LOWELL, Mass. – UMass Lowell has once again surpassed the Division I Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 90% by attaining a 95% rate, according to the announcement made by the NCAA on Wednesday. This GSR is based on the 2018-19, 2017-18, 2016-17, and 2015-16 freshman classes, and gives each class a maximum of six years to graduate at UMass Lowell.
 
"Once again surpassing the national benchmark for the GSR is a testament to the dedication of our student-athletes and the team of people who support them every day," said Director of Athletics Lynn Coutts. "Our student-athletes are setting the standard for what it means to compete and succeed at the highest level, and their hard work and resilience continue to elevate UMass Lowell, both on the field and in the classroom."
 
The GSR calculates graduation rates for a Division I athletic department's first-time freshmen and mid-year entrants, as well as transfer student-athletes who received athletics aid. The GSR subtracts students from the entering cohort who are considered allowable exclusions and those who left the institution prior to graduation, if they had athletics eligibility remaining and would have been academically eligible to compete had they returned to the institution.

"We are proud of the work our young people do to continue to live the term student-athlete and thank all those who have provided support to help them get there," echoed Alison Quandt Westgate, Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Excellence.
 
Across the NCAA, the Division I student-athlete GSR average is 90%. As for the 2018-19 data, all women's sports recorded a graduation rate of 90% or better with the men's sports achieving a graduation rate of 79% or better. 
 
For the 2015- 2018 cohorts, UMass Lowell has the third highest GSR among the nine America East Conference institutions. In Hockey East, the River Hawks lead the way with a perfect 100% GSR. In addition to the ice hockey program, three other UMass Lowell teams boast a perfect score of 100%, including field hockey, softball and men's soccer.