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2018 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.

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  1. University of Florida

    • 4 Year
    • Gainesville, FL
    • 6,892
    1 Best College Athletics in America

    Freshman: The University of Florida has provided me with the experience to not only growth in an academic perspective but also in my personal development. Through its rigorous academic elements and the high level of competition, this institution has allowed me to develop critical thinking skills that have made a difference in my everyday life. The diversity found in campus including clubs, greek life, and ethnicity have change the way that I perceived my community and has let me to become more involved with my surroundings. Although there's always room for improvement, I believe the University of Florida provides every student in campus with a great opportunity to achieve their goals and continue their path in striving for excellence. I will forever be grateful to be a part of the GATOR NATION!
    Read 6,892 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 46% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,761 Net Price
    • 1180-1370 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. The University of Alabama

    • 4 Year
    • Tuscaloosa, AL
    • 4,107
    2 Best College Athletics in America

    Niche User: I love Alabama's active student life, an array of majors, school spirit, and greek life options! I feel safe on campus, have helpful and knowledgeable professors. Game day at the University of Alabama is unlike any other school. Pom poms shake throughout Bryant Denny Stadium and each spectator is completely invested in Alabama's sports teams. Moving 18 hours away from home was extremely nerve-racking but Alabama could not feel more like home. The amount of scholarship offered to out-of-state students is amazing and helps combat the high cost.
    Read 4,107 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 53% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,133 Net Price
    • 980-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Florida State University

    • 4 Year
    • Tallahassee, FL
    • 6,726
    3 Best College Athletics in America

    Alum: I received a high quality education at FSU. I liked the newness of many of the classrooms (implementation of Smart, up-to-date technology) that somehow did not sacrifice the traditional, historical aesthetic to do so. I felt I received a Mona Lisa Smile experience at the in-state tuition price! There was huge versatility of choice in majors and program-specific internship opportunities. Most of all, I was serviced with fantastic one-on-one advisor attention throughout my entire bachelor's course (4 years). Excellent free help labs (economics, accounting) and tutoring services. Excellent gym.
    Read 6,726 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 58% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,506 Net Price
    • 1110-1280 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. University of Oklahoma

    • 4 Year
    • Norman, OK
    • 2,648
    4 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: Very big & beautiful school with something for everyone! A lot of opportunities for internships, leadership positions and involvement. A lot of research opportunities and very good professors as well, especially for a public university. Despite the perception, OU is a lot more than just football and greek life. However, I would recommend that after freshman year, you live somewhere within walking distance to campus, because the parking here is absolutely awful and you will absolutely regret commuting to campus and spending nearly 2 hours looking for a parking spot everyday, even with a parking pass that costs hundreds of dollars. Also Dale Hall is a ridiculous building and if you have a class there, get there early because trying to make your way through the crowds in that building can sometimes take a while. The parking situation & Dale Hall is the only thing preventing me from giving this great school 5 stars.
    Read 2,648 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,966 Net Price
    • 1060-1345 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. University of Texas - Austin

    • 4 Year
    • Austin, TX
    • 5,645
    5 Best College Athletics in America

    Junior: In one sentence:there.is.something.for.everyone! UT Austin is simply the best in making a large school feeling immediately smaller by the countless communities you can jump right into. From political to adventurous student organizations, to meeting the very brightest professors and students in your chosen field, you will never cease to be amazed by the unlimited amount of opportunities available to you. For instance, I am a double major in Government and International Relations and Global Studies and am continuously amazed at the amount of programs, events, lectures , courses, and books available just for students in those majors. Your college's department of Career Services will blow you away as well, they will provide any and all resources to ensure your success after graduation. Most of all, UT is a highly respected university in the state of Texas and beyond, a degree from UT will go a very long way! I highly recommend studying here.
    Read 5,645 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 40% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,010 Net Price
    • 1140-1410 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Louisiana State University

    • 4 Year
    • Baton Rouge, LA
    • 2,999
    6 Best College Athletics in America

    Junior: LSU has been the greatest experience of my life. It has just about everything. It can seem really big when the Tigers are playing in Death Valley on a Saturday Night, but also could feel like a small homey college when in a class of only 15 students. The professor at LSU want the absolute best for each individual and help us succeed in all aspects of our lives. I am an athlete at LSU which is a dream come true! LSU cares for the upmost health and success for us on an off the court. We have tutors, nutritionist, and so much more to help make us become the very best versions of ourselves.
    Read 2,999 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,095 Net Price
    • 1010-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. University of Maryland - College Park

