LOUDONVILLE, NY – Siena Athletics continues to score high marks when it comes to graduation. The Saints achieved a 94% graduation success rate with 11 programs posting perfect 100% rates according to the recently released NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR) Report.
 
"The graduation success rate of our student athletes reflects their dedication in the classroom, their drive to succeed, and their readiness to lead in their communities," said Siena University President Chuck Seifert, Ph.D. "This achievement underscores Siena's promise to our Saints – we educate for a lifetime, not just for a season."
 
The 94% graduation success rate recorded by Siena Athletics was four points higher than the national Division I average of 90%. Siena has achieved a graduation success rate of 90% or higher in all 21 NCAA reports since the rates were first released annually back in 2005, highlighted by a school-record 98% rate in 2011.  
 
"This report is a powerful testament to the character of our student athletes and the comprehensive support they're provided," said Provost Margaret Madden, Ph.D. "At Siena, graduation isn't an individual pursuit – it's a partnership. Our faculty, coaches, and staff are deeply invested in every student's journey, helping them fulfill their promise and build a foundation for whatever comes next."
 
The 11 Siena programs which achieved perfect 100% graduation success rates – which matched last year's number for the department's highest total in three years – reflects the percentage of student athletes who enrolled at Siena as freshmen in the Fall of 2018 who went on to graduate. Siena Men's Cross Country/Track, Men's Golf, Men's Soccer, Women's Basketball, Women's Cross Country/Track, Women's Golf, Women's Lacrosse, Softball, Women's Swimming and Diving, Women's Tennis, and Volleyball all achieved perfect marks in this year's report.
 
"Siena's student athletes continue to uphold a proud tradition of academic excellence," said Assistant Vice President/Deputy Director of Athletics Lori Anctil. "Year after year, their commitment in the classroom matches their drive in competition, and this latest academic accolade is yet another testament to the standards that define our Saints."
 
The Saints high marks directly contributed to the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference also achieving a 94% rate, which was tied with both the Atlantic Coast Conference and Patriot League for the third highest mark across all 32 NCAA Division I conferences. The 11 Siena programs which achieved perfect 100% rates were tied for the second most amongst all MAAC institutions.
 
"Graduation is at the center of what we do," said Assistant Athletic Director/Advising Anthony Pelliccia. "A key aspect of our Building Better Saints Program is the personal and professional development of our Saints, and graduation is a key indicator of that. A 94% Graduation Success Rate is a strong representation of how seriously our student athletes take their academics. Our Coaches continue to recruit and retain incredible student athletes who understand how to balance academics and athletics. Our Saints are fully committed to excellence in the classroom and on the playing field, and we're proud to celebrate their achievements."
 
The NCAA Graduation Success Rate Report gives graduation information for students and student athletes who entered college in 2018, the most recent class for which the required six years of information is available. It also breaks down the GSR by sport, using a four-year class average (2015-18) called a cohort rate to provide a big enough sample.
 
The NCAA developed the GSR because the Federal Graduation Rate (FGR) does not credit institutions with student athletes who leave in good academic standing and go on to graduate, or transfers into the school who graduate. Siena recorded a 70% FGR, with men's cross country/track notching an unblemished 100% cohort FGR. The FGR is based on a comparison of the number of students who entered a college or university and the number of those who graduated within six years. For example, for every 100 Siena student athletes entering school from 2015-18, 70 went on to graduate from Siena within six years.