FORT MYERS, Fla. – Florida Gulf Coast University Athletics and its student-athletes have set a new school record for NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR). Eagles student-athletes graduated at a 95-percent rate for students in the 2018 cohort, according to data released by the NCAA Wednesday. 

In addition to the school record, FGCU was tied for the best GSR in the State of Florida and tied for the best GSR in the Atlantic Sun Conference. Eight Eagles squads – men's tennis, women's basketball, beach volleyball, women's cross country, women's golf, women's soccer, women's tennis and volleyball – posted a perfect score of 100. 

"We're incredibly proud of the culture of academic success within FGCU Athletics," said Eagles Director of Athletics Colin Hargis. "Everyone involved – student-athletes, university leadership, coaches, academics staff and administration – is committed to the holistic development of our student-athletes, with graduation being the ultimate goal." 

In addition to the FGCU programs who earned perfect scores, six others were at 85 percent or more. The Eagles 95 percent GSR is also five points better than the national average of 90 for NCAA Division I institutions. 

"These achievements are a direct reflection of our student-athletes' dedication to academic success and earning their degrees," FGCU Associate Athletics Director/Director of Student-Athlete Success Dr. Ashley Kuhn said. "Earning top marks in the state and the conference reinforce our commitment to excellence in the classroom and in competition. We are incredibly proud of all FGCU student-athletes who earn their degree and are prepared for success in life." 

The data in the NCAA's latest Graduation Success Rate report is based on a six-year cohort and designed to show the proportion of student-athletes who earn a degree.