Chicago State Student-Athletes Achieve Strong Academic Results in NCAA Graduation Success Rate Report

CHICAGO, Ill. (November 24, 2025) — Chicago State University Athletics proudly announces the results of the NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) report for the 2015–2018 cohort. The report showcases the academic excellence of Cougar student-athletes and underscores the department’s commitment to success in the classroom as well as in competition.

Perfect Scores: Teams Achieving 100% GSR

Chicago State celebrates four programs that achieved a flawless 100 percent Graduation Success Rate:

• Men’s Soccer
• Men’s Golf
• Men’s Tennis
• Women’s Volleyball

These perfect scores highlight the dedication of student-athletes, coaches, and academic support staff in ensuring academic success across multiple programs.
 
Programs Showing Significant Improvement
Several Cougar teams demonstrated notable growth compared to the previous cohort (2013–2016):

• Men’s Basketball: Increased from 53% to 59%
• Men’s Track & Field/Cross Country: Increased from 54% to 60%
• Men’s Golf: Increased from 89% to 100%
• Women’s Golf: Increased from 75% to 83%
• Women’s Tennis: Increased from 80% to 88%
• Women’s Volleyball: Increased from 80% to 100%

These improvements reflect the department’s enhanced academic support initiatives and the commitment of student-athletes to excel both on and off the field.
“We are thrilled to celebrate these outstanding academic achievements,” said Whitley Bradley-Associate AD for Student Athlete Success. “Our student-athletes continue to raise the bar, proving that success at Chicago State means excelling in the classroom as much as in competition.”

 Overall Results

• Overall increase from 73% (2013-2016) to 79%

The NCAA Graduation Success Rate measures the percentage of student-athletes who earn a degree within six years of entering college. Unlike federal graduation rates, the GSR accounts for transfer students and those who leave in good academic standing, offering a more accurate reflection of student-athlete success.

Chicago State Athletics remains committed to building champions in competition, in the classroom, and in the community.