2024 Best Colleges for Student Athletes in America

• Stanford, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,264 reviews

Niche User: As a former student of Stanford University, I can say with confidence that it was an incredible experience. The campus is absolutely beautiful, with stunning architecture and sprawling gardens that make for a peaceful and serene environment to study in. The professors were all experts in their fields and incredibly knowledgeable. They pushed us to think critically and creatively, challenging us to go beyond the textbook and truly understand the material. The classes were engaging and interactive, with lots of opportunities for discussion and collaboration. One thing that stood out to me about Stanford was the emphasis on interdisciplinary studies. The university encourages students to explore different fields and take classes outside of their major, which I found to be incredibly valuable. It allowed me to broaden my knowledge and perspectives, and I still use the skills I learned in those classes today. This university is amazing and extremely beneficial to your future career... Read 1,264 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $14,402

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Durham, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  1,189 reviews

Sophomore: Duke offers me an enriching and transformative experience. What stands out to me the most is the invaluable network and the exceptional people I've encountered here. The community at Duke is filled with goal-oriented, friendly, and intelligent individuals, all of whom have inspired and motivated me to strive for excellence. Moreover, Duke's commitment to providing outstanding academic resources has been a game-changer for me. I'm especially thankful for the innovative and entrepreneurship resources, as they have open my career path to startups. Lastly, the buildings and nature are beautiful!... Read 1,189 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $27,297

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Gainesville, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  7,976 reviews

Sophomore: The student organizations, resources for students, and variety of courses is incredible. Every day I discover a new opportunity for professional and personal growth and the resources for mental and physical health are phenomenal. The fitness centers on campus have classes, personal training, and top notch equipment. There are so many ways to get involved and a club for EVERY interest, both personal and professional. My only complaints are that the advisors can be hit or miss. Some advisors are incredible and give you a breath of information and provide you with a ton of resources but some advisors left me with more questions than answers. Some of the professors are amazing and passionate and the reason why I changed my major to economics. On the other hand some professors were so incredibly bad that I changed my major to something outside of their discipline. Some professors courses are incredibly unorganized and were more about them showing off than helping students. Great school!... Read 7,976 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $9,809

• SAT range 1300-1470

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  3,989 reviews

Sophomore: So far I have not started my sophomore year as I am transferring from Pepperdine University. However, from what I have heard, seen, and experienced from USC is that it gives students the opportunity to explore their creative and intellectual sides simultaneously. I recently attended a transfer orientation session and it was filled with school spirit and gave us transfer students an opportunity to connect with the school as well as with other transfers. This orientation was packed with exciting events that truly made each person who attended eager to get on campus in August. USC offers many different programs along with a variety of specific classes and clubs. I am excited to see how this year goes and I am looking forward to joining the many opportunities that USC offers their students!... Read 3,989 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $26,021

• SAT range 1410-1540

• Notre Dame, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  1,410 reviews

Alum: Best decision I ever made. Extraordinary undergraduate engagement through inspired teaching and mentoring. Lifelong friendships with faculty and peers. A commitment to reasoned discourse. Study abroad encouraged and facilitated even if pre med. Gorgeous campus. Inclusive residential life. Brilliant yet helpful classmates from every state and over 100 countries. I still regularly talk to my roommates 34 years later. Unparalleled sports with far reaching esprit de corps. As an undergraduate English Philosophy Pre Med Major whose now a Pediatric Psychiatrist, I would love to do it all again. When I occasionally go back to campus I love perusing the bookstore stacks to see what kids are reading these days in the disciplines. I remain grateful they have not abandoned their mission to form young people to be a force for good in the world. When I talk to current students, they give me hope.... Read 1,410 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 15%

• Net price $30,513

• SAT range 1410-1550

• Chapel Hill, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  2,611 reviews

Graduate Student: Studying at UNC Chapel Hill is a great privilege, still with room for growth. This review is specific to my experience as a master's student in the School of Social Work (with in-person, hybrid, and virtual classes). My pro's & con's center on 2 topics: Quality mentorship: The primary reason I came to CH is because of the quality mentorship from faculty & staff. Compared to my previous experiences, this school offered the perfect combination of expertise in what I hoped to learn along with supportive mentors. An area for growth is the lack of regular advising in the 3-year MSW Program. Diverse connections: The fact that the school is comprised of students, staff, faculty, and community members from a variety of diverse backgrounds is its greatest strength. This creates a learning experience much greater than what can be curated by any one group. Every interaction is a learning experience! An area for growth is the lack of diversity within greek life and among tenured faculty!... Read 2,611 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $11,508

