{"id":925088,"date":"2026-07-10T08:24:31","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T08:24:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/925088\/"},"modified":"2026-07-10T08:24:31","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T08:24:31","slug":"sec-schools-ranked-academically-by-u-s-news-for-2026-27","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/925088\/","title":{"rendered":"SEC schools ranked academically by U.S. News for 2026-27"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Updated July 9, 2026, 4:18 p.m. CT<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">This story was updated because an earlier version included inaccuracies.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Every year,\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usnews.com\/education\/best-colleges\/articles\/us-news-ranks-best-colleges\" data-t-l=\":b|z|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">U.S. News &amp; World Report<\/a>\u00a0publishes an\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usnews.com\/best-colleges\/rankings\/national-universities\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-t-l=\":b|z|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\">academic ranking of all United States<\/a>\u00a0universities, including yearly tuition, enrollment and acceptance rates. Five SEC programs rank among the top 100 academically heading into the 2026-2027 school year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The University of Oklahoma is the only school in the SEC with an undergraduate in-state tuition rate less than $10,000 per year. The Sooners have been able to enter the SEC without dramatically raising their tuition rates, and Oklahoma also enjoyed the biggest jump in academic ranking in the conference.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">The only schools with lower enrollment than OU are Vanderbilt (a private school), Mississippi State and Ole Miss. Eight of the 16 SEC schools have undergraduate enrollments greater than 30,000, led by Texas A&amp;M with more than 60,000. The University of Texas has the next-highest enrollment at more than 40,000 undergraduate students.<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">So, as the University of Oklahoma prepares for its third academic year in the SEC, here&#8217;s how it stacks up academically against the rest of the conference, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.usnews.com\/best-colleges\/rankings\/national-universities\" data-t-l=\":b|z|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">U.S. News &amp; World Report<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Need a news break? <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" data-t-l=\":body nav (play)|e|auto spike click:5|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_sp_a\" href=\"https:\/\/play.usatoday.com\/?itm_source=SPIKE&amp;itm_campaign=PLAYSPIKE&amp;itm_medium=ONSITE\">Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!<\/a>16. Mississippi State University<img class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" style=\"height:440px\" fetchpriority=\"high\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/75761685007-111-49535.jpeg\" data-gl- decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Oct 19, 2024; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs fans cheer during the fourth quarter against the Texas A&amp;M Aggies at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Bush-Imagn Images\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>City:\u00a0<\/strong>Starkville, Mississippi<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>2025 SEC Rank<\/strong>: 16<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Undergraduate enrollment:\u00a0<\/strong>18,567<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp; World Report ranking 2024<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>:\u00a0No. 216 (tied)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong> <strong><strong><strong>World Report ranking 202<\/strong>5<\/strong><\/strong>: No. 214<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong> <strong><strong><strong>World Report ranking 202<\/strong>6<\/strong><\/strong>: No. 208<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>In-state cost:\u00a0<\/strong>$10,604<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Acceptance rate:\u00a0<\/strong>78%<\/p>\n<p>15. University of Arkansas<img class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" style=\"height:441px\" fetchpriority=\"high\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/84153555007-usatsi-24420810.jpg\" data-gl- decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Oct 5, 2024; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks fans celebrate in front of the downed goal posts after the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Arkansas won 19-14. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>City:\u00a0<\/strong>Fayetteville,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/razorbackswire.usatoday.com\/\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Arkansas<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>2025 SEC Rank<\/strong>: 15<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Undergraduate enrollment:\u00a0<\/strong>28,859<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong> <strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>World Report ranking 2024<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 178<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>5<\/strong>: 189<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>6<\/strong>: 183<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>In-state cost:\u00a0<\/strong>$10,496<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Acceptance rate:\u00a0<\/strong>74%<\/p>\n<p>12 (Tied). Louisiana State University<img class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" style=\"height:440px\" fetchpriority=\"high\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/84153606007-usatsi-24183728.jpg\" data-gl- decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Sep 7, 2024; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, USA; LSU Tigers mascot Mike the Tiger performs for fans during a time out against the Nicholls State Colonels during the second half at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>City:\u00a0<\/strong>Baton Rouge,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lsutigerswire.usatoday.com\/\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Louisiana<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>2025 SEC Rank<\/strong>: 14<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Undergraduate enrollment:\u00a0<\/strong>34,242<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 2024<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 185<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>5<\/strong>: No. 179 (tied)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>6<\/strong>: No. 169 (tied)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>In-state cost:\u00a0<\/strong>$12,551<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Acceptance rate:\u00a0<\/strong>73%<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Get more\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsdata.usatoday.com\/football\/ncaaf\/teams\/lsu-tigers\/3481\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\">LSU Tigers<\/a>\u00a0news, analysis and opinions on\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/lsutigerswire.usatoday.com\/\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>LSU Tigers Wire<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>12 (tied). University of Mississippi<img class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" style=\"height:440px\" fetchpriority=\"high\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/84153758007-usatsi-24722590.jpg\" data-gl- decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Nov 