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2020 Best College Athletics in AmericaAbout this List

Explore the best college athletic programs in America based on key statistics and student reviews. Compare top colleges for sports fans and student athletes where athletics play a significant and positive role in student life. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 1,402
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  1. University of Florida

    • 4 Year
    • Gainesville, FL
    • 7,343 reviews
    #1 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: The University of Florida is a prestigious university ranked in the top 10 public schools in the U.S. UF has a beautiful campus with magestic trees and red brick buildings. My experience with UF has more than exceeded my expectations. They care about each student and faculty member even though there are thousands. They cater to the needs of young leaders inspired to succeed at the university. There are various amenities across campus that are included in tuition, and at least one thing bound to interest every person there. Classes are quality instruction, and professors with charismatic personalities. Student clubs are vast and abundant, so inclusion of all types of people is guaranteed. Lastly, UF is constantly working to better the community and atmosphere of campus to better benefit its inhabitants.

    One thing UF could work on is accommodating the large number of students on campus. Lines are always long, and resources limited sometimes. Other than that, great university!
    Read 7,343 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 39% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,313 Net Price
    • 1280-1440 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare

  2. The University of Alabama

    • 4 Year
    • Tuscaloosa, AL
    • 4,389 reviews
    #2 Best College Athletics in America

    Freshman: I love the welcoming, inclusive culture at Alabama. Everyone is kind, driven, and happy to be on campus. The professors are very accessible and they really care about their students. The campus is beautiful and very well-kept and easy to navigate. The surrounding town provides lots to do and eat. The people there are incredible! Everyone is very involved and passionate about their on campus activities.
    Read 4,389 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 59% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,465 Net Price
    • 1060-1280 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare

  3. Louisiana State University

    • 4 Year
    • Baton Rouge, LA
    • 3,255 reviews
    #3 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: I have had nothing but good experiences when dealing with my university. I love the fact that they focus so much on academics and have many good programs such as biology, engineering, and math. The campus is one of the most beautiful places ever and I am able to see it everyday. The sports programs are great, especially considering our football team won the 2019 national championships. The campus is very diverse so it is easy to find people of al races and ethnicities to talk with, making it a very comfortable environment to be in. The housing, especially the on-campus apartments are nice and the professors are all very smart and clearly know what they are doing. The student life is nice because there are over 400 clubs and several programs that you can jin as a student, so getting involved is very easy. The only thing I would say is the safety could be a little bit better and besides the general area there isn't much to do in the city. Overall I love my school and am happy!
    Read 3,255 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,437 Net Price
    • 1070-1290 SAT Range
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  4. University of Oklahoma

    • 4 Year
    • Norman, OK
    • 2,865 reviews
    #4 Best College Athletics in America

    Freshman: The University of Oklahoma provides many opportunities for their students including internships, study abroad programs, and more! Not only do they provide for their students academically but socially. Their Greek Life and community as a whole is very welcoming and uplifting. I already know that OU is going to be a great home for me and am excited to become more involved with the OU community.
    Read 2,865 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,158 Net Price
    • 1140-1350 SAT Range
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  5. University of Connecticut

    • 4 Year
    • Storrs, CT
    • 3,136 reviews
    #5 Best College Athletics in America

    Alum: UConn is a diverse school. There are many clubs and activities on campus to be involved in and be acquainted with new people and make friends. UConn has research and internship opportunities around Connecticut. If you are interested in basketball, this is the university to attend! There is a basketball arena and ice skating rink on campus. The library has computers, a writing and math help center, and the fourth floor of the library is always quiet. Professors are accessible. If you want to know more about what’s happening on campus, you should join the UConn buy and sell page on Facebook. Dorms are reasonable and you can get a better dorm at rate 1 at Hilltop. The Student Union has late night on Fridays and Saturdays that has Karaoke and trivia and other fun themed activities. Horse-barn Hill, Jorgensen, and the recreation center are hotspots on campus. UConn Dairy Bar has a selection of ice cream flavors to try. Storrs Center has Price Chopper, takeout, Blaze, crepes, and cafes.
    Read 3,136 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 49% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,650 Net Price
    • 1210-1420 SAT Range
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  6. Florida State University

    • 4 Year
    • Tallahassee, FL
    • 7,060 reviews
    #6 Best College Athletics in America

    Freshman: Staff are quick and dedicated to making your college experience as skill-learning as possible. Teachers are dedicated to aiding you if you ask for it and there are several groups and organizations that offer tutoring and support through out your journey. The campus is stunning and well taken care of and the student organizations are eventful and offer an opportunity to make new friends with similar interests.