• SAT range 1140-1380

• Charlottesville, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  2,376 reviews

Alum: Overall, great education with some mishaps due to COVID and online learning. Positive atmosphere, very inclusive. I would like to see a change in how the grading system is designed - a-lot of my classes (mostly STEM) allowed students to fail and then curved everyones grades and I would rather the material be taught correctly and more comprehensively and have no curve needed at all. Loved the liberal arts classes I got to take! Lots of engaging discussions. The grounds around campus are absolutely beautiful and very well kept. There are tons of amazing places to study and relax.... Read 2,376 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 21%

• Net price $20,401

• SAT range 1380-1500

• Ann Arbor, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  4,602 reviews

Senior: This is a fabulous choice school for someone looking to truly have the social and academic life balance, such as I am. This environment is more than suitable even for those who are dedicated wholeheartedly either side of that social-academic spectrum- though the opportunities for growth and exploration in each regard are something I refuse to believe can be found on any other campus. The professors are renowned in their respective fields, if not the world, and are advisable, inspiring, generous (most of the time), and constructors of some of the most effective and informative curriculums I can imagine. What is most imperative to emphasize is that exponential emotional, academic, and professional development occurs for every person. If you have faced adversity in the past or are entering college first-gen like me, attending UM will open your eyes, open doors, and change your life past in the best way while you overcome challenges you never thought you could. But it's definitely hard!... Read 4,602 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $19,205

• SAT range 1340-1520

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  5,507 reviews

Freshman: My experience at UCLA has been nothing short of transformative. It has not only provided me with a top-notch education but also helped shape me into a well-rounded individual ready to take on the world. The vibrant campus, exceptional faculty, diverse community, and comprehensive support services make UCLA a true beacon of higher education. I am immensely grateful for my time at this extraordinary institution and would highly recommend it to anyone seeking a world-class education and an unforgettable college experience. Go Bruins!... Read 5,507 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $13,393

• SAT range —

• Austin, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  6,676 reviews

Senior: I've had an amazing experience at UT. Pursuing a career in journalism, it's an honor to be studying at one of the best journalism programs in the world! I've learned so much from such amazing and accomplished journalists, and I've been able to grow my knowledge and journalistic writing and center in on exactly what path I want to go down in journalism. Along with that, I've been able to pursue other academic interests of mine through pursuing an additional degree in sociology and a certificate in human rights and social justice. I've been able to broaden my knowledge on the issues that plague marginalized communities around the world and through this I've been able to strengthen my reporting and story telling as a journalist. I've also completed four internships throughout my time at the university, and will be studying abroad in the fall! I've grown and gained so much during my time here, and I can't wait to see how much I'll learn and grow during my last year.... Read 6,676 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $16,589

• SAT range 1230-1500

• Coral Gables, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  3,016 reviews

Freshman: I'm having a great time at UM! Move-in is phenomenal; the school provides professional movers to help families unload their vehicles and get students' belongings to the rooms. Orientation programming is fun and includes a variety of activities for students and parents. Class registration for engineering students is completely stress-free. On top of it all, classes are going well. If I had to do all over again, UM would still be my #1 choice.... Read 3,016 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 28%

• Net price $34,492

• SAT range 1300-1460

• Nashville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  1,339 reviews

Alum: I graduated summa cum laude from Vanderbilt University in 2021 with a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience. I primarily chose to attend Vandy for its academic prowess, and it definitely lived up to that reputation. In retrospect, I loved the majority of my STEM classes, and I find that my education was well-rounded because of my required liberal arts classes. The campus is beautiful, the food is relatively good, and on-campus housing is average. Admittedly, I was excited to live off-campus for my last two years (but beware - living in Nashville is not cheap). Socially, I had a great time at Vandy, especially thanks to the liveliness of Nashville, but sadly not due to Vanderbilt sports - this is not their strong suit. I met lifelong friends at this school! Realistically, however, many students do come from wealthy backgrounds, which can be off-putting at times. Ultimately, while undeniably expensive, Vanderbilt is a great school that will certainly work to your advantage after graduation.... Read 1,339 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $27,553

• SAT range 1480-1570

• Evanston, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,464 reviews

Junior: Northwestern University is a great college for students hoping to find a wide array of academic and extracurricular opportunities. Northwestern offers a wide range of courses on many different topics and because of the number of courses required to complete most majors (12-16), students in the College of Arts and Sciences are able to explore classes outside their majors at their leisure. The Quarter System can feel intimidating at first because of how fast-paced the courses can be but it also allows students to take more classes each year than a semester system which means students get to learn even more! Campus is also beautiful, located right next to Lake Michigan, so students are able to spend time outside of class at the beach and walking on the Lakefill.... Read 1,464 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $29,999

