More than 80 percent of NCAA Division I athletes are earning their degree within six years, according to the most recent data collected by the NCAA, and the percentage at DU is even higher.

The Graduation Success Rate (GSR) for student athletes who began their freshman year in 2004 is 91 percent among Pioneers. Across the NCAA, the average is 82 percent, the highest percentage since data collection began more than a decade ago.

“We recruit the whole student at DU,” said Cynthia Rail, associate athletic director. “Our coaches focus on bringing in student athletes, not just athletes. Some of it is also attributed to the high academic standards at DU. The students who are accepted here are likely to excel academically and most likely graduate.”

Nine of DU’s 17 athletic programs achieved a perfect 100 percent GSR in the 2010-2011 academic year, including men’s and women’s skiing, men’s and women’s tennis, women’s golf, gymnastics, women’s lacrosse, women’s soccer and volleyball.

“Success for student athletes is ultimately measured by how well they do in the classroom,” said NCAA President Mark Emmert. “There is room for greater progress, and we continue to work hard to that end, but today we celebrate this important milestone.”

While not all 17 athletic programs at DU achieved a perfect GSR last year, Rail said that almost every team was still above the NCAA average.

“We should be extremely proud of the accomplishments of our student athletes both in the classroom and on the field,” said Rail. “In the spring, when the Academic Progress Report comes out, it will just reaffirm that.”