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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 1,407
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  1. University of Florida

    • 4 Year
    • Gainesville, FL
    • 7,153 reviews
    #1 Best College Athletics in America

    Senior: The University of Florida still continues to amaze me even after my three years of attendance. There are so many clubs, organizations, and other opportunities that continue to arise for their students. This school is also part of organizations that the Gainesville community benefits on, such as the Big Event. This organization is held by the University of Florida students and upholding leaders, who participate in cleaning up various areas in Gainesville. There is a large variety of good that this school does for not only their students but also the surrounding area. Not to mention the professors do their best to teach students the required material in order for their future successes to be met. Overall, the University of Florida has gone above and beyond to meet the needs of their students, staff, the surrounding community, and much more!
    Read 7,153 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 42% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,283 Net Price
    • 1240-1400 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. The University of Alabama

    • 4 Year
    • Tuscaloosa, AL
    • 4,267 reviews
    #2 Best College Athletics in America

    Junior: My experience at The University has been amazing! The Proffesor's and staff are beyond exceptional , and are always available to help. I've only had issues with my advisor not getting back to me right away a few times, but when I do speak with her she treats me like I'm her only student. The campus is beautiful, safe and if you love sports this is the place for you...This school is filled with southern charm! The only change I would want to see for the University is for them to add more online majors in the near future. Roll Tide
    Read 4,267 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 53% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,993 Net Price
    • 1050-1280 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Louisiana State University

    • 4 Year
    • Baton Rouge, LA
    • 3,150 reviews
    #3 Best College Athletics in America

    Freshman: The hospitality, games, and food is amazing! There's always something to do on campus, whether it be volunteering or athletic games. There's always free food and shirts being given out. Also, there's so many resources that will help you academically. The best part about LSU is the Tiger spirit at the games. The football, basketball, gymnastics, baseball, and softball games are always full of so much energy. They are always fun to go to. Death Valley is the ultimate jaw dropping place to visit! The diversity there is amazing as well. No one will ever feel left out. Everyone is so friendly and welcoming. The food will make you fat and full too!
    Read 3,150 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,224 Net Price
    • 1060-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  4. University of Oklahoma

    • 4 Year
    • Norman, OK
    • 2,778 reviews
    #4 Best College Athletics in America

    Freshman: I love going to OU! Because I am in greek life, I have met so many amazing people from different backgrounds! Norman is the perfect college town, however I wish there were more healthy food options. During fall semester, everyone's favorite days are football game days. Tailgates are a great weekend activity and a fun environment to meet new people in! The amount of Sooner pride is astounding! The community OU has established is one that cannot be topped. That being said, I would love to see them renovate the freshman dorms and fix the terrible problem they have with parking. It's time for a change. Boomer Sooner!
    Read 2,778 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,003 Net Price
    • 1150-1380 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. University of Connecticut

    • 4 Year
    • Storrs, CT
    • 3,036 reviews
    #5 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: UCONN has a had such a large and positive impact on my life. I was able to learn more about myself in various ways from classes, friends, study habits, and trying new activities. With UCONN specifically, the openness of the campus was just amazing. There's not really much outside of UCONN and I was worried that my freedom would be restricted. I was so wrong. There are so many things to do on campus with 500+ clubs, D1 sports, daily on campus events, and Storrs Center. For me, I joined a fraternity, did volunteer work, and had an on-campus job. I often found myself hanging with my friends in the massive library or relaxing in my dorm with friends on my floor. Lecture classes are filled with 200+ students. Yet, each lecture class has a discussion class with about 20 students. This allows students to get a better understanding of the material. Student Advisors are also always available to help with anything (school, home, extracurriculars). I could not be happier with my decision!
    Read 3,036 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 48% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,699 Net Price
    • 1210-1390 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Florida State University

    • 4 Year
    • Tallahassee, FL
    • 6,933 reviews
    #6 Best College Athletics in America

    Niche User: When I visited Florida State University over the summer, I fell in love with the campus. I loved the wide spaces and atmosphere. The students were friendly and always willing to give a helping hand. FSU also has a good academic stance in admitting students who are qualified to attend the university. Though some may argue that FSU is only a "party school," it certainly is not only that. They provide a great nursing program along with clubs that will get you very involved with the school. I am excited to start school here in 2020!
    Read 6,933 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 49% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,450 Net Price
    • 1190-1330 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    • 4 Year
    • Chapel Hill, NC
    • 2,308 reviews
    #7 Best College Athletics in America

