INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - While navigating an ever-evolving Division I landscape, UMass Lowell student-athletes' focus has remained steadfast in regard to their academic endeavors, as evidenced once again in the NCAA's latest four-year Academic Progress Rate (APR) report. As a department, UMass Lowell Athletics has earned a 985 APR mark, which exceeds the national average of 984, while eight River Hawk athletic teams also met or exceeded this four-year average, including baseball, men's cross country, ice hockey, men's track & field, women's cross country, field hockey, women's lacrosse, and women's track & field.
 
"This is yet another shining example of the caliber of our River Hawk student-athletes," said Director of Athletics Lynn Coutts. "They are as dedicated and determined to their success in the classroom as they are to their sport. I am incredibly proud of their academic performance and commitment, and grateful to our coaches and staff for supporting them so well in all their endeavors."
 
Each academic year, every Division I sports team across the country calculates its APR using a simple and consistent formula. Each term, scholarship student-athletes can earn one point for remaining eligible, and one point for staying in school or graduating. For schools that do not offer scholarships, recruited student-athletes are tracked.
 
"The APR reflects the team effort that goes into supporting our student-athletes in the pursuit of their degree," commented Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Excellence Alison Quandt Westgate. "Despite the changing landscape, our student-athletes, staff and coaches remain committed to the mission."
 
Of special note, the UMass Lowell baseball team once again was recognized by the NCAA APR report for having earned a perfect four-year average of 1,000, with ice hockey now joining the perfect ranks in the 2020-2024 four-year average cycle. 
 
Additionally, men's cross country, women's cross country, field hockey, women's lacrosse, softball, women's soccer and women's track & field each earned a perfect annual score of 1,000 for the 2023-24 academic year.
 
The minimum APR academic standard for every Division I athletic program is 930, a standard that all UMass Lowell teams exceeded. The Academic Performance Program has established an essential framework for academic excellence. The program provides measurable goals to ensure schools are fulfilling their commitment of equipping student-athletes with the tools and resources necessary to achieve academic success.