Academic Excellence in the Big Ten Conference

The Big Ten Conference is often celebrated for its athletic prowess, but the member schools also take immense pride in their academic achievements. Entering this prestigious conference requires a certain academic standard, ensuring that education remains a priority even amidst the competitive sports environment. Recent additions from the former Pac-12—University of Washington, University of Oregon, University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), and University of Southern California (USC)—not only elevate the conference’s athletic profile but also bolster its academic standing nationally.

U.S. News Rankings: An Overview of Big Ten Institutions

In examining each member of the Big Ten, the U.S. News & World Report rankings provide a relevant lens through which to assess the academic performance of these institutions. Here’s a look at where each school stands both within the conference and nationally.

No. 18 – University of Nebraska

Located in Lincoln, Nebraska, the University of Nebraska secured the 152nd position in the U.S. News rankings, a slight improvement from the previous year’s 159th. With a fall 2023 enrollment of 19,338 students and an acceptance rate of 77% (down from 79%), it continues to focus on holistic growth and student support.

No. 17 – University of Oregon

The University of Oregon, situated in Eugene, ranks 109th nationally, slipping from 98th. This institution boasts a total enrollment of 19,963 and an acceptance rate of 85% (down from 86%). Students here experience a rich academic environment in a vibrant campus setting.

No. 16 – University of Iowa

In Iowa City, the University of Iowa stands at 98th in the U.S. News rankings, a slight drop from 90th. With 22,130 enrolled students and an acceptance rate of 85%, the university offers a strong liberal arts focus alongside its varied programs.

No. 15 – Indiana University

Indiana University in Bloomington has maintained its ranking at 73rd. The fall 2023 enrollment is 36,833 with an 80% acceptance rate (down from 82%), reaffirming its status as a key institution for higher education in the Midwest.

No. 13 (tie) – Penn State University

Both Penn State University and Michigan State University claim the 63rd spot in the U.S. News rankings. Located in University Park, Pennsylvania, Penn State has an enrollment of 42,223 students with a 54% acceptance rate (down from 55%).

No. 13 (tie) – Michigan State University

Similarly, Michigan State University, based in East Lansing, mirrors its neighbor’s performance with 40,483 students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 84% (down from 88%).

No. 12 – University of Minnesota

In Minneapolis, the University of Minnesota ranks 54th, a slight decrease from the previous 53rd position. With an enrollment of 39,556 and a 77% acceptance rate, it remains a popular choice for students across various disciplines.

No. 10 (tie) – University of Washington

The University of Washington, located in Seattle, has seen a drop to 46th in the national rankings. With a fall 2023 enrollment of 39,125 and an acceptance rate of 43% (down from 48%), it retains a strong reputation among research institutions despite the drop.

No. 10 (tie) – Purdue University

Purdue University in West Lafayette also ranks at 46th, signaling strong academic offerings with a total enrollment of 39,170. Maintaining a 50% acceptance rate, Purdue emphasizes engineering and technology programs, adding to its appeal.

No. 9 – University of Maryland

The University of Maryland, located in College Park, ranks 44th, improving from 46th. With a fall enrollment of 30,608 and a 45% acceptance rate, the university showcases a diverse range of academic pursuits.

No. 7 (tie) – Rutgers University

Rutgers, based in New Brunswick/Piscataway, ranks 41st nationally, maintaining its previous position. The university has 36,588 enrolled students and a 65% acceptance rate, solidifying its place as a vital educational entity in New Jersey.

No. 7 (tie) – The Ohio State University

The Ohio State University, located in Columbus, also sits at 41st but has seen an improvement from 43rd. With 45,728 students enrolled and an acceptance rate of 51%, OSU is a major player in both academics and athletics.

No. 6 – University of Wisconsin

The University of Wisconsin in Madison ranks 39th, a slight fall from 35th. With an enrollment of 37,817 and a 43% acceptance rate, its commitment to research and public service stands out.

No. 5 – University of Illinois

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign shows a strong 33rd ranking, improving from 35th. With a total enrollment of 35,564 and an acceptance rate of 44%, it remains a front-runner for students focusing on the sciences.

No. 4 – University of Southern California

Moving to the West Coast, the University of Southern California (USC) ranks 27th, a marginal improvement from 28th. With a notably low acceptance rate of 10%, it attracts a competitive applicant pool alongside an enrollment of 21,023 students.

No. 3 – University of Michigan

The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor maintains a prestigious 21st position in the rankings. With 33,730 students enrolled, the school boasts an acceptance rate of just 18%, reflecting its rigorous academic standards.

No. 2 – University of California Los Angeles

UCLA follows closely with a 15th national ranking, maintaining its status with a stringent 9% acceptance rate and an enrollment of 33,040 students. Its diverse offerings and vibrant campus life attract students from across the globe.

No. 1 – Northwestern University

Topping the list is Northwestern University, located in Evanston, Illinois. It boasts a rank of 6th nationally—an improvement from 9th—with an acceptance rate of 7% and a total enrollment of 8,846 students. Northwestern is renowned for its academic rigor and interdisciplinary programs.

The academic achievements of Big Ten members demonstrate that these institutions thrive not just in athletics but also in fostering an environment where students can excel academically. As the conference continues to evolve with its recent additions, its commitment to academic excellence remains steadfast. Each school provides unique opportunities, ensuring a variety of options for aspiring scholars.