LEXINGTON, Ky. – Twenty consecutive years.

In 2005, the National Collegiate Athletic Association began measuring a Graduation Success Rate for its member schools’ athletics departments.  The initial rate that year for University of Kentucky Athletics was 68 percent.  The next year it was 71 percent.  And for 20 years in a row, UK Athletics has tied or improved the previous year’s mark.  In 2025, it’s happened again.

After five years at 92 percent, University of Kentucky student-athletes’ Graduation Success Rate climbed to 93 percent in the annual report issued Wednesday by the NCAA.

“Breaking the school record again is very gratifying,” Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart said.  “Our steady growth in graduation rates is a testament to the consistent dedication and achievement shown by our student-athletes.  I’m also thankful for the direction and encouragement given by our coaches and CATS (Center for Academic and Tutorial Services) staff in keeping our students on track.”

The GSR is a four-year composite statistic for the freshman classes of 2015-16 through 2018-19.  In addition to breaking the school record, Kentucky’s GSR of 93 percent is three points above the Division I national average of 90 percent.

The GSR includes student-athletes who are on scholarship their first semester of enrollment. Athletes who transfer or depart for the professional ranks in good academic standing do not count against the school’s GSR. Schools also are allowed to count incoming transfers and January enrollees who subsequently graduate toward the GSR.

Here are UK Athletics’ GSR scores in the 21-year history of the measure:

Year                     NCAA GRADUATION SUCCESS RATE

2025                     93 percent
2024                     92
2023                    92
2022                    92
2021                    92
2020                    92
2019                    91
2018                    88
2017                    85
2016                    82
2015                    81
2014                    81
2013                    79
2012                    79
2011                    77
2010                    74
2009                    73
2008                    73
2007                    71
2006                    71
2005                    68

 

In additional academic news, UK Athletics saw 149 Wildcats earn diplomas or certifications in the 2024-25 academic year alone. UK student-athletes are also receiving high marks in the classroom, combining to surpass the department’s goal of a 3.0 grade-point average in 26 consecutive semesters.