Academic Progress Rate
The Academic Progress Rate (APR) is a term-by-term measure of eligibility and retention for Division I student-athletes that was developed by the NCAA as an indicator of eventual graduation rates.
Every Division I sports team calculates its APR each academic year, based on the eligibility and retention of each scholarship student-athlete (including medical hardships and ninth semester students). Teams scoring below certain thresholds can face penalties, such as scholarship losses and restrictions on practice and competition. Rates are based on the past four years' performance.
Each semester, the academic eligibility of all LSU student-athletes is reviewed by the Academic Center for Student-Athletes in consultation with the team's coach and athletics administrator. Student-athletes are encouraged to meet with their advisor every semester for a complete explanation of the eligibility requirements that they must meet. It is the student-athlete's responsibility to be aware of these requirements.
How is a team's APR calculated?
The APR awards two points each term to student-athletes who meet academic eligibility standards and who remain with the institution. A team's APR is the total points earned by the team at a given time divided by the total points possible.
Each student-athlete can earn a maximum of two points for his/her team every semester that he/she receives athletics aid:
One point for eligibility if he/she meets all NCAA eligibility requirements (e.g., progress-toward-degree, credit hours and GPA).
One point for retention if he/she returns to LSU the following semester. Once a student graduates, he/she will always have a point for retention.
What is the threshold and what are the penalties?
Currently, teams must earn at least a four-year APR of 930 to compete in NCAA championships. While the APR is intended as an incentive-based approach, it does come with a progression of penalties for teams that under-perform academically over time. The first penalty level limits teams to 16 hours of practice per week over five days ( as opposed to 20 hours over six days), with the lost four hours to be replaced with academic activities. The second level adds additional practice and competition reductions, either in the traditional or non-championship season. Additional penalties may be added by the NCAA if needed.
In addition, access to postseason competition is contingent on an expected level of academic performance as demonstrated with the APR’s rates and metrics. Failing to meet these standards may cause a team to lose access to postseason competition.
To learn more about the APR, please click HERE.