    • 4 Year
    • College Park, MD
    • 4,851
    7 Best College Athletics in America

    Senior: University of Maryland -College Park is one of the top universities for the science programs it has to offer. Given its high standards, the courses are also top notch. The campus life is also very lively. Faculty and Staff are very helpful to all the students and take special care of the students in need. The university is very diverse and accommodates for everyone. One of the best security feature they have are these emergency call booths where someone can press the emergency button and the campus police will be there under 90 seconds. For the people running away from danger, they can always see one emergency call booth from another. Overall the experience at University of Maryland has been amazing and would 100% recommend!
    Read 4,851 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 48% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,757 Net Price
    • 1210-1420 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. University of Connecticut

    • 4 Year
    • Storrs, CT
    • 2,925
    8 Best College Athletics in America

    Junior: I like UConn because it really gives ample opportunities for anyone to pursue their interests and diverge further in that field. It is very diverse with people from all around the world. The professors are very helpful and there is a common theme of "the mission to education" where every person is working with another to improve the educational experience for everyone.
    Although having large classes might be an advantage for some people, it minimizes the interaction between the students, which could be improved. Students don't interact very well in classes and rely on extracurricular activities or living on campus to get to know more people. Additionally, another area where the university can improve is the campus food! The dining halls don't present a variety of options, which makes it hard for some people to find what is right for them.
    Read 2,925 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 49% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,064 Net Price
    • 1120-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. Auburn University

    • 4 Year
    • Auburn, AL
    • 2,124
    9 Best College Athletics in America

    Junior: I adore the sense of family here! Despite the size of the student population, Auburn University feels like home! I would like to see more information about on campus student job opportunities more frequently announced. Other than that, there is not much to complain about. I have had some really good teachers as well as some not so good teachers, but overall my experiences has been great. The courses are time consuming and require one to put in effort, however, that is to be expected.
    Read 2,124 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 81% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,698 Net Price
    • 1060-1260 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. The Ohio State University

    • 4 Year
    • Columbus, OH
    • 4,903
    10 Best College Athletics in America

    Freshman: I have absolutely loved my time at Ohio State! When choosing a school my senior year of high school, I was very torn between OSU and another school. Ultimately, I knew Ohio State was the best fit for me, and it has way exceeded my expectations since arriving in August. The amount of school spirit everyone has is unlike anything I've ever experienced and everyone truly is just so happy to be a buckeye. The challenging coursework and excellent professors make Ohio State's academic experience one of a kind. My only complaint about my is experience is, my dorm is very old and lacks air conditioning and study spaces. But after the weather cools down it's not a problem! With alumni stretching to all ends of the Earth, I'm so thrilled to be part of the wonderful Ohio State community. Go bucks!
    Read 4,903 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,971 Net Price
    • 1160-1410 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Michigan State University

    • 4 Year
    • East Lansing, MI
    • 5,098
    11 Best College Athletics in America

    Junior: Heyyyyy, so let me tell you about MSU! Michigan State overall is a great school. The campus is very beautiful and spacious. The professors are nice and “most”of them genuinely care about you and how you perform in the classes. The food is okay nothing special, it gets very repetitive. The buses are pretty good, sometimes late but usually on time. Everyone on campus is overall pretty. Although their are sometimes some racial problems, that’s with every school. Overall MSU is a great school and should be one of your top choices!
    Read 5,098 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 66% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,970 Net Price
    • 990-1260 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    • 4 Year
    • Chapel Hill, NC
    • 2,213
    12 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: UNC is a special place which I am proud to call my home. The school is large and diverse enough to find your niche, but is small enough to always see a familiar face when you're walking across campus. The courses here are challenging, but engaging. The support system of students and faculty is outstanding; I have never felt stranded at any point while I've been here. It also doesn't hurt that pretty much all of our athletic teams are successful (especially basketball)! My only complaint is that I didn't receive as much financial aid as I would have liked, but since I am an in-state student, the price is still manageable.
    Read 2,213 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $10,077 Net Price
    • 1210-1420 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  17. University of Miami

    • 4 Year
    • Coral Gables, FL
    • 2,648
    13 Best College Athletics in America

