The NCAA released its annual Academic Success Rate (ASR) report and the Trevecca Nazarene University Trojans remain one of the best-performing athletic departments nationally. Their No. 9 ranking and 94% ASR this year, continues their streak of ranking nationally with at least a 91% ASR. since joining the NCAA 12 years ago.
The Trojans are No. 9 among the 307 Division II schools included in the 2016 (2013-16 four-year cohort) ranking.
In addition, the Trojans are one of 46 schools to earn special designation with the President's Award for Academic Excellence.
The President's Award for Academic Excellence is awarded to Division II schools that have achieved an Academic Success Rate of 90% or higher. This marks the fifth consecutive year for the Trojans earned that honor and the sixth time in the twelve seasons of NCAA membership.
Three Trojan teams had a 100% Academic Success Rating – women's golf, softball, and women's soccer.
The Academic Success Rate is the percentage of student-athletes who graduate within six years of initial collegiate enrollment. The ASR gives credit for any student-athletes transferring from the institution while in good academic standing.
So, this year's rating is based on the student-athlete in the 2013-16 four-year cohort.
Last year, based on the 2012-2015 four-year cohort, the Trojans had their highest ranking at No. 5 with their highest ASR of 97%. Three years ago, based on the 2011-13 cohort, the Trojans produced a 95-percent Academic Success Rate and were number seven (7) nationally.
There are three Great Midwest Athletic Conference institutions ranked in the ASR top 15. The other two other than TNU are Hillsdale College who came in at No. 3 (98%) for the second year in a row. Cedarville University, the third, is tied at No. 8 with 95%, up two spots and a percentage point over last season.
The Great Midwest, as a league, is tied for eighth, with two other leagues, among all 23 Division II conferences with an ASR of 81%, exceeding the national averages once again. The conference is up two percentage points over last season.