    There is mental, spiritual, and physical guidance if necessary. If you have any questions someone on staff has the answer and can help you with whatever you need. Academics are top notch and the food is delicious. The kitchen staff is kind and makes some of the best meals around, even if you are looking for a quick snack.

    One interesting thing about Florida State University is that there is a circus that is student run and there is no prior experience needed! If you are interested and want to learn they will teach you what you are interested in learning.
    Read 7,060 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 37% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,318 Net Price
    • 1200-1350 SAT Range
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  7. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    • 4 Year
    • Chapel Hill, NC
    • 2,376 reviews
    #7 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: Going to UNC Chapel Hill was one of the best decisions I have ever made. For the first time in years, I felt comfortable being myself because I did not feel judged by others. The students are extremely welcoming and it did not take long for me to find friends. Although I did not know all of my suite mates upon moving in, we all quickly became best friends. There are countless resources available to the students, whether you need tutoring for certain classes, finding a job, community service opportunities, etc. Along with resources, there are many clubs for every hobby. In the fall, I joined a dance team called Kamikazi. I was ecstatic to have made the team because I had not had the chance to dance on a team for four years. Starting from the first practice, I felt right at home. No matter your interests, there is always a place for you at UNC Chapel Hill. The tight-knit community is positive, motivational, and, most of all, uplifting!
    Read 2,376 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 23% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,649 Net Price
    • 1270-1480 SAT Range
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  8. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,675 reviews
    #8 Best College Athletics in America

    Junior: Being a student at the University of Southern California is like no other. The campus is beautiful and the academics are stellar. The whole school feels like one big family. The athletic programs are top notch and really bring all the students together. I love being able to attend countless games while seeing cheering fans who truly love where they go to school. The best part about the University of Southern California is the Trojan alumni. With over 425,000 Trojan alumni in the world, you are always connected to a Trojan. The wonderful Trojan alumni are there for you beyond your four years. They give opportunities to advance in your desired career field, as well as be there in a new environment. No other university is this connected between current students and alumni. I am proud to attend USC, where academics, athletics and alumni blend together making the ultimate college experience!
    Read 3,675 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $36,161 Net Price
    • 1350-1530 SAT Range
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  9. University of Maryland - College Park

    • 4 Year
    • College Park, MD
    • 5,145 reviews
    #9 Best College Athletics in America

    Junior: During this time of online learning, I definitely miss UMD a lot. As a junior who was accepted into mechanical engineering after spending a year undecided (College of Letters & Sciences), choosing to stay at UMD was one of the best decisions I ever made. Our campus is always buzzing with people and activities year-round, and there are clubs for literally any interest group you can think of. Despite campus being fairly large, it's very easy to get around and I really don't mind walking 15 minutes to my classes, it's usually less if you live directly on campus and depending on your major/where your classes are generally held.

    One piece of advice I would give specifically about transferring into Engineering is to try to take engineering classes even as an undecided major. While it's possible to graduate on time after transferring, it's a lot more work when you're taking 4 technical classes at once. Overall I love UMD and its programs though and I would highly recommend it!
    Read 5,145 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 47% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,790 Net Price
    • 1290-1470 SAT Range
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  12. The Ohio State University

    • 4 Year
    • Columbus, OH
    • 5,276 reviews
    #10 Best College Athletics in America

    Alum: When I entered Ohio State, I was undecided about which major I wanted to pursue. The University Exploration program was incredible in teaching me about all of the different majors and opportunities that Ohio State has to offer. I eventually decided to major in psychology and minor in general business. Both programs provided me with unique opportunities to learn. I worked as a Teaching Assistant at the Fisher College of Business, and as a Research Assistant in the psychology department. My professors were outstanding and kind, especially in the psychology program. I highly recommend Ohio State to everyone!
    Read 5,276 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 52% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,694 Net Price
    • 1240-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour

