSR of 93% is three points above the Division I national average of 90%. This achievement underscores the university’s commitment to academic excellence and the effectiveness of its support systems for student-athletes.
UK’s Athletics Director expressed pride in the accomplishment, highlighting the dedication and achievement of the student-athletes, as well as the guidance provided by coaches and the Center for Academic and Tutorial Services (CATS) staff. The university’s consistent improvement in graduation rates reflects a strong culture of academic success within its athletic programs.
In addition to the overall GSR, the NCAA report provides insights into the performance of individual sports programs. While specific data for each sport is not detailed in the available sources, the overall trend indicates a positive trajectory in academic outcomes for UK student-athletes.
The NCAA introduced the GSR in 2005 to more accurately measure the academic success of student-athletes by accounting for transfers and departures in good academic standing. This metric has become a key indicator of the effectiveness of academic support systems within collegiate athletic departments.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the Graduation Success Rate (GSR)?
The GSR is a four-year composite statistic that measures the academic success of student-athletes by accounting for transfers and departures in good academic standing. It provides a more accurate reflection of student-athlete success compared to traditional graduation rates.
How does UK’s GSR compare to the national average?
UK’s GSR of 93% is three points above the Division I national average of 90%, indicating that UK student-athletes graduate at a higher rate than the national average.
How long has UK been tracking the GSR?
UK has been tracking the GSR since the NCAA began measuring it in 2005, and has consistently broken or tied its record each year since then.
Key Features of UK’s Record-Breaking Graduation Success Rate
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Record-Breaking GSR | 93% for 2025, surpassing the previous high of 92% set in 2024 |
| Consecutive Record-Breaking Years | 20th consecutive year of breaking or tying the GSR record since 2005 |
| Comparison to National Average | UK’s GSR is three points above the Division I national average of 90% |
| Timeframe of Measurement | Reflects student-athletes who entered college between 2015 and 2018 |
| Introduction of GSR | Implemented by the NCAA in 2005 to more accurately measure academic success of student-athletes |
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