Oct. 31, 2007

Chicago, Ill.- The NCAA released the updated Division I Graduation Success Rate (GSR) reports this past Tuesday (Oct. 30), and the University of Illinois at Chicago once again showed that it puts a priority on helping student-athletes attain their degrees.

According to data compiled by the NCAA, UIC posted a student-athlete graduation success rate of 89 percent, 12 points higher than the national Division I average of 77.

In addition, UIC stood at the top of the GSR ranks among all universities in the city of Chicago, according to data in an article by Shannon Ryan in the Oct. 31st edition of the Chicago Tribune.

In terms of schools in the state of Illinois, UIC ranked third behind only Northwestern (98 percent) and Bradley (90).

UIC's GSR of 89 percent also ranked third in the entire Horizon League, behind new league member Valparaiso (96 percent) and Green Bay (92).

Just one Big Ten school (Northwestern) had a higher student-athlete GSR than UIC.

"This proves once again that UIC Athletics is committed to the success of our student-athletes in both the field of play and the classroom," said UIC Director of Athletics Jim Schmidt. "Our student-athletes focus on excellence by working hard in all facets, including the attainment of a University degree, which is the core of our mission."