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Villanova, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  1,552 reviews

Alum: Villanova is not a perfect school, but it was a great fit and wonderful experience for me! There are countless opportunities, good communication/posting of opportunities for students to be aware of and get involved in, and a great campus, relational feel to the school. Villanova is small enough to feel homey but large enough to continually meet new people or branch out and try new clubs, activities, etc. A common (and true) complaint is lack of diversity on campus. This is something to take into account but as an alum, I think the school is aware of it and has attempted to make strides to address it. I'd like to have seen the social scene change slightly; as someone who doesn't drink alcohol, it took some time to find like-minded people and find social opportunities that didn't feel centered around college drinking culture. I think this is a reality of many schools, not necessarily Villanova-specific. Overall, I loved Villanova and would choose to attend if I had to do it over again!... Read 1,552 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 25%

• Net price $33,123

• SAT range 1350-1490

• Athens, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  5,695 reviews

Alum: UGA is definitely a large, State University which was a fit for me since I was unsure as to what career path I was initially interested in. So many choices! But it gets much smaller and intimate over time as you get through the core classes and begin to specialize. I joined a fraternity while I was there, but you certainly don't need to be a part of Greek life to find a multitude of social opportunities. It's very easy to make friends at UGA. The sports are amazing and the academics continue to strengthen as the years go by. There really aren't any obvious weaknesses to discuss. The only thing I will say is that the number of students is stressing the available infrastructure in terms of parking and housing. If UGA will focus on increasing the number of dorm rooms and parking spaces then it would help a lot. And this can be accomplished in a very thoughtful way so as not to diminish the beauty and walkability of the campus.... Read 5,695 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 40%

• Net price $16,902

• SAT range 1270-1450

• New Haven, CT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  1,032 reviews

Sophomore: Yale has been a fun and enjoyable experience overall. I would definitely choose Yale again if I had to re-do my college application. Academics: some departments are better taught than other departments. Yale can be weaker in CS and Math compared to other universities, but most alums are still very successful. Like most colleges, there is a lot of independent learning and there are numerous resources to help you. The environment is not competitive unless premed. Social life: Yale has an AMAZING social life compared to other universities of equal caliber. There is always something going on and you can be as social as you want. Social life is nonexistent during midterm season. There are parties, frats, concerts, woads, club formals, and many other events. Sports: Not a big sports school but many students are involved in club sports. Yale dining is delicious and healthy!... Read 1,032 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 5%

• Net price $20,605

• SAT range 1480-1580

• Princeton, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  463 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, my experience at Princeton was really amazing. There were so many opportunities to become involved on campus, especially in the many music groups (accapella, synphohnia, etc.). There are also so many opportunities to become involved in service through the Pace Center for Civic engagement. The one issue I have is that there are too many things to do and not enough time! The courses here are no joke, and they take up a huge chunk of your time, so I would definitely prepare to be spending a lot of time studying and working on assignments. The academic semesters here are also relatively short (12 weeks), which sometimes makes it difficult to keep up with work. That being said, I am spending my summer on campus and having an incredible time. Finally, I think the accessibility of professors at Princeton is really amazing. They are always willing to meet one-on-one, and they have many office hours (especially in intro-level courses) to help students prepare for exams.... Read 463 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $20,908

• SAT range 1460-1570

• Cambridge, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  829 reviews

Graduate Student: Studying at Harvard has been my lifelong dream, and I see it fulfilled at the moment, with the many memorable learning experiences I have had so far. From a well-organized curriculum, to impressive response time to student inquiries, and then to proper student welfare facilities, I give kudos to this noble institution of learning. I would rate Harvard an A+ so far. Thank you Harvard!... Read 829 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $13,910

• SAT range 1480-1580

• Tallahassee, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  7,537 reviews

Sophomore: Florida State University has offered an incredibly positive, educational experience for me thus far. I've made several friends in my major and have had nothing but successful and beneficial interactions with me professors and peers. There is still a lot I'm learning about my checklist and goals for my career path which I've especially enjoyed. Learning to network and get out of my comfort zone socially to discover more about my educational and post graduation plans has opened up several opportunities for me that I never would've thought possible before coming to FSU. I can't wait for all the future experiences and opportunities that are still yet to come for me here!... Read 7,537 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 37%

