The NCAA recognized Division I teams for outstanding academic achievements. Four George Mason teams were recognized as recipients of the NCAA Public Recognition Award.

Based on their most recent Academic Progress Rate (APR), these teams have earned the honor for posting scores in the top 10 percent of their sport. The APR is an annual scorecard of academic achievement calculated for all Division I sports teams nationally.

Mason's teams have received the academic honor each year since the inception of the academic reform program 15 years ago. Women's cross country earned the honor for a Mason record fourth straight year. Softball and men's volleyball earned the honor for the third consecutive year. Women's swimming earned the honor this year, its fourth overall.

In the history of the award, four teams have earned the recognition four times. Softball earned the honor first in 2007-08 before its third consecutive honor this year. Women's swimming and diving won three straight years from 2010-13, before notching the award this year. Women's tennis and women's cross country have each won four awards. Men's basketball, men's tennis, men's and women's volleyball, and rowing have each earned the award three times.

The APR measures eligibility, graduation and retention each semester or academic term and provides a clear picture of the academic performance for each team in every sport. All teams must meet an academic threshold of 930 to qualify for the postseason and can face penalties for continued low academic performance. 

The most recent APRs are multiyear rates based on scores from 2014-15, 2015-16, 2016-17 and 2017-18 academic years.