LA MIRADA --- On Thursday, the NCAA released the NCAA Division II Academic Success Rate (ASR) for each of its member institutions. Biola led the PacWest with an ASR of 98, while tying for third amongst all members.

NCAA Division II Academic Success Rate has been measured since 2006 and is a tool used to compare student-athlete graduation rates to federal averages and general student body numbers. The ASR is the percentage of student-athletes who graduate within six years of initial enrollment at a college. The NCAA developed the Division II ASR at the request of college and university presidents who believed the federal graduation rate was flawed.

Biola has recorded an ASR of at least 92 percent each year since beginning its transition to NCAA Division II. This is the third-straight year that the Eagles sat atop the PacWest, reaching an ASR of 96 in consecutive years.

"To lead the PacWest and be top-five in the NCAA Division II in academic success rate is outstanding!" said Dr. Bethany Miller, senior director of athletics. "I am proud of our student-athletes for thriving in the classroom and grateful for our coaches and our partners in Academic Advising and the Office of the Registrar for the strong support of our student-athletes and their path to graduation."

Bentley University and Saint Michael's College posted the highest rates across the NCAA Division II with an ASR of 99 each. 

Eleven of Biola's 17 varsity programs recorded an ASR of 100 percent. These include men and women's swim & dive, men and women's tennis, women's cross country and track & field, men and women's basketball, men and women's soccer and volleyball.

Biola was one of three PacWest institutions to record an ASR of 90 or higher, including Dominican at 94 and Point Loma at 93.