    Freshman: Coral Gables is home to the University of Miami, an elite university, known commonly as “The U.” With its perpetual sunshine and swaying palm trees, the University of Miami enjoys the cool ambience of the tropics, while also holding the title of a Top 50 school. Just like the city of Miami, the school is bubbling with a variety of different people with different backgrounds. The athletics teams at this school are great too, with our football team's ever-increasing ranking. We have had several celebrities come to the University of Miami, parading around campus, throwing up the "U" at sports games, and notably even filming a music video here! The University of Miami had everything I was looking for in a campus and choosing to go there it is one of the best decisions I've ever made.
    Read 2,648 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 38% Acceptance Rate
    • $37,424 Net Price
    • 1210-1390 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,458
    14 Best College Athletics in America

    Senior: I LOVE this school. The professors are amazing and are always willing to meet with their students to give them additional help. There are tons of club activities and extracurricular activities to join. There is something here for everyone. Additionally, the staff is so nice and helpful! The health center is amazing and the food options in the area are great! It isn't in the nicest area, but the school does a great job of keeping their students safe.
    Read 3,458 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,932 Net Price
    • 1280-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. University of Kentucky

    • 4 Year
    • Lexington, KY
    • 3,434
    15 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: The University of Kentucky is one of the best universities I've ever been to! The campus is beautiful and everyone is so welcoming. I felt at home the first time I visited and automatically I knew UK was the school I wanted to attend. There's a whole week of activities in August before classes start specifically for incoming freshman to get them acclimated to the university and show them everything UK has to offer. There are numerous tutoring services and most professors are flexible with their office hours to find a time that works for the student. Almost everyday there's a different activity happening on campus, from goat yoga and Pinterest parties for stress relief, to live music and food to spend time with friends, to tailgates before sports games to support our Wildcats with the most spirit. It's clear that the university strives to create the best environment for students' success and well-being. I'm so glad I picked the University of Kentucky!
    Read 3,434 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 91% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,850 Net Price
    • 1000-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. University of Louisville

    • 4 Year
    • Louisville, KY
    • 1,988
    16 Best College Athletics in America

    Graduate Student: The University of Louisville staff is amazing. As a returning non-traditional student they were extremely helpful in getting me back on track to my BA. I will graduate this Summer and will start grad school at UofL in the Fall. The professors are fantastic and always create a challenging yet, very helpful academic environment. Overall the school has a small, family like feel. I would highly recommend UofL to anyone who asked!
    Read 1,988 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 73% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,249 Net Price
    • 1000-1240 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. Baylor University

    • 4 Year
    • Waco, TX
    • 3,867
    17 Best College Athletics in America

    Niche User: I have visited Baylor University twice now, and each time I surprise myself by discovering new things to be fascinated by! There is an abundance of student activities on campus; you can even watch as people prance across Fountain Mall playing a game of Quidditch. Day in and day out, there are a multitude of franchises to dine in or out at. In the "Grease Pit", on the opposite side of the high way lining campus, there are more fast-food restaurants than you could even count on all your fingers and toes. In addition to the campus life and eateries, Baylor is the only university also certified as a zoo. With the two live bears, Joy and Lady, the campus is lit up by their presence as true mascots. Overall, Baylor is a University that provides all who visit with an experience they can never forget.
    Read 3,867 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 40% Acceptance Rate
    • $36,294 Net Price
    • 1120-1310 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  23. Duke University

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NC
    • 1,037
    18 Best College Athletics in America

    Freshman: Choosing to go to Duke has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. Its campus is BEAUTIFUL; we have lush gardens and there are so many birds here, from towhees to even the occasional hawk. The opportunities here to get involved are almost overwhelming. We have this program called DukeEngage where students go to all parts of the world to work with communities through research and volunteer work. I will actually be going to Costa Rica this summer to help in rainforest restoratuon and conservation through this program!But what I truly love most about this school is its students. The atmosphere here is not competitive but collaborative. I came to Duke feeling insecure about my qualifications compared to those of the other incoming freshman. But never once did I feel belittled or patronized. Students here want each other to succeed, we want to see each other grow and challenge ourselves to improve. Here at Duke, 'Southern Hospitality' is the real deal!
    Read 1,037 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,950 Net Price
    • 1380-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  24. Texas A&M University

    • 4 Year
    • College Station, TX
    • 6,357
    19 Best College Athletics in America

    Senior: This is a large school, however it feels small. The people are friendly and you often see people you know on campus. College Station is not the most interesting place, but it has everything you need. Game days in the fall as a student are incredible, there is nothing else quite like it! There are plenty of ways to get involved and find your niche, through clubs, organizations or Greek life. Most importantly, academics are great here. Programs are rigorous and the instructors are highly qualified. There are plenty of resources available to help you succeed. TAMU is also steeped in traditions that make it an incredibly unique college experience!
    Read 6,357 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 67% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,455 Net Price
    • 1070-1310 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. University of Tennessee

