The NCAA unveiled its latest Academic Progress Rate (APR) scores, highlighting impressive gains and ongoing challenges for Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
While many HBCU programs have improved academically, several still face NCAA penalties for falling below the 930 APR threshold.
What is APR?
The APR measures the academic eligibility and retention of student-athletes, serving as a key benchmark for NCAA Division I teams. Teams scoring below 930 risk penalties such as practice time reductions or postseason bans.
What were HBCU football APR scores? Which face penalties?
HBCU football programs have steadily improved, with the average APR rising from 911 in 2009-10 to 967 in 2023-24. However, three SWAC teams received Level One penalties this year:
| School | APR | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Florida A&M University | 911 | Practice time reduction |
| Mississippi Valley State Univ. | 904 | Practice reduction + postseason ban |
| Arkansas-Pine Bluff | 914 | Practice reduction + postseason ban |
Grambling State (954), Prairie View A&M (951), and Alcorn State (948) are the top-performing HBCU football programs.
HBCU men’s basketball scores and sanctions
Men’s basketball saw both high achievers and significant sanctions. Texas Southern led with a 977 APR, while several teams faced penalties:
| School | APR | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Coppin State University | 888 | Level One + postseason ineligibility |
| Delaware State University | 915 | Level One |
| Howard University | 902 | Level One |
| Mississippi Valley State | 874 | None (lowest score, no penalty) |
Top 5 HBCU men’s basketball APR scores:
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Texas Southern: 977
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Southern University: 966
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Prairie View A&M: 966
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North Carolina Central: 954
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Morgan State: 947
HBCU women’s basketball: academic standouts
Women’s basketball teams at HBCUs generally performed better, with only South Carolina State and Mississippi Valley State earning penalties. Hampton University led with a 991 APR, while North Carolina Central posted a strong 980.
| School | APR | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Hampton University | 991 | None |
| North Carolina Central Univ. | 980 | None |
| South Carolina State Univ. | 928 | Level One (practice reduction) |
| Mississippi Valley State Univ. | 862 | Level One (practice reduction) |
HBCU athletics APR in national context
Despite representing just 5% of Division I teams, HBCUs accounted for 49% of teams below the 930 APR mark and 67% of Level Two penalties. This underscores both the progress made and the resource challenges many HBCUs continue to face.
