UWA Student-Athletes Graduating at High Rate

LIVINGSTON, Ala. – Not only is West Alabama leading the Gulf South Conference All-Sports standings following fall sports, Tiger student-athletes are also performing well in the classroom. The recent NCAA release of federal graduation rates shows West Alabama student-athletes earning college degrees at an all-time high.

The two most recent class cohorts have UWA student-athletes graduating at 79 percent and 78 percent, respectively. By comparison, the most recent graduation rate for all of NCAA Division II student-athletes is 56 percent.

"We are proud of this accomplishment proving that UWA not only graduates true student-athletes," West Alabama Director of Athletics Stan Williamson said, "but also at a much higher rate than our Division II counterparts around the nation.

"The young men and women are obviously doing great work," Williamson said. "There are also many athletic administrators and coaches in our program who work very hard with these young people to help make this a reality."

The federal graduation rate includes only first-time, full time fall freshmen. For student-athlete rates, it includes only those receiving athletics aid in their freshman year. The federal rate for all NCAA Division II student-athletes in the 2009 entering class increased to 56 percent.

The Division II philosophy promotes a balanced experience for college athletes, as proven by the continued success student-athletes have.

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