    Junior: I really love the student life at Carolina. There's always so many different activities/events you can go to that range from fun and silly things like glow-in-the-dark yoga to events that really enrich your perspectives on certain topics, such as different panels of amazing guest speakers different departments may have. One thing I wish I could change, however, is the chemistry department. From my experiences being a chemistry major for my first two years in undergrad, before switching to communications, some of the professors within my department were not the most encouraging or helpful. Unfortunately, this really impacted the experiences I had being a chemistry major and eventually resulted in the huge major switch I made!
    Read 2,308 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 24% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,100 Net Price
    • 1270-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  8. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,594 reviews
    #8 Best College Athletics in America

    Freshman: USC is an amazing school in terms of academics. There's definitely a higher standard and you have to work for your grades but you come out having learned a lot. Because it is a private school with lots of appeal in the heart of Los Angeles, it does attract a fair share of ignorant, privileged people. However, you can definitely find genuine people, just keep looking and being you! USC has so many perks and resources and I highly recommend getting involved whether it be sports or clubs! The professors are very experienced and amazing.
    Read 3,594 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,892 Net Price
    • 1300-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  9. University of Maryland - College Park

    • 4 Year
    • College Park, MD
    • 5,040 reviews
    #9 Best College Athletics in America

    Freshman: University of Maryland - College Park offers a wholesome university experience and is one of the best places to be to attend college. The scenes during Fall and Spring are one of the few reasons to go to college here. The environment here fosters learning and the professors are really helpful! The dorms, though average, really help students in getting friends for life, and at the least, homework help! The classes at UMD are pretty challenging and really shape your thought process and stimulate you intellectually. Whatever type of personality you are, there is definitely a niche for you on campus and there are hundreds of opportunities to participate in extracurricular activities. Overall, to sum it up, UMD is a "public ivy" - offering you world-class resources, facilities, faculty and activities at affordable prices! I hope this review helped you in making your college decision. Whatever decision you take, good luck!
    Read 5,040 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 45% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,241 Net Price
    • 1280-1470 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  12. The Ohio State University

    • 4 Year
    • Columbus, OH
    • 5,126 reviews
    #10 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: I really enjoy campus life at OSU. It’s a big campus, but don’t be intimidated by the size. There are so many ways to be involved and tons of people to interact with. The atmosphere is welcoming and everyone is proud to be a buckeye. Professors are more than willing to provide help and answers any questions. There are also plenty of study locations and libraries— my personal favorite is the Thompson library! The location of campus is prime because it’s right in the middle of downtown Columbus. There are so many cheap, but unique restaurants around. There are also a plethora of shops, boutiques and thrift stores. And, of course there are amazing coffee shops around the area, from Stauf’s to Global Gallery, which also make great study locations.
    Read 5,126 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 48% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,042 Net Price
    • 1260-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. University of Texas - Austin

    • 4 Year
    • Austin, TX
    • 5,916 reviews
    #11 Best College Athletics in America

    Freshman: The University of Texas at Austin has so much to offer to its students. There is never a dull moment on campus. Not only are students taught by world-renowned faculty, who want their students to succeed, but there are over a thousand student organizations, visits by famous world leaders, musical performances, and exciting athletic events year around. The University of Texas at Austin does a great job providing resources to fit every students' needs. No matter what your situation is there is a team of people eagerly waiting to help. The best part about the University of Texas at Austin is that its located in Austin, Texas. In Austin, you will never run out of things to do. If you have a more active lifestyle there are countless opportunities to go hiking, swimming, or rock climbing. If you like music, art, and film then head over to the 200 plus venues, museums, art galleries, and theaters located all across the city. Austin is my home away from home, and I hope it can be yours too!
    Read 5,916 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 36% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,356 Net Price
    • 1220-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. University of Miami

    • 4 Year
    • Coral Gables, FL
    • 2,749 reviews
    #12 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: University of Miami is one of the most beautiful schools structurally as well as exceptionally academic. From its quaint fountain lake to its modern building architecture, UM's landscape is a playground. Ducks, lizards and all types of animals freely live in harmony with the amused students, creating an adventurous atmosphere. Professors are compassionate to individual student concerns, and are always there to aid in understanding the material or to listen with a genuine manner. The students are always grateful, seen walking around campus with a natural bliss created by the mixture of warm weather and visually pleasing stimuli. There are events everyday, either frat promotions, club activities, or donation collections. Donate a dollar and throw a pie in a participant's face! There is always something extracurricular to do on campus such as free concerts; Zedd performed this last year! Although UM is a lot of fun, the library is a special place for commitment to studying.
    Read 2,749 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 36% Acceptance Rate
    • $42,204 Net Price
    • 1230-1420 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Michigan State University

    • 4 Year
    • East Lansing, MI
    • 5,335 reviews
    #13 Best College Athletics in America

    Junior: Great campus life, greek life is huge and a big part of the campus, amazing school spirit, good for sports, and respectable academics! Definitely an amazing school from the perspective of an out of school student. The weather isn't too bad, very much four seasons, and campus has a lot of resources available to everyone especially for international and out of state students.
    Read 5,335 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,684 Net Price
    • 1100-1320 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. Clemson University

    • 4 Year
    • Clemson, SC
    • 3,107 reviews
    #14 Best College Athletics in America

    Junior: My first semester at Clemson University has been so great! I have really enjoyed the classes and the people are extremely friendly. It is sometimes hard to get around campus, but you can either take the bus, walk, or bike pretty much anywhere. Of course, football is a big deal so the games are extremely fun and its always great to get into the school spirit throughout the week. My advisor has been really helpful and there's so many resources like tutoring, career workshops and organizational clubs to help you be as successful as you can be.I love Clemson so much!
    Read 3,107 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 47% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,757 Net Price
    • 1220-1390 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  17. Villanova University

    • 4 Year
    • Villanova, PA
    • 1,441 reviews
    #15 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: Everyone at Villanova University is outgoing and welcoming. The atmosphere at Villanova is friendly. The downside about Villanova is that there is a little bit of lack of diversity. Other than that, Villanova is a great institution!
    Read 1,441 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 36% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,491 Net Price
    • 1250-1440 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Auburn University

    • 4 Year
    • Auburn, AL
    • 2,215 reviews
    #16 Best College Athletics in America

    Junior: Auburn University is home. I toured numerous schools, but no other school felt the way Auburn did. It just means more. Auburn is a great school for prospective teachers. Auburn has everything that a student could possibly want; there are hundreds of options to get students involved in student life and the athletics department continues to gain national accolades. This school values cutting edge technology, and constantly strives to improve the entire university!
    Read 2,215 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 84% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,613 Net Price
    • 1130-1310 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Duke University

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NC
    • 1,068 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 1,068 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,011 Net Price
    • 1380-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. University of Notre Dame

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 1,280 reviews
    #18 Best College Athletics in America

    Freshman: I love Notre Dame! It's a beautiful place, inside and out. We've got all sorts of clubs, students and academic interests. Personally, I am very pleased with the Mass and Sacrament availability as well as all the Catholic-related activities. Of course, not everybody is Christian; Notre Dame is a home for all. I've already found some solid friends with whom I enjoy spending these cold (and warm) Indiana days. ND meets 100% of financial need; this assistance extends beyond tuition and has allowed me to get the full Notre Dame Experience. Everyone here is passionate about something, and one passion we all share is a love for Notre Dame, Our Mother. Go Irish!
    Read 1,280 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 19% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,453 Net Price
    • 1370-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  23. University of Kentucky

    • 4 Year
    • Lexington, KY
    • 3,580 reviews
    #19 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 3,580 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 96% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,361 Net Price
    • 1080-1330 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  24. University of South Carolina

    • 4 Year
    • Columbia, SC
    • 4,071 reviews
    #20 Best College Athletics in America

    Graduate Student: Wonderful people, place and a first rate education!
    You will love the Southern Hospitality of your fellow classmates, teachers, and all who work in and around the campus!
    Bring your School Spirit, and all your tailgating equipment! The University of South Carolina takes School Spirit to a hole another level! Make sure you purchase at least a University of South Carolina t-shirt and sweatshirt. Everything your need is within walking distance. You will love the food on Gervais Street. You will enjoy your your whole experience at the University of South Carolina!
    Read 4,071 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,271 Net Price
    • 1170-1330 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. University of Louisville

    • 4 Year
    • Louisville, KY
    • 2,085 reviews
    #21 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: I am a music student at UofL double majoring in Choral Music Education and Piano Performance. I absolutely love the campus, the people I met here, the professors I work with, the facilities, and the environment! I have so many wonderful opportunities to go to conferences, travel internationally, work with world-renowned performers and clinicians, and push myself to be the best student I possibly can. Go Cards!
    Read 2,085 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 75% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,008 Net Price
    • 1070-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Syracuse University

    • 4 Year
    • Syracuse, NY
    • 3,259 reviews
    #22 Best College Athletics in America

    Alum: I graduated from SU in 1988. I can't say enough good things about it. It has everything - a beautiful campus, excellent courses and devoted instructors, great Greek and sports life, if that is your preference, great dorms, tons of activities you can participate in. In addition, SU is a very generous school - it offers excellent financial aid for those who need it. I would HIGHLY recommend SU to you!
    Read 3,259 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 47% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,306 Net Price
    • 1160-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. Penn State

    • 4 Year
    • University Park, PA
    • 6,641 reviews
    #23 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: There is give and take in any and all new experiences. I come from a small town, so it was definitely a large cultural shift moving to a place like University Park. Regardless, it has ultimately been a positive change. I have met new friends, found a major in which I have a lot of faith, and the opportunities that are at my fingertips here at PSU are endless. Penn State is widely known for its academics and a social climate to match it. Whether you are you thinking pre-law, engineering, education, liberal arts, or any other major, Penn State has it. I would highly recommend taking a tour, at the every least. The campus is enough to draw you in, the PSU atmosphere is enough to get you to stay!
    Read 6,641 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 50% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,346 Net Price
    • 1160-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  30. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 4,076 reviews
    #24 Best College Athletics in America

    Freshman: From amazing academics to contagious school spirit, I have loved my first year at Michigan. The universe exceeded all of my expectations. Everyone student is motivated to do their best. This is not only in a classroom setting, but it is in every aspect of their lives. I am pushed by all my peers to try my hardest. Although a large school, the administration truly cares about every student, and there are countless numbers of resources available to help with anything one may need. The social aspect of school is amazing. There are so many different types of people, clubs, and parties, so everyone can find something they like. GO BLUE!
    Read 4,076 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 27% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,408 Net Price
    • 1330-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  31. University of Kansas

    • 4 Year
    • Lawrence, KS
    • 3,096 reviews
    #25 Best College Athletics in America

    Alum: The University of Kansas was the best 4 years of my life. I found the toughest time to be acclimating in the freshman and sophomore years. Required classes tended to be large, the advising staff was generic, and it was easy to be overlooked in a lecture or receive a TA that wasn't quality. However, once you opt into your major and lessen that pool, the quality of education is phenomenal. You are encouraged to meet with professors as mentors which helped me with professional goals and receiving competitive internships. Many majors have great hands on practice or research opportunities if you are interested in that. Classes are smaller and are challenging but in a way that betters you and your education. It is a quality level of education and amazing student atmosphere. Most everyone loves the school! The campus, sporting events, and extracurriculars help people become Jayhawks for life. The school spirit is uplifting. It's a large school but it feels like a family.
    Read 3,096 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 93% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,365 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  32. Sponsored

    Roanoke College

    • 4 Year
    • Salem, VA
    • 700 reviews

    Sophomore: I love Roanoke College! I didn't ever expect to go here and it sort of just happened. It was originally my backup school, but I loved it so much and everything fell into place. The size of the college is wonderful-- you'll never have a professor who doesn't know who you are. It's big enough that you see new people every day, and small enough that you'll wave hi to at least one person you know walking across campus. The environment is welcoming, and campus safety does a great job in their dealings with students and with the more serious issues that occur on all college campuses. Academics at Roanoke are no joke! Don't expect to come here and not do any work... the low retention rate is because of freshman who either drop out mid-year or they don't come back for sophomore year. But don't let that scare you-- if you find something that you love to do, that studying and work all ties together and the payoff is amazing!
    Read 700 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 67% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,573 Net Price
    • 1040-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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