9, 2024; Oxford, Mississippi, USA; Mississippi Rebels fans attempt to tear down the goal post after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>City:\u00a0<\/strong>Oxford, Mississippi<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>2025 SEC Rank<\/strong>: 12<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Undergraduate enrollment:\u00a0<\/strong>21,585<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 2024<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 163<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>5<\/strong>: No. 171 (tied)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>6<\/strong>: No. 169 (tied)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>In-state cost:\u00a0<\/strong>$10,150<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Acceptance rate:\u00a0<\/strong>97%<\/p>\n<p>12 (tied). University of Alabama<img class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" style=\"height:389px\" fetchpriority=\"high\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/84153875007-usatsi-24354765.jpg\" data-gl- decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Sep 28, 2024; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide fans sing during the third quarter against the Georgia Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-Imagn Images\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>City:\u00a0<\/strong>Tuscaloosa,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/rolltidewire.usatoday.com\/\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Alabama<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>2025 SEC Rank<\/strong>: 12<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Undergraduate enrollment:\u00a0<\/strong>34,389<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 2024<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 170<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>5<\/strong>: No. 171<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>6<\/strong>: No. 169<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>In-state cost:\u00a0<\/strong>$12,484<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Acceptance rate:\u00a0<\/strong>77%<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Get more Alabama news, analysis and opinions on\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/rolltidewire.usatoday.com\/\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Roll Tide Wire<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>11. University of Kentucky<img class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" style=\"height:441px\" fetchpriority=\"high\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/84153897007-usatsi-24478294.jpg\" data-gl- decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Oct 12, 2024; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Fans cheer on the Kentucky Wildcats during the first quarter against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>City:\u00a0<\/strong>Lexington,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/ukwildcatswire.usatoday.com\/\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Kentucky<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>2025 SEC Rank<\/strong>: 11<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Undergraduate enrollment:\u00a0<\/strong>25,534<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 2024<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 159<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>5<\/strong>: No. 152<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>6<\/strong>: No. 143<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>In-state cost:\u00a0<\/strong>$13,907<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Acceptance rate:\u00a0<\/strong>93%<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Get more Kentucky Wildcats news, analysis and opinions on\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/ukwildcatswire.usatoday.com\/\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>UK Wildcats Wire.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>10. University of South Carolina<img class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" style=\"height:440px\" fetchpriority=\"high\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/84154837007-usatsi-13731104.jpg\" data-gl- decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Nov 30, 2019; Columbia, SC, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks fans cheer their team against the Clemson Tigers at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Blake-USA TODAY Sports\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>City:\u00a0<\/strong>Columbia, South Carolina<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>2025 SEC Rank<\/strong>: 10<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Undergraduate enrollment:\u00a0<\/strong>30,187<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 2024<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 124 (tied)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>5<\/strong>: No. 121<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>6<\/strong>: No. 127<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>In-state cost:\u00a0<\/strong>$12,688<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Acceptance rate:\u00a0<\/strong>60%<\/p>\n<p>9. University of Oklahoma<img class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" style=\"height:441px\" fetchpriority=\"high\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/78659789007-4-75852.jpeg\" data-gl- decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Oklahoma fans cheer during a Bedlam college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Oklahoma State University Cowboys (OSU) at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Okla., Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022. Oklahoma won 28-13. Bryan Terry, The Oklahoman\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>City:\u00a0<\/strong>Norman,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/soonerswire.usatoday.com\/\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Oklahoma<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>2025 SEC Rank<\/strong>: 10<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Undergraduate enrollment:\u00a0<\/strong>23,351<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 2024<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 124 (tied)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>5<\/strong>: No. 132<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>6<\/strong>: No. 110 (tied)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>In-state cost:\u00a0<\/strong>$9,887<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Acceptance rate:\u00a0<\/strong>77%<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Get more <a data-autotag=\"a5355359-2a0e-4b89-bd78-9f03c554fe00\" href=\"https:\/\/www.usatoday.com\/sports\/college-sports\/sec\/oklahoma\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener nofollow\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\">Oklahoma Sooners<\/a> news, analysis and opinions on\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/soonerswire.usatoday.com\/\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Sooners Wire<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>6 (tied). University of Tennessee<img class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" style=\"height:440px\" fetchpriority=\"high\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/84088510007-usatsi-24720736.jpg\" data-gl- decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Tennessee fans mingle during the Vol Walk before an NCAA college football game between Tennessee and Mississippi State at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, Tenn., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2024.