  13. University of Texas - Austin

    • 4 Year
    • Austin, TX
    • 6,087 reviews
    #11 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: I love the city of Austin. Overall the professors I have had thus far in my academic career have been great! As a commuter, my only issue with the university is the limited parking spots on campus. There has been the construction of new buildings on campus that have limited parking spots. Austin, as a city is constantly under construction, as it is growing rapidly. Adding the construction on campus makes everything all a little bit more difficult as someone who has to live from home away from campus and drive to school. I understand that adding new buildings to the university allows the school as a whole to advance, but I also believe it is important to factor in where the placement of these new buildings are happening and if they are taking over parking spots that once were.
    Read 6,087 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 39% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,156 Net Price
    • 1230-1480 SAT Range
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  14. University of Miami

    • 4 Year
    • Coral Gables, FL
    • 2,817 reviews
    #12 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: Attending the University of Miami has made me a much more cultured, well-rounded person than I was before coming here. If you're looking for a medium-sized, diverse school with a gorgeous, closed campus close to a big city, look no further! You will meet people from all over the world and all sorts of backgrounds here at UM, which you won't get at every private university in the country. Most of the professors I've had here seem very accomplished and well-versed in the fields they are teaching, and overall the academics are challenging but nothing unbearable. There is no lack of school spirit and football games are highly attended on weekends in the fall. The party scene is very good. In my opinion, there's a healthy balance between academics and partying here, but I will say that if you are totally not a partier/going-out person, maybe consider a different school, but I think most people can find a healthy balance. The gorgeous warm weather year-round is also a huge plus!
    Read 2,817 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 32% Acceptance Rate
    • $43,305 Net Price
    • 1250-1430 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour

  15. Michigan State University

    • 4 Year
    • East Lansing, MI
    • 5,521 reviews
    #13 Best College Athletics in America

    Alum: The most impactful part of MSU was the connections with professors that, five years later, I still communicate with on a regular basis. As an education major, I worked with the most talented professors in the country who have shaped me into the educator that I am today. I thoroughly enjoyed campus life; East Lansing is a fantastic city with plenty of food, art, and culture. The area has plenty of diversity, with urban Lansing to the west, rural Bath to the north, and suburban Okemos and Haslett to the east. I always felt comfortable traveling in the local area. The housing options were slightly expensive but created enjoyable environments for myself and my roommates. The people I met at MSU are still my closest friends, and we regularly meet at football tailgates in the fall. I am proud to be a Spartan!
    Read 5,521 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,227 Net Price
    • 1110-1310 SAT Range
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    Virtual Tour

  16. Clemson University

    • 4 Year
    • Clemson, SC
    • 3,220 reviews
    #14 Best College Athletics in America

    Freshman: Clemson is a great university! It is beautiful, fun, and full of life! The academics are interesting and challenging, and the professors do care about their students. My one complaint is the overall lack of accessibility. As a student with a chronic pain condition that makes walking difficult, Clemson is hard to navigate at times because it is very hilly, and doesn’t provide a lot of accommodations to the landscape. But besides that, it’s such a wonderful place! I truly love it!
    Read 3,220 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 47% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,508 Net Price
    • 1220-1400 SAT Range
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  17. Villanova University

    • 4 Year
    • Villanova, PA
    • 1,477 reviews
    #15 Best College Athletics in America

    Alum: I really enjoyed attending Villanova University. From the rich diversity on campus to the array of extracurricular activities available to students, I felt both challenged and at home on campus.

    I was able to participate in various programs through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Campus Ministry, the Center for Peace and Justice Education, etc. Basketball games, French Club, and missions trips were all integral aspects of my experience at Villanova.

    The academics at Villanova cannot be rivaled. Both of my undergraduate professors were attentive, understanding, challenging, and willing to engage with me as a student. I am still in contact with both of them ten years later and feel lucky to have been supported by them both through my academic career at Villanova. I appreciated being able to connect the passions I have in different academic areas all together!

