Hillsdale College athletes have the highest student-athlete on-time graduation rate of Michigan NCAA Division II colleges, according to data of college’s Academic Success Rates (ASR) from 2002-2005, released by the NCAA last month.
Hillsdale saw an overall decline in ASR from 2004 to 2005, decreasing from 93 to 90.
Hillsdale has an ASR score of 90, a measurement of the number of students who earn a degree within six years, including those transferring from one institution to another.
Grand Valley State University had an ASR score of 85, placing them second out of the nine DII schools in the state.
Hillsdale not only exceeds Michigan’s rates, but it also exceeds the national DII ASR of 72.
Hillsdale also out-performs Michigan Division I schools, with the highest ASR in that division being University of Detroit Mercy with 88.
“The current report is good news, but we have not yet achieved our goals for graduation rate for Hillsdale College student athletes,” said Don Brubacher, Hillsdale College director of athletics.
NCAA President Mark Emmert’s view of the results agrees with Brubacher’s.
“Our academic reforms continue to bear fruit,” Emmert said in a statement. “We are not satisfied, but we are proud that we have reached another milestone, as now seven of every 10 student-athletes in our highest-profile sports are earning their degrees.”
Division II Presidents Council chair Pat O’Brien highlights the decline in the single-year ASR for the first time in six years. He attributes this overall decline to the increased number of transfers.
The decline has led to review of DII academic requirements to encourage progress toward getting a degree with transfer students.
Women’s volleyball has the most successful ASR at Hillsdale, having 100 from 1999 to the new 2005 data.
“We believe we are moving in a very positive direction and that the graduation rates will continue to climb over the coming years,” Brubacher said. “So, we are pleased with this latest report but will expect continued improvement in graduation rates.”
