Based on data released by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ has posted the highest Graduation Success Rate (GSR) for student-athletes in school history. The NCAA released its GSR data for student-athletes who first enrolled in 2005 on Thursday.

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s GSR was 85 percent, up two points from last year’s report. The Knights rank No. 1 among public institutions in the State of Florida and second overall in the state. ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s GSR also ranks highest among public institutions in Conference USA and is tied for second overall in the league, behind Rice (95 percent).

ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ also compared well with institutions in the BIG EAST Conference, which the Knights will join on July 1, 2013. ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ would currently rank No. 2 in the BIG EAST among public institutions, behind only Rutgers (88 percent). Among all football-playing members of the BIG EAST, the Knights would tie for third, behind Rutgers and Syracuse (87 percent).

β€œResults like this come from the hard work of our student-athletes, combined with the culture of academic success that our coaches and academic support staff promote on a daily basis,” said Vice President and Director of Athletics Todd Stansbury. β€œWe’re all very proud of what our student-athletes are accomplishing.”

The football program finished 13 points above the national average, with an 81-percent mark, compared to 68 percent nationally. It was the sixth consecutive year the football program improved its GSR. Football’s 81 percent was a program-best score. In football, ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½ ranks No. 2 in C-USA and would rank No. 2 among BIG EAST public institutions.

Eleven of ΒιΆΉΣ³»­΄«Γ½β€™s 16 teams improved their GSR from the previous year’s report, while 11 of them were also above the national average for their sport. Three Knight squads – women’s tennis, softball and men’s golf – were at a perfect 100 percent. It was the seventh consecutive season for women’s tennis to record a 100-percent score. Men’s tennis recorded the biggest improvement among Knights programs, jumping 14 percentage points.

β€œGraduation is obviously the ultimate goal and this report shows that our student-athletes, coaches and academic advisors are doing a great job promoting academic achievement,” said Kimya Massey, Director of Academic Services for Student-Athletes. β€œI’m very proud to work with a group that is so dedicated to success in competition and in the classroom.”