College Park — Maryland athletics increased its latest graduation success rate to a school-record of 80 percent, the university said.
The information released by the NCAA and individual schools Wednesday covers the four entering freshman classes from 2000 through 2003.
Maryland football improved to 64 percent from 60 a year ago. Men's basketball was still below 50 percent — it was 31 this year. But the team was up from 8 percent a year ago and should show further improvement in future reports because 12 of the last 14 seniors have graduated, according to the school.
The Graduation Success Rates counts incoming transfer students and midyear enrollees. It does not penalize schools for transfers who leave in good standing.
The overall rate for Division I athletes was 79 percent, according to the NCAA.