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Michigan State student-athletes post record graduation success rate

November 15, 2018
Head football coach Mark Dantonio chats with head basketball coach Tom Izzo before the start of the men's basketball game against Louisville on Dec. 2, 2015 at the Breslin Center. The Spartans defeated the Cardinals, 71-67.
Head football coach Mark Dantonio chats with head basketball coach Tom Izzo before the start of the men's basketball game against Louisville on Dec. 2, 2015 at the Breslin Center. The Spartans defeated the Cardinals, 71-67. —
Photo by Catherine Ferland | and Catherine Ferland The State News

Michigan State athletes are not just producing on the field, but in the classroom as well. 

MSU Athletics announced on Wednesday that Spartan student-athletes from the entering classes of 2008-2011 posted a Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 88 percent, according to the NCAA, which is an all-time high for MSU and surpassed last year’s GSR of 87 percent. 

GSR calculates student-athletes who graduate from their school within six years. Over 70 percent of MSU's athletic programs have a GSR of 85 percent or higher.

“As a Department, we are committed to the academic success of our student athletes,” MSU Athletic Director Bill Beekman said in a news release. “These numbers are a reflection of that commitment and the dedication our student-athletes have to win in the classroom.”

Coach Tom Izzo and the men's basketball team hold the highest GSR on campus with a 100 percent GSR, which is an all-time high for the program and is one of eight programs to hold this percentage along with men’s tennis, rowing, field hockey, women’s golf, gymnastics, women’s soccer and volleyball.

Coach Mark Dantonio's football program held its percentage above the national average with an 82 percent GSR.

Along with GSR, there is also the federal graduation rate. The FGR involves any student-athlete that drops out due to academic failure or if the student-athlete transfers and graduates from another university as well as comparing it to the general student body. Out of MSU's athletic programs, men’s soccer and men’s tennis hold a 100 percent in the FGR category. 

MSU student-athletes posted a single-year FGR of 80 percent, and a four-year FGR of 75 percent, both all-time records for the school. 

“We’re very proud of the academic achievements – and ultimately, graduation – of our student-athletes, which is a reflection – first and foremost – of those students and speaks to the overall stability of our programs,” MSU executive director of Student-Athlete Support Services Todd Edwards said. “In addition to the students and coaches, it’s a testament to the support, care and commitment to our students that’s provided by our staff, both within the department and the broader MSU community.”

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