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UW, USC, Houston Post Record-High APRs

5/6/2026

29 3 Full Breakdown

Summary

Universities Boost APRs

University of Washington posted an APR of 993 and a multiyear APR of 992, above the national average of 986.
University of South Carolina posted APRs of 950 or higher for all 18 sports, with nine programs achieving a perfect 1,000.
University of Houston posted an APR of 992, earned NCAA Division I Academic Unit status, and saw its men’s basketball, men’s cross country and volleyball achieve APRs of 1,000.

Summary

UNM Boosts APR

UNM posted an Academic Progress Rate (APR) of 993, beating its 989 record from 2015-16, while 16 teams cleared the 930 floor, with 14 posting four-year averages of 984+.
The Lobos recorded 12 four-year APR scores and 31 single-year scores.
Division I’s APR average rose two points to 986 for the 2024-25 cycle after the 2021-22 rule change lowered the transfer GPA requirement to about 2.0 and granted APR credit.

Summary

NCAA Raises APR

The NCAA announced the Division I four-year Academic Progress Rate (APR) increased two points to 986 for the 2021-25 period.
This rise ends four years of a flat national APR.
The Division I Board approved the APR release while maintaining the suspension of standard penalties.
Programs scoring below the 930 threshold will now face strategic academic penalties.
APR reporting is in its fifth consecutive public year after a COVID-19 pause.

History

Historical Context

In 2003 the NCAA introduced the Academic Progress Rate, tying Division I eligibility to academic performance. The reform prompted schools to expand tutoring programs and lifted APR averages toward the 900 benchmark, reflecting a broader push for student-athlete success. Meanwhile, UCLA’s 3–0 beach-volleyball win over Stanford highlights the competitive climate driving these changes.

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Universities Boost APRs

University of Washington posted an APR of 993 and a multiyear APR of 992, above the national average of 986.
University of South Carolina posted APRs of 950 or higher for all 18 sports, with nine programs achieving a perfect 1,000.
University of Houston posted an APR of 992, earned NCAA Division I Academic Unit status, and saw its men’s basketball, men’s cross country and volleyball achieve APRs of 1,000.

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