\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>City:\u00a0<\/strong>Knoxville,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/volswire.usatoday.com\/\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Tennessee<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>2025 SEC Rank<\/strong>: 7<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Undergraduate enrollment:\u00a0<\/strong>30,564<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 2024<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 105<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>5<\/strong>: No. 109 (tied)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>6<\/strong>: No. 102 (tied)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>In-state cost:\u00a0<\/strong>$13,812<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Acceptance rate:\u00a0<\/strong>42%<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Get more Tennessee Volunteers news, analysis and opinions on\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/volswire.usatoday.com\/\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Vols Wire<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>6 (tied). University of Missouri<img class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" style=\"height:489px\" fetchpriority=\"high\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/84154814007-usatsi-24295178.jpg\" data-gl- decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Sep 21, 2024; Columbia, Missouri, USA; Missouri Tigers fans react after a punt during the second half against the Vanderbilt Commodores at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>City:\u00a0<\/strong>Columbia, Missouri<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>2025 SEC Rank<\/strong>: 7<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Undergraduate enrollment:\u00a0<\/strong>24,449<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 2024<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 124 (tied)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>5<\/strong>: No. 109 (tied)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>6<\/strong>: No. 102 (tied)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>In-state cost:\u00a0<\/strong>$15,548<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Acceptance rate:\u00a0<\/strong>78%<\/p>\n<p>6 (tied). Auburn University<img class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" style=\"height:440px\" fetchpriority=\"high\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/84154801007-usatsi-24840425.jpg\" data-gl- decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Nov 23, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Fans storm the field after the Auburn Tigers beat the Texas A&amp;M Aggies in the fourth overtime at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>City:\u00a0<\/strong><a href=\"http:\/\/auburnwire.usatoday.com\/\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Auburn<\/a>, Alabama<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>2025 SEC Rank<\/strong>: 6<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>Undergraduate enrollment<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>27,907<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 2024<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 93<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>5:\u00a0<\/strong>105<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>6:\u00a0<\/strong>102<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>In-state cost:\u00a0<\/strong>$13,318<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Acceptance rate:\u00a0<\/strong>46%<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Get more\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsdata.usatoday.com\/football\/ncaaf\/teams\/auburn-tigers\/3480\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\">Auburn Tigers<\/a>\u00a0news, analysis and opinions on\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/auburnwire.usatoday.com\/\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Auburn Wire.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>5. Texas A&amp;M University<img class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" style=\"height:402px\" fetchpriority=\"high\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/84154641007-usatsi-24885431.jpg\" data-gl- decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Nov 30, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Fans cheer during the game between the Texas A&amp;M Aggies and the Texas Longhorns at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>City:\u00a0<\/strong>College Station, Texas<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>2025 SEC Rank<\/strong>: 5<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Undergraduate enrollment:\u00a0<\/strong>60,710<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 2024<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 47<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>5:\u00a0<\/strong>51<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>6:\u00a0<\/strong>51 (tied)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>In-state cost:\u00a0<\/strong>$12,928<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Acceptance rate:\u00a0<\/strong>57%<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Get more\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsdata.usatoday.com\/football\/ncaaf\/teams\/texas-am-aggies\/3489\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\">Texas A&amp;M Aggies<\/a>\u00a0news, analysis and opinions on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/aggieswire.usatoday.com\/\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Aggies Wire<\/a><\/p>\n<p>4. University of Georgia<img class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" style=\"height:442px\" fetchpriority=\"high\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/84154526007-usatsi-24874036.jpg\" data-gl- decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Nov 29, 2024; Athens, Georgia, USA; Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Tate Ratledge (69) walks through the fans and the band during the dawg walk prior to the game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>City:\u00a0<\/strong>Athens,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/ugawire.usatoday.com\/\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Georgia<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>2025 SEC Rank<\/strong>: 4<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Undergraduate enrollment:\u00a0<\/strong>32,399<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 2024<\/strong><\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 47<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>5:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 46<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>6:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 46 (tied)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>In-state cost:\u00a0<\/strong>$11,492<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Acceptance rate:\u00a0<\/strong>38%<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Get more\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsdata.usatoday.com\/football\/ncaaf\/teams\/georgia-bulldogs\/3473\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\">Georgia Bulldogs<\/a>\u00a0news, analysis and opinions on\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/ugawire.usatoday.com\/\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>UGA Wire.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>2 (tied). University of Texas<img class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" style=\"height:440px\" fetchpriority=\"high\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/84154483007-usatsi-25202830.jpg\" data-gl- decoding=\"async\" alt=\"A Texas Longhorns fan reacts to a turnover on 4th and goal during the College Football Playoff semifinal game against Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl at AT&amp;T Stadium on Friday, Jan. 10, 2024 in Arlington, Texas.