SEATTLE – University of Washington student-athletes are shining academically. According to the NCAA’s recent Academic Progress Rate (APR) report, these athletes scored an impressive single-year rate of 993 and maintained a multi-year rate of 992. This achievement marks the 13th year in a row that the university has scored above 980 across all programs.
Pat Chun, the Director of Athletics, expressed pride in their success. “Our student-athletes, coaches, and academic support staff are committed to fostering a culture of academic excellence in a top-notch institution.”
Washington’s four-year APR of 992 surpasses the national average of 986. In fact, twelve programs achieved a perfect score of 1,000 in the latest single-year assessment.
Recent successes include matching the department’s highest Graduation Success Rate at 94 for fall 2025. Additionally, the overall GPA for the fall quarter reached an all-time high of 3.52, marking the first time that every program at UW had a GPA of 3.30 or better.
Seven programs, including beach volleyball, men’s golf, and women’s soccer, recorded perfect 1,000 multi-year scores. These programs hold the top rank in the Big Ten Conference. Women’s rowing is second with a score of 998, while men’s soccer ranks third at 997.
The APR is a crucial tool that tracks student-athletes’ academic progress each quarter. It considers eligibility, retention, and graduation—offering a thorough look at how well each team is performing academically. The recent APR scores reflect data from the 2021-22 to 2024-25 academic years.
In 2023, an NCAA report noted that student-athletes nationwide are improving their grades, with a record 88% graduating within six years. This trend highlights a growing commitment to academics among student-athletes. As Chun noted, the success seen at Washington is part of a larger movement in collegiate athletics to prioritize education alongside sports, preparing athletes for life beyond their college years.
Staying academically engaged is not just beneficial for athletes; it fosters skills like teamwork and time management that are essential in any career. The success at UW could serve as a model for other universities aiming to balance athletic and academic excellence.
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