“Academic March Madness” lands UofL in championship matchup

If the University of Louisville competed in the National Collegiate Athletic Association tournament based on academic performance, UofL men’s basketball would make it to the championship game.

This is based on an analysis by Inside Higher Ed, which has released its annual “Academic March Madness,” ranking NCAA teams based on academic performance. Using the most recent data available, the NCAA’s 2022-2023 academic progress rate, along with student-athlete graduation success rate and overall institution graduation rates, the assessment placed UofL in the championship game against Clemson University.

The excitement of March Madness may capture the nation’s attention for a few weeks, but at UofL there’s something special about being a Cardinal on and off the court. The university’s commitment to student success is year-round.

UofL’s robust academic support services for student athletes plays a key role in this success. From tutoring to priority registration to academic counseling, these resources ensure that Cardinals are equipped with the tools they need to thrive both in their sport and in the classroom.

Each year, the NCAA recognizes teams with multiyear academic progress rates in the top 10 percent of their sport, and UofL men’s basketball has consistently earned this distinction with a perfect score. Additionally, UofL student-athletes collectively earned a 3.311 GPA for the 2024 spring semester, marking the 27th consecutive semester with a department-wide GPA of 3.0 or better.

While the actual tournament has just begun and the men’s basketball champion is yet to be decided, one thing remains certain—it’s always a great time to be a Cardinal.