Read more about the Athletics Initiative at Northwestern...

Northwestern University student-athletes have the unique opportunity to complete their studies at a top-tier research university while simultaneously competing in Division 1 athletics. A charter member of the Big Ten and the only private institution in the conference, the University is also unique among universities of its stature because of its focus on undergraduate students. Northwestern encourages performance at the highest level both in the classroom and in intercollegiate sports.

Graduation rates among student-athletes at Northwestern have consistently been around 90 percent (the same as the graduation rate for the overall student body). We have typically been among the top schools in the NCAA in terms of the graduation rate of our student-athletes — and Northwestern is among the top ten universities ranked by U.S. News and World Report when it comes to athlete graduation rates. Our football team has been honored twice in the last three years for having the highest graduation rate in Division I-A. When compared with other institutions using the NCAA's new measure of academic performance among student-athletes (the Academic Progress Rate), Northwestern scored the highest among Big Ten schools, a near-perfect 980. On this same measure, 10 of Northwestern's 19 varsity sports scored a perfect 1,000.

Give online or contact Shon Morris at (847) 467-1268 or s-morris@northwestern.edu for information about supporting the Ron Burton Academic Advising Center and/or Ken Kraft Wrestling Complex.

The Wildcat Fund is the annual, unrestricted fund for gifts to Northwestern Athletics, that helps provide scholarships and other vital assistance to student-athletes competing in 19 intercollegiate varsity sports.

All contributors to the Wildcat Fund receive the quarterly newsletter "NU Direction," which contains updates on everything happening in Wildcat athletics. Donations to the Wildcat Fund are also an important factor in determining the point total in the Wildcat Priority Point System.

Give online or contact Jack Griffin at (847) 467-2101 or j-griffin2@northwestern.edu to find out how you can support Northwestern Athletics.

For information about supporting Athletics through the Wildcat Champions Plaza, contact Jack Griffin at (847) 467-2101 or j-griffin2@northwestern.edu.

To learn about the Priority Point System for parking and improved seating options at Ryan Field and postseason Bowl tickets, contact Shon Morris at (847) 467-1268 or s-morris@northwestern.edu.