Alabama posts strong APR numbers for 2016-17 period

Alabama’s latest APR scores reflected well among their Division I peers, according to NCAA data released on Wednesday.

Eight of the 19 Alabama sports with APR scores improved from their score a year ago while seven more remained steady. Four programs saw their averages decline in the last year. Of the 19 programs, 14 posted higher scores than the average for that sport among their Division I peers.

The most recent Academic Progress Rate scores reflected a rolling four-year average from the 2013-14 school year through the 2016-17 school year.

“The latest APR numbers reinforce our on-going commitment to our student-athletes and our ultimate goal of providing a quality education that provides them a strong foundation for their futures,” Alabama athletics director Greg Byrne said in a news release. “We are very proud of the way everyone – our student-athletes, coaches, faculty and staff – dedicate themselves to excellence in all areas of the collegiate experience.”

The football program set a new school record with a 984 APR score. Only Vanderbilt’s 994 was better among SEC teams. The football program’s APR score has improved every year since 2012-13. Its APR score was also well above the FBS average of 968.

Men’s basketball finished tied for sixth among SEC schools with a 985. That’s an improvement from last year’s 979 and well above the Division I average of 967.

Four programs had perfect APR scores of 1000 for the four-year period: men’s cross country, softball, women’s golf and gymnastics.

Women’s swimming and diving was tied for the best score in the SEC with a 998 average. Volleyball posted a 995 average. Men’s swimming and diving was tied for second in the SEC with a 994 average.

Baseball was also a strong performer, with its 990 average finishing second in the SEC to South Carolina’s 995. Other programs that finished over 990 included women’s cross country, women’s tennis, and women’s track.

“Our APR numbers continue to be strong and they show The University of Alabama’s continued commitment to doing things the right way,” UA senior associate athletics director for student services Jon Dever said.

Men’s golf, women’s basketball, men’s tennis and men’s track were the four sports that finished below the average of their Division I peers. None of those programs is in danger of sanctions because of its APR scores.

The Academic Progress Rate measures the eligibility, retention and graduation of student-athletes competing on every Division I sports team. It also serves as a predictor of graduation success. The NCAA’s Division I Board of Directors set a score of 930 (out of 1,000) as a threshold for teams to meet or face possible immediate and historical sanctions. An APR of 930 translates to approximately a 50 percent Graduation Success Rate (GSR).

Reach Ben Jones at ben@tidesports.com or 205-722-0196.