Southern Miss Athletes Hit 90% Graduation Rate

Southern Miss just proved that winning on the field and in the classroom aren't mutually exclusive goals.

The university received the Student-Athlete Graduation Success Rate Award at the Sun Belt Conference Honors Banquet on October 13, 2024, in Atlanta. The honor recognizes schools that achieve a single-year graduation success rate at or above 90% for student-athletes, according to NCAA Division I data.

Only eight schools in the entire Sun Belt Conference earned this distinction for the 2023-24 season. Southern Miss student-athletes balanced grueling practice schedules, cross-country travel, and competitive pressure while maintaining the academic performance needed to graduate at rates matching or exceeding traditional students.

"Our student-athletes' graduation rates give us something to truly brag about at Southern Miss," said Kylie Hall, Associate Athletic Director for Academic Support Services. Her team works behind the scenes to help athletes juggle their dual responsibilities.

Hall emphasized that these numbers represent more than statistics. "Behind every graduate are hours of hard work, sacrifice, and determination, along with the support of coaches, faculty, and academic staff," she said.

The Ripple Effect

This achievement sends a powerful message to high school athletes weighing their college options. Schools can prioritize both athletic excellence and academic success without compromise.

The recognition also highlights the often-invisible work of academic advisors, tutors, and coaches who help student-athletes navigate demanding schedules. Many athletes attend early morning practices, travel for competitions, and still make it to labs, study sessions, and office hours.

When student-athletes graduate, they leave with more than a diploma. They carry lessons in time management, perseverance, and balancing competing priorities that serve them throughout their careers.

Southern Miss joins an elite group of institutions proving that the student in "student-athlete" deserves equal billing with the athlete.