• Net price $12,684

• SAT range 1180-1340

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  1,259 reviews

Freshman: My experience at Georgetown University as a Freshman has been phenomenal. The very first month has been the most memorable. Due to how open the community was, I was able to meet new people every single day and also, I was able to find my long-life friends immediately! The community was so diverse that I had never heard a single negative comment. It was purely all just having fun and sharing honest thoughts. Now, throughout the school year, as a Freshman, I went through many obstacles. One of the most common ones is sickness. However, because of the flexibility that the professors had, I was able to succeed in class. Georgetown's flexibility and resources are so great that even though I was sick some days, I still had a smile on my face. Although it's only my first year, I can definitely say that I started off with no regrets.... Read 1,259 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 12%

• Net price $23,049

• SAT range 1410-1550

• Clemson, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  3,565 reviews

Senior: Clemson exceeds in all aspects of the college experience. Academics are challenging, yet push you to work hard and grow as an individual. Professors are helpful and supportive along your journey. There is excellent advising for classes, careers, and leadership. Clemson has a great social and academic balance that will make your experience valuable. You will learn from the people around you and learn so much about yourself in the process. Clemson has such a welcoming and safe campus. There are so many opportunities and organizations to get involved with whether that be clubs, sports, intermurals, greek life, alumni association, student council, and the list goes on. Clemson also provides internship opportunities and jobs to get your foot in the door with careers. They hold a career fair every semester as well as mock interviews that allows you to get feedback and build your resume! Clemson is all around a fantastic school to grow you as an individual.... Read 3,565 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 49%

• Net price $23,732

• SAT range 1220-1420

• Columbus, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  5,776 reviews

Sophomore: Ohio State University is a college that focuses on job opportunities and athletics, and its degree requirements for students reflects that. Many professors are either very professional or have no teaching experience whatsoever, and it is a guess as to which one you'll receive half of the time. Campus events and community are great though, and there are plenty of groups to get involved with if you're interested in any subject. Although there are some instances of crime around campus, very rarely does any serious crime happen on campus grounds. The university has plenty of support and equipment for athletes as well, so if you are interested in any form of athletics, feel free to enroll into The Ohio State University!... Read 5,776 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $19,474

• SAT range 1250-1440

• Hanover, NH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  733 reviews

Junior: I am a transfer student athlete and am planning to attend Dartmouth in the fall. What I loved on my visit was the family atmosphere amongst the faculty and the close relationships they had with their students. I believe that it is important to put an emphasis on undergraduate education and Dartmouth does that the best in comparison to any other school in the nation. From an athletic standpoint I feel like Dartmouth has all the tools and facilities to help me achieve my athletic goals. Coming from an institution that gives athletic scholarships, Ivy leagues do not have that availability. I felt like the experiences and relationships that I would build would make it worth it to apply for scholarships online. Thank you!... Read 733 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $24,078

• SAT range 1440-1560

• Winston-salem, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  862 reviews

Niche User: Small school academic benefits with a favorable student/faculty ratio wrapped in the benefits of a big school spirit. Wake has a rigorous curriculum backed by caring, involved professors. Its gorgeous tree lined campus (ranked as one of the most beautiful by Architectural Digest) has plenty of outdoor space for study and play, and has modern student housing and facilities. Downtown Winston Salem, a burgeoning area with great cafes, restaurants and arts scene, is only a short drive from campus. Although ranked #23 by US News as "best value", it is still underrated. Graduates benefit from the support of a strong alum network and a Wake diploma is highly regarded on a national level. Go Deacs!... Read 862 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 25%

• Net price $24,643

• SAT range —

• Chestnut Hill, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  1,582 reviews

Niche User: Boston college is a great school! I recently got admitted to Boston College. I applied them through an organization called Quest-bridge that helps students that are minorities and come from low income families. Due to that, I got full tuition from Boston College. I really appreciate that Boston College is giving an opportunity to high achieving successful students since not everyone had the same opportunities growing up. In addition, I have been on Boston College tour before. It was magical there. The campus was the prettiest. More importantly, the admissions counselors were super kind to me when I went there. They answered all of my questions, and I kept in touch with them. I think this may be one of the reasons I was admitted. I think I can best express myself in interviews, since BC doesn't do interviews, it was definitely beneficial for me to show my personality to an admissions officer. The campus environment over all looked so chill, just like a family. See you at BC!... Read 1,582 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 19%

• Net price $30,159

• SAT range 1420-1530