    I would highly recommend Villanova University to any interested student!
    Read 1,477 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 29% Acceptance Rate
    • $36,958 Net Price
    • 1300-1470 SAT Range
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  18. Auburn University

    • 4 Year
    • Auburn, AL
    • 2,295 reviews
    #16 Best College Athletics in America

    Junior: Auburn University is a beautiful school. I love the environment and pedestrian campus. All the building are postcard perfect on the campus. The professors are always very well qualified to teach and most are heavily involved in their field as well. There is always something going on on campus whether it is a Greek Life event, fundraiser, or festival. Auburn has concerts, rodeos, musical performances, and more going on year round so, there is something for everyone. There are incredible volunteering opportunities available every week. There are services open to students, faculty, and staff like tutoring, counseling, medical services, and more. They do everything in their power to ensure each one of their students has a presumable college experience and it is very refreshing. The Auburn family is so welcoming. I love Auburn!
    Read 2,295 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 75% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,205 Net Price
    • 1150-1310 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?Compare
    Virtual Tour

  19. Duke University

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NC
    • 1,109 reviews
    #17 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: Duke is a great place to come for vast opportunities, career exploration, professional development and more. You can literally try anything here! It's so flexible. Campus is beautiful, the food options are plentiful, and research experiences are readily available. The academic advising here is amazing as well.
    Read 1,109 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,785 Net Price
    • 1450-1570 SAT Range
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  22. University of Notre Dame

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 1,314 reviews
    #18 Best College Athletics in America

    Freshman: The thing that stood out to me about the University of Notre Dame was my professors! They have all been willing to go the extra mile in order to teach, be it holding long office hours and staying later or staying back long after class has ended, especially before exams. Their passion not only for the subject but for our education really helped me through some tough courses. Furthermore, the community is excellent. Notre Dame is truly a family, and dorm communities are very distinct and strong. Each dorm has its own mascots and colors and become a part of a person's identity. It is similar to Greek life but without the negatives of rushing and hazing. Everybody is very kind and inclusive.
    Read 1,314 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 18% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,229 Net Price
    • 1400-1550 SAT Range
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  23. University of Kentucky

    • 4 Year
    • Lexington, KY
    • 3,677 reviews
    #19 Best College Athletics in America

    Junior: I transferred to the University of Kentucky as a sophomore out-of-state student beginning in the Fall 2019 semester. I have had the best experience at this school so far. The classes and professors are knowledgeable and accommodating. The large campus has a ton of school spirit while still feeling like a small community, especially when cheering on the Wildcats! There are countless opportunities to get involved, whether that be in greek life, student government, volunteering, intramural sports, or any of the other hundreds of clubs and organizations on campus. Lexington is the perfect college town since it has both the opportunities of a big city while still being small enough to have a small town charm. I truly believe that there is a place for everyone at the University of Kentucky. (P.S. The residence halls on campus are EXTREMELY nice!)
    Read 3,677 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 94% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,762 Net Price
    • 1080-1300 SAT Range
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  24. University of South Carolina

    • 4 Year
    • Columbia, SC
    • 4,176 reviews
    #20 Best College Athletics in America

    Senior: University of South Carolina is a well-rounded university. It has a beautiful campus, great sports, and awesome academics. You will have a real college experience at USC. The school spirit is high and the different ways to get involved are endless. Not only is the campus itself great, it Is located in the city of Columbia which has so much to offer - restaurants, shopping, the beautiful river walk, baseball games, and so much more!
    Read 4,176 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 63% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,181 Net Price
    • 1190-1360 SAT Range
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  25. University of Louisville