\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>City:\u00a0<\/strong>Austin,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/longhornswire.usatoday.com\/\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Texas<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>2025 SEC Rank<\/strong>: 2<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Undergraduate enrollment<\/strong>:\u00a043,156<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 2024<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 32<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>5:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 30 (tied)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>6:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 30 (tied)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>In-state cost:\u00a0<\/strong>$11,678<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Acceptance rate:\u00a0<\/strong>27%<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Get more Texas\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/sportsdata.usatoday.com\/football\/ncaaf\/teams\/texas-longhorns\/3488\/\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" target=\"_blank\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\">Longhorns<\/a>\u00a0news, analysis and opinions on\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/longhornswire.usatoday.com\/\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Longhorns Wire<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>2 (tied). University of Florida<img class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" style=\"height:440px\" fetchpriority=\"high\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/84154469007-usatsi-24778262.jpg\" data-gl- decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Nov 16, 2024; Gainesville, Florida, USA; A general view of Ben Hill Griffin Stadium as fans cheer between the Florida Gators and LSU Tigers . Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>City:\u00a0<\/strong>Gainesville,\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/gatorswire.usatoday.com\/\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Florida<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>2025 SEC Rank<\/strong>: 2<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Undergraduate enrollment:\u00a0<\/strong>36,573<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 2024<\/strong>:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 28<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>5:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 30 (tied)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 202<\/strong>6:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 30 (tied)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>In-state cost:\u00a0<\/strong>$6,381<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Acceptance rate:\u00a0<\/strong>24%<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Get more Florida Gators news, analysis and opinions on\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/gatorswire.usatoday.com\/\" data-t-l=\":b|e|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><strong>Gators Wire.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p>1. Vanderbilt University<img class=\"gnt_em_img_i\" style=\"height:435px\" fetchpriority=\"high\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/84153971007-usatsi-24656270.jpg\" data-gl- decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Nov 2, 2024; Auburn, Alabama, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores quarterback Blaze Berlowitz (19) celebrates with fans after the Commodores beat the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Reed-Imagn Images\"\/><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>City:\u00a0<\/strong>Nashville, Tennessee<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>2025 SEC Rank<\/strong>: 1<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Undergraduate enrollment in fall 2024:\u00a0<\/strong>7,221<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 2024:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 18<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 2025:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 18 (Tied)<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong><strong><strong>U.S. News &amp;<\/strong><\/strong> World Report ranking 2026:\u00a0<\/strong>No. 17<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Tuition:\u00a0<\/strong>$71,226<\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\"><strong>Acceptance rate:\u00a0<\/strong>6%<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"gnt_em gnt_em_gl gnt_em__el\" href=\"http:\/\/soonerswire.usatoday.com\/picture-gallery\/sports\/college\/sooners\/football\/2026\/04\/18\/photos-from-oklahoma-sooners-2026-spring-game\/89680323007\/\" data-t-l=\"\u2691g:l|l|c|view gallery:inline promo\" aria-label=\"View Gallery - Photos from Oklahoma Sooners 2026 Spring Game\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img class=\"gnt_em_gl_i\" data-g-r=\"lazy\" data-gl-src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/89680243007-usatsi-28759511.jpg\" data-gl- decoding=\"async\" alt=\"\" width=\"660\" height=\"372\"\/><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"gnt_ar_b_p\">Contact\/Follow us\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/twitter.com\/SoonersWire\" data-t-l=\":b|z|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">@SoonersWire<\/a> on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/facebook.com\/SoonersWire\" data-t-l=\":b|z|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Facebook<\/a> to follow ongoing coverage of Oklahoma news, notes and opinions. You can also follow John on X<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/john9williams\" data-t-l=\":b|z|k|\u2691u\" class=\"gnt_ar_b_a\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">@john9williams<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Updated July 9, 2026, 4:18 p.m. CT This story was updated because an earlier version included inaccuracies. Every&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":925089,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[43],"tags":[216235,1318,1317,1315,1316,373235,62,373236,276749,219009,282816,282813,266811,367140,216244,219210,266813,295306,217944,373237,216238,67,132,68],"class_list":["post-925088","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-ncaa-football","tag-accessfree","tag-football","tag-ncaa","tag-ncaa-football","tag-ncaafootball","tag-sourcesooners-wire","tag-sports","tag-sstssportscollegesoonersfootball","tag-sstsnfootball","tag-tagcolleges-universities","tag-tagmississippi-state-university","tag-tagncaa-southeastern-conference","tag-tagoklahoma-sooners","tag-tagoklahoma-sooners-football","tag-tagoverall-neutral","tag-tagproduct-reviews-price-comparisons","tag-tagsec-hub","tag-taguniversity-of-mississippi","tag-taguniversity-of-oklahoma","tag-tagvanderbilt-university","tag-typestory","tag-united-states","tag-unitedstates","tag-us"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"","error":"Validation failed: Text character limit of 500 exceeded"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/925088","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=925088"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/925088\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/925089"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=925088"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=925088"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=925088"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}