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Big 12 Conference Schools

From Iowa to Texas, the Big 12 Conference Dominates the Central U.S.

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• Ph.D., English, University of Pennsylvania
• M.A., English, University of Pennsylvania
• B.S., Materials Science & Engineering and Literature, MIT

For students who want the experience of a big research university with NCAA Division I athletics, the Big 12 is worth a close look. Each of these universities offers a wide range of academic and athletic opportunities. Admissions criteria vary widely, so you may want to dig deeper into the profile for each school for average ACT and SAT scores, acceptance rates and financial aid information. For direct comparisons of the students they admit, see the Big 12  SAT chart  and the Big 12  ACT chart .

The Big 12 Conference is part of the Football Bowl Subdivision of the NCAA's Division I. You may also want to explore the schools in the other top conferences:  ACC | Big East | Big Ten | Big 12 | Pac 10 | SEC

Baylor University

Baylor is the most selective university in the Big 12 with an acceptance rate of 44 percent. Its preprofessional programs, especially business, are among the most popular with undergraduates.

• Location: Waco, Texas
• School type: Private, Baptist affiliation
• Enrollment:  16,959 (14,348 undergraduates)
• Team: Bears
• For ACT and SAT scores, acceptance rate, costs, financial aid, and other information, visit the Baylor University admissions profile .

Iowa State (Iowa State University at Ames)

Like the University of Colorado at Boulder, Iowa State University at Ames is a member of the Association of American Universities. The university has particular strengths in the sciences, engineering, and agriculture.

• Location: Ames, Iowa
• School type: Public
• Enrollment:  36,350 (30,671 undergraduates)
• Team: Cyclones
• For ACT and SAT scores, acceptance rate, costs, financial aid, and other information, visit the Iowa State University admissions profile .

Kansas (University of Kansas at Lawrence)

Along with its excellent athletic programs, the University of Kansas at Lawrence wins high marks for both its high-level research and the quality of student life.

• Location: Lawrence, Kansas
• Enrollment: 27,565 (19,262 undergraduates)
• Team: Jayhawks
• Explore the Campus: KU Photo Tour
• For ACT and SAT scores, acceptance rate, costs, financial aid, and other information, visit the University of Kansas admissions profile .

Kansas State (Kansas State University at Manhattan)

Kansas State University takes pride in its high number of Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, Goldwater, and Udall scholars. For programs in technology and aviation, students can attend the branch campus in Salina, Kansas.

• Location: Manhattan, Kansas
• Enrollment: ​23,779 (19,472 undergraduates)
• Team: Wildcats
• For ACT and SAT scores, acceptance rate, costs, financial aid, and other information, visit the Kansas State University admissions profile .

Oklahoma (University of Oklahoma at Norman)

The University of Oklahoma at Norman enrolls an impressive number of National Merit Scholars, and it graduates a significant number of Rhodes Scholars. The university's quality of life and strong academics have earned it high marks for value.

• Location: Norman, Oklahoma
• Enrollment: ​27,918 (21,609 undergraduates)
• Team: Sooