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2019 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
    • 6,970
    1 Best College Athletics in America

    Niche User: 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 GATORS!
    Read 6,970 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
    • 4,159
    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 4,159 Reviews

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

  3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

    • 4 Year
    • Chapel Hill, NC
    • 2,236
    3 Best College Athletics in America

    Junior: I have loved my time at UNC so far. My first year was very difficult, but that was because college is such a hard adjustment and I was also taking the wrong classes. Now that I am in a major I enjoy and am taking classes I am interested in, I love being at UNC. Although it is a very difficult school, and sometimes it is too hard for no reason, I believe that it will all be worth it after I graduate because the school will provide me with great opportunities because of its academic reputation. The campus is absolutely beautiful, the parties are great, Chapel Hill is a quaint little area, and of course, Carolina athletics (especially basketball) are unmatched. One of my favorite things about UNC is the study abroad department. There are so many different programs to choose from all over the world. You can go for a year, a semester, or a summer. There are programs for every major, including hard sciences such as chemistry. UNC is a great school and I am lucky I go here. Go Heels!
    Read 2,236 Reviews

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

  5. Louisiana State University

    • 4 Year
    • Baton Rouge, LA
    • 3,041
    4 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: As a biological sciences major, my first year at Louisiana State University was an irreplaceable experience that I would definitely say attributed to my development, maturity into adulthood, and overall improvement as a scholar. LSU's College of Science offers its students many academic advisory, research, and laboratory resources in order to provide an exemplary educational environment for its students to thrive. The student community is diverse, and campus life is so eventful and lively. Everyday holds a new sight and experience that I feel I would never have gotten anywhere else and I am excited to see what the future holds for me during my remaining undergraduate experience!
    Read 3,041 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,095 Net Price
    • 1010-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. University of Connecticut

    • 4 Year
    • Storrs, CT
    • 2,947
    5 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 2,947 Reviews

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

  7. University of Oklahoma

    • 4 Year
    • Norman, OK
    • 2,706
    6 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 2,706 Reviews

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

    • 4 Year
    • Columbus, OH
    • 4,974
    7 Best College Athletics in America

    Junior: The Ohio State University is well known by many for the outstanding athletic department. However, there is much more to Ohio State than just athletics. The Columbus campus offers a wide range of areas to study with academic advisors who are more than willing to help students with any questions. In addition, every student is offered free academic coaching for studying strategies or specific course tutoring. The Columbus Campus may seem colossal at first, but there are plenty of student organizations/committees to make the campus seem a lot smaller. Of course I could not forget to include the football culture. The amount of pride Ohio State fans have for their team is unreal. During football season, students are able to de-stress while supporting the best team in the land! Overall, my experience at Ohio State has been phenomenal, and I could not have picked a better school to attend.
    Read 4,974 Reviews

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

  10. Duke University

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NC
    • 1,045
    8 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 1,045 Reviews

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

  11. Florida State University

    • 4 Year
    • Tallahassee, FL
    • 6,803
    9 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 6,803 Reviews

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

  14. Michigan State University

    • 4 Year
    • East Lansing, MI
    • 5,177
    10 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: MSU is an amazing place to be, and I am proud to be a student representing this school! Student life really helps each individual to be able to express themselves to the full extent. The classes and professors are very engaging allowing students to pave their own paths, as they learn. But, the support from all staff - professors, TAs, advisors, is absolutely incredible! As a student striving for success in the medical field, I am proud to be a student here.
    Read 5,177 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 Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,504
    11 Best College Athletics in America

    Freshman: Coming to USC was one of the greatest decisions of my life! I'm a first-gen, low income minority coming from Texas who had never visited California before, so you can guess just how big of a difference California was from Texas. I thought I was going to feel overwhelmed and flunk out, but I didn't! In fact, I'm thriving here. The university is very beautiful, the brick and gothic sorta architecture is very pretty and really relaxing. There are so many opportunities and a lot of different majors, so I'm sure you will find what you are looking for. There are a lot of different activities to join, so you will definitely find your group of friends as long you get involved!
    Read 3,504 Reviews

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

  16. University of Texas - Austin

    • 4 Year
    • Austin, TX
    • 5,746
    12 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 5,746 Reviews

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

  18. University of Maryland - College Park

    • 4 Year
    • College Park, MD
    • 4,921
    13 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 4,921 Reviews