    • 4 Year
    • Louisville, KY
    • 2,141 reviews
    #21 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: Having currently attended Uofl for a full school year, here is my synopsis of my experience so far. I feel pretty comfortable on campus as far as safety is concerned. They have a well-lit path that students can use after dark if they have late classes and those of us who commute can use the school's Tarc buses to get around campus. Although you get used to it, parking at the stadium off campus is a bit of a con. There is lots of places to eat lunch on campus. Some of the buildings could use some work, as well as the roads near the stadium, but we make do. The Professors I've had so far have been decent, no issues past communication. Homework can be a bit heavy at times, but that's just college. My worst complaint at the present is the expense and lack of communication. If you intend to apply, make sure to stay informed and ask lots of questions. Meet with your advisor every semester, research payment and scholarship reapplications carefully, check your email, and get that degree!
    Read 2,141 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,098 Net Price
    • 1070-1290 SAT Range
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  26. Syracuse University

    • 4 Year
    • Syracuse, NY
    • 3,312 reviews
    #22 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: So far I have loved my experience at Syracuse! The people I have met, the sports, my classes have all been great. Despite my love for the school like many universities around the country, Syracuse did a terrible job at handling hate crime incidents and protests in response to the crimes that took place throughout this past academic year. It was very disappointing to see how ill-prepared the school was to handle the hate crimes and the way they treated protestors was awful.
    Read 3,312 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 50% Acceptance Rate
    • $39,005 Net Price
    • 1180-1370 SAT Range
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  29. Penn State

    • 4 Year
    • University Park, PA
    • 6,858 reviews
    #23 Best College Athletics in America

    Junior: I love the friendly environment on campus and exciting downtown area. It is an eventful campus with many opportunities for success and expansion of ones self. No matter what career path you are on, Penn State offers many extraciricular programs that have meaningful networking purposes and ideal work experience in a multitude of ways. There are plenty jobs available on/off campus, but experience could come in many fashions. There are internships, study abroad options, research projects and many more ways to be involved in this school! We also have largest alumni network of all universities so that assists in these options. I have taken part in these as I am a research assistant through my Biobehavioral health department and also plan to travel abroad this summer. Penn State not only makes your college experience fun and exciting, but prepares you for life after this magical time.
    Read 6,858 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 56% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,151 Net Price
    • 1160-1360 SAT Range
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  30. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 4,189 reviews
    #24 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: I liked how open and welcoming UMich was freshman year! Most of the students are reliable and kind, although I have met a few students who have acted rudely, selfishly, or in a manner that was disrespectful.
    There are a variety of resources for students. If you don't have a computer, there are several places (comp labs, dorm buildings, etc.) where you can be accommodated. Overall, the professors are professional and intelligent, although students will prefer ones who are kinder with deadlines and work with the students. No one likes an egotistical professor!
    A wonderful school! I am so happy to be here!
    Read 4,189 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 23% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,856 Net Price
    • 1330-1510 SAT Range
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  31. University of Kansas

    • 4 Year
    • Lawrence, KS
    • 3,147 reviews
    #25 Best College Athletics in America

    Graduate Student: Overall the education given to me was great! Like most other universities, I had great teachers who loved what they taught and you could definitely tell through their teaching. Other teachers seemed like they couldn't really care less whether you actually learned the information or not. My studios were great, and most of the studio professors were part of the former group, while several of the support courses were taught by the latter. I am part of the architecture school and some of my experiences with the administration were confusing, specifically regarding the 5-year Master of Architecture program. Sometimes I felt as if my particular class year was being pushed under the rug, as there have been several changes of administration during my time here. To give them the benefit of the doubt, the administration do their best to try to keep us informed of such changes and try to be transparent about them.
    Read 3,147 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 92% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,415 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
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    ECPI University - Innsbrook, VA

    • Glen Allen, VA
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    Bridgewater College

    • 4 Year
    • Bridgewater, VA
    • 416 reviews

    Senior: My experience at BC was worth the investment and much appreciated! I loved the atmosphere and the college truly desires for you to achieve your dreams. As a small college, relationships were important and everyone loved to talk about anything. Everyone is very helpful on campus. It did not have the best buildings or food but it makes up for it through the ability to feel at home. Thank you!
    Read 416 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 66% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,395 Net Price
    • 980-1170 SAT Range
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    ECPI University - Roanoke, VA

    • Roanoke, VA
    • 2 reviews

    Sophomore: Very helpful and great communication. They have an open door policy and the latest in technology. ECPI gets right down to business, so there is no messing around.
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