Lansing Sun

Michigan State University student-athletes have shown notable academic success, as reflected in the latest NCAA data released on November 20. The Spartans achieved a four-year Federal Graduation Rate (FGR) of 80%, matching their second-highest record and marking the fourth consecutive year at or above this level. The Graduation Success Rate (GSR) stands at 91%, just shy of the school's highest record of 92%. This year's figures cover freshman cohorts from 2014-15 to 2017-18 for the four-year totals and specifically 2017-18 for the single-year rate.

"We are extremely proud of the academic accomplishments of our student-athletes," stated Alan Haller, Michigan State University Vice President and Director of Athletics. "Being a student-athlete requires balancing both academic and athletic responsibilities, and graduation is the culmination of all that hard work. Leaving Michigan State with a college degree best positions our students for life after competition."

In comparison to other institutions, Michigan State's four-year FGR ranks third in the Big Ten Conference and eighth among Power 5 conference peers, securing fourth place among public institutions within this group. Three sports teams—women's soccer, men's tennis, and volleyball—achieved a perfect four-year FGR of 100%. Additionally, ten programs ranked in the Top 20 among Power 5 conference peers for their four-year FGRs, with six reaching the Top Six. The single-year FGR reached its second-highest level in department history at 83%.

The academic performance of MSU's student-athletes closely aligns with that of the general student body. Among Power 5 public institutions where all-student FGRs reach or exceed 80%, Michigan State is one of only four schools where student-athletes also maintain an FGR of at least 80%. Notably, Spartan student-athletes demonstrated minimal disparity compared to the overall student body.

Eight sports teams achieved a perfect GSR score: women's golf, gymnastics, women's soccer, softball, men's tennis, women's tennis, women's track & field/cross country, and volleyball.

The FGR measures first-year full-time student-athletes who graduate within six years from their initial institution but does not include those who transfer elsewhere. Conversely, the GSR accounts for academically eligible transfers into or out of an institution to provide a more comprehensive view of student-athlete success.