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

  19. Clemson University

    • 4 Year
    • Clemson, SC
    • 3,010
    14 Best College Athletics in America

    Senior: I loved everything! The setting is I'm the hills of the Smokey Mountains abs the town is so college friendly. Being at a football game on a Saturday is like nothing else! To hear the roar of the crowns and ro know that you're there for the same common goal... to win as a family and to live like Champions! All of the professors have to do research in order to receive tenure, so they really encourage and thrive on research.
    The weather is a bit tricky in the winter but you'll experience all four seasons here. The long hot summer days are filled with alot of homemade ice cream on campus. Yes, the school is an agricultural school so you can purchase a lot of organic foods, fresh eggs, salad dressings and ice cream on campus.
    Come visit us to see Clemson!
    Read 3,010 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 51% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,797 Net Price
    • 1150-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. Auburn University

    • 4 Year
    • Auburn, AL
    • 2,150
    15 Best College Athletics in America

    Freshman: Auburn University has a beautiful campus. The atmosphere when you walk into Auburn is very welcoming and warm. There is a lot at Auburn to look at and do, the Jordan-Hare Stadium is the most exciting to see the Auburn Tigers play their games, which are extremely fun with all the chants and yelling everyone does. Their campus is very clean except when on Game Day they roll the trees which is really fun! The only bad thing is on Game Day a bunch of roads are closed trying to get everyone out of the game, but other than that it is pretty good. The famous Toomer's Corner is always a big hit no matter what and there are a bunch of shops and restaurants on College St. by Toomer's. Auburn is a wonderful place to go to school.
    Read 2,150 Reviews

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

  21. University of Louisville

    • 4 Year
    • Louisville, KY
    • 2,020
    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 2,020 Reviews

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

  22. University of Kentucky

    • 4 Year
    • Lexington, KY
    • 3,477
    17 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 3,477 Reviews

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

  25. University of Miami

    • 4 Year
    • Coral Gables, FL
    • 2,681
    18 Best College Athletics in America

    Sophomore: I picked UM because I wanted to stay living in Miami and my parents went there. My brother currently goes there now too. We are a full fledge UM family. It's in our blood I guess! The campus is gorgeous. The classrooms are modern. The resources and diversity are endless. Students are friendly and very school spirited. There is much participation and enthusiasm in all regards. What I would like to see change among the student body is the "rich-kid" vibe. Seeing as it is a private school, many students come from affluent backgrounds and it is reflected in their sense of entitlement and the flashy brands they are constantly clad in.
    Read 2,681 Reviews

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

  26. University of South Carolina

    • 4 Year
    • Columbia, SC
    • 3,973
    19 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 3,973 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,913 Net Price
    • 1120-1300 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. University of Tennessee

    • 4 Year
    • Knoxville, TN
    • 3,372
    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 3,372 Reviews

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

  28. Syracuse University

    • 4 Year
    • Syracuse, NY
    • 3,195
    21 Best College Athletics in America

    Junior: From academics to athletics Syracuse University is hands down one of the best colleges in the nation! There is a reason why have been ranked #1 in school spirit by the Princeton Review for three years in a row now. Everywhere you look, you will see a sea of orange. And let's not forget about the world's cutest mascot, Otto the Orange! You will for sure bleed orange for the rest of your life, should you choose to attend this incredible university!
    Read 3,195 Reviews

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

  29. University of Notre Dame

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 1,259
    22 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 1,259 Reviews

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

  32. Penn State

    • 4 Year
    • University Park, PA
    • 6,487
    23 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 6,487 Reviews

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

  33. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

    • 4 Year
    • Ann Arbor, MI
    • 3,977
    24 Best College Athletics in America

    Junior: I've had the best college experience here at the University of Michigan. The people, the attractions, the study spots, the food, just everything makes it feel like you're home. It's a very diverse campus with so many friendly faces and there is always something to do. And I think the fact that I am enrolled in the number one dental school in the nation makes it much more motivating for me. The instructors will do whatever they can to help students succeed and if you put your mind to it, you will succeed. There's never a bad place to study and that's the other advantage of going to Umich. The only downside is housing can be difficult to find but that's because everybody wants to be a part of the Michigan difference!
    Read 3,977 Reviews

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

  34. University of California - Los Angeles

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 4,735
    25 Best College Athletics in America

    Junior: UCLA is definitely a place for all-rounded students to thrive and succeed. The campus offers beautiful scenery and classic lecture halls that enthralled me every time I walk to and between lectures. The school is safe and welcoming, and there are plenty of activities to be part of on-campus. In terms of classes, students do have to give it all since the professors do have high standards here. However, this is college, and learning and studying won't hurt you. Professors generally are really engaged in lectures, and if most likely students are going to succeed if they give their best. Dorms and the food are excellent and well maintained compared to others colleges I visited. I won't be surprise if more people decided to come here! GO BRUINS!
    Read 4,735 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Athletics
    • 18% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,236 Net Price
    • 1160-1470 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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