The NCAA released graduation rates for the four-year period covering incoming freshmen classes from 2001-04. Both Women’s Fencing (93%) and Men’s Fencing (86%) beat the average graduation rate of 82%. Fencing came in behind lacrosse and skiing in this survey, but remains a top-5 sport for both men and women when tracking academic success.

According to the NCAA release, the most recent Division I Graduation Success Rates are based on the four entering classes from 2001-2002 through 2004-05. Nearly 105,000 student-athletes are included in the most recent four classes using the GSR methodology, as compared to about 76,500 in the federal rate. The differences in methodology is a cause for concern to critics of the NCAAs statistics.

NCAA Graduation Rates by Men’s Sports

Gymnastics, 88 percent

Lacrosse, 88 percent

Skiing, 88 percent

Fencing, 86 percent

Tennis, 86 percent

Swimming, 85 percent

Water polo, 85 percent

Ice hockey, 82 percent

Golf, 81 percent

Rifle, 79 percent

Soccer, 79 percent

Cross country/track, 76 percent

Volleyball, 76 percent

Wrestling, 73 percent

Baseball, 72 percent

Football Bowl Subdivision (120 teams), 67 percent

Football Championship Subdivision (120 teams), 66 percent

Basketball, 66 percent

NCAA Graduation Rates by Women’s Sports

Field hockey, 94 percent

Lacrosse, 94 percent

Skiing, 94 percent

Fencing, 93 percent

Crew, 92 percent

Gymnastics, 92 percent

Swimming, 91 percent

Water polo, 91 percent

Soccer, 89 percent

Tennis, 89 percent

Golf , 88 percent

Ice hockey, 88 percent

Volleyball, 88 percent

Softball, 86 percent

Cross country/track, 85 percent

Basketball, 84 percent

Rifle, 79 percent

Bowling, 77 percent