    • 4 Year
    • Knoxville, TN
    • 3,326
    20 Best College Athletics in America

    Senior: The University of Tennessee is a great school. This school heavily emphasizes research, so if you happen to get professors who are there for research and teach because they have to then you may have a lacking experience. However, I have had wonderful professors who really care about your education. This school offered many experiences and organizations to be involved in, and I am sure I would have enjoyed college much more if I lived on campus and got involved. Overall the campus was amazing and my education was as well. You get out of it what you put into it!
    Read 3,326 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 77% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,780 Net Price
    • 1040-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. University of Kansas

    • 4 Year
    • Lawrence, KS
    • 2,989
    21 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: The University of Kansas is a great four year college that I believe exceeds academic standards and has a very active campus life. Starting with academics, all classes I've been in have been highly organized with professors who actually try to help their students. They won't reach out to students, but once you make yourself known to them they are excellent resources who befriend and network the students who come and ask questions. On campus, there is something for everybody. There are tons of diverse clubs and organizations encouraging students to join. If extra curricular activities aren't for you, Lawrence itself is a great place with a lot of little shops and restaurants and businesses. Greek life is very big here, but if you're not in a sorority or fraternity thats okay! You can still have a successful college experience without having to be a part of greek life. Overall, KU is a great place.
    Read 2,989 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 93% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,014 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. Syracuse University

    • 4 Year
    • Syracuse, NY
    • 3,165
    22 Best College Athletics in America

    Graduate Student: It is such an amazing university. The staff is very kind, professional, patient and helpful. Such good traits will most definitely impact positively on one's studies. Even though I have not yet been physically there as my classes are commencing in 2019, I already feel like I have been there already. The online warm reception from the staff draws one's interest and full attention to the university. They incite students and help them believe in themselves. They make one feel like a member of syracuse university even at inception of Application process. Nevertheless, I have been following the university in respect of other fields, more particularly the academics. The university has been doing exceptionally well. It endlessly produces excellent results.
    Read 3,165 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 52% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,823 Net Price
    • 1090-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  30. University of Notre Dame

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 1,248
    23 Best College Athletics in America

    Alum: Notre Dame is an amazing place to get a high quality education with great reputation and close-knit community feel with fun and spirited student life. It’s not necessary to be Catholic and people who aren’t religious at all won’t feel excluded, but it is especially amazing for people who are religious. I myself am not very religious but was raised in the faith and do appreciate it, so I enjoyed being around it and taking the required Theology and Philosophy courses. Everyone is extremely nice and collaborative! Very smart people here and caring professors. Single sex dorms is a negative as well as less opportunities for medical professions, as there is no hospital or medical focus here. I would say it’s best for business, engineering, or liberal arts. Although science is still good here and people get into great grad programs no matter what they want to continue on studying!
    Read 1,248 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 19% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,683 Net Price
    • 1350-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  31. Penn State

    • 4 Year
    • University Park, PA
    • 6,408
    24 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: Penn State is an amazing campus with a multitude of career paths to choose from. There are tons of possibilities that one can get involved in at Penn State through clubs, community involvement, or sports. As an engineer, I am very glad that I chose this particular school because our engineering department is one of the best in the United States, and the chances of finding a job upon graduation is quite high. There is one particular thing that I would like to see change in the future at Penn State and that particular change is with academic scholarships for students. Currently, Penn State only offers athletic scholarships at the main campus, and at branch campuses I was able to find out that they offer academic scholarships. There are particular scholarships offered through individual colleges at main, but for someone is graduates in the top percentage of their class there should be some sort of scholarship given. Overall, Penn State is a great school. We Are!
    Read 6,408 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 56% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,055 Net Price
    • 1090-1300 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 3,932
    25 Best College Athletics in America

    Alum: The University of Michigan's motto is "Leaders and Best" and that's exactly what this school provides and produces. It provides the best professors, courses and college experiences and produces innovative leaders. My experience at this institution allowed for academic and personal growth, which has embedded quite a zealous spirit within me, especially in regard to the achievement of my future aspirations. I can't thank this school enough. To conclude, I recommend the University of Michigan to anyone willing to work hard, expand their mind and anyone who wishes to fulfil their dreams!
    Read 3,932 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 29% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,107 Net Price
    • 1310-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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