The latest NCAA report on graduation rates shows Western Washington University student-athletes maintaining their consistent standards and once again graduating at rates well above the national average for NCAA Division II.

Data released by the NCAA shows that based on both the federally mandated graduation rate and the NCAA Academic Success Rate, WWU student-athletes who entered as part of the 2004-05 freshman class graduated at a rate 14 percent better than the national average for Division II.

"Western athletes demonstrate a standard of excellence that can be found throughout our campus and is a significant mark of distinction for the university," WWU President Bruce Shepard said in a press reelease. "We are very proud of the achievements of our athletes, both in the classroom and in athletics."

The 2011 findings show 69 percent of Viking student-athletes receive their degrees in six years or less based on the Federal Graduation Rate formula. That was higher than both the national average for NCAA II schools (55 percent), and the average of the nine U.S. schools in the Great Northwest Athletic Conference (56 percent). The 69 percent graduation rate is equal to the impressive rate for all freshmen who entered WWU in the fall of 2004.