For the second consecutive year, Louisiana Tech leads the state of Louisiana in student-athlete graduation rate, according to the 2008 Federal Graduation Rate Report released by the NCAA.

The report is based on graduation rate figures from the freshman class of 2001-02.

In the NCAA’s report, Louisiana Tech recorded a student-athlete graduation rate of 66 percent, higher than the national average of 64 percent and the highest in the state.

“This is a tribute to the hard work and commitment of not only our student-athletes, but everyone who is involved in their support,” said Tech Athletic Director and Head Football Coach Derek Dooley. “Congratulations are in order to the student-athletes, as well as the coaches, academic support staff, faculty and administrators who are so committed to the academic development of all of our sports.”

Among four-year colleges in the state, Louisiana Tech’s graduation rate tops that of Tulane (64), Northwestern State (61), McNeese State (59), UL-Lafayette (53), Grambling State (52), Centenary College (51), LSU (49), UNO (46), Southeastern Louisiana (46), Southern (45), Nicholls State (44) and UL-Monroe (28).

Tech also ranks No. 1 in the Western Athletic Conference edging out Utah State (65), Idaho (63), Boise State (56), Nevada (54), Hawaii (53), Fresno State (49), San Jose State (41) and New Mexico State (36).

Written by Dave Guerin