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Academic Progress Rate (APR)

The Academic Progress Rate (APR) is a measure used by the NCAA to track the academic success and eligibility of Division I student-athletes over time. APR is part of the Division I Academic Performance Program, alongside the Graduation Success Rate (GSR). Together, they hold institutions accountable for supporting student-athletes in the classroom and staying on track to earn a degree.

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What APR Measures

A term-based metric that tracks academic eligibility and retention for Division I student-athletes.
Academic Eligibility
One point per term for each student-athlete who stays academically eligible.
Retention
One point per term for each student-athlete who remains enrolled or graduates.
Team Score
Individual points combine into a team score, with a maximum of 1,000 points.

APR by the Numbers

Numbers that define how APR works.

1000 Maximum team score
930 Multi-year APR required for postseason

Origin & Oversight

APR was introduced in 2003 to give NCAA leadership a more timely measure of academic progress than the federal graduation rate, which tracked outcomes over six years and didn’t count transfers. Alongside APR, the NCAA introduced the Graduation Success Rate (GSR) to better reflect student-athlete outcomes. Today, APR policies and benchmarks are overseen by the Division I Academics and Eligibility Committee as part of the Academic Performance Program.

How APR Is Used

APR scores are tracked over time and used to evaluate team performance across several dimensions.
Postseason Eligibility
Teams must meet a minimum multi-year APR benchmark (currently 930) to be eligible for postseason competition.
Academic Penalties
Teams that fall below APR benchmarks may face restrictions on practice time and competition.
Revenue & Recognition
High-performing teams receive recognition and contribute to academic-based revenue distribution

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTIONS?

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