TUCSON, Ariz. – In the NCAA's Graduate Success Rate (GSR) data released on Wednesday, the University of Arizona Athletics Department matched its all-time record of 86 percent. Arizona posted a mark of 86 percent in the data released in 2018 and has increased its score by 13 percent over the last seven years.

"Matching our department's all-time high in GSR data is a great accomplishment for our student-athletes, C.A.T.S. Academics staff and our entire athletics department," said Vice President and Director of Athletics Dave Heeke. "Our score of 86 percent in the most recent NCAA data is an increase of 13 percent over the last seven years. We have also posted three consecutive semesters of record-breaking GPA's by our student-athletes. Arizona Athletics is achieving excellence in the classroom as our student-athletes are living the Wildcat Way by fulfilling the commitment to an athlete's total success."

The data released this week covers the graduation rates of student-athletes within six years of enrollment for the classes of 2009 through 2012. Included in Arizona's score of 86 percent are perfect 100 percent scores from its Women's Golf, Gymnastics, Softball and Men's Tennis programs.

Sustained student-athlete success in the classroom is a foundational pillar of Arizona Athletics' Wildcat Way strategic plan and its roadmap to the future.

GSR scores is just one part of Arizona student-athletes' recent widespread academic success. Arizona Athletics has posted three consecutive record-breaking semesters in the classroom. Spring of 2019 saw the athletics department reach an overall GPA of 3.055, which was the highest spring semester GPA in Arizona Athletics history. Arizona student-athletes posted a 3.057 GPA in the previous semester, which was the highest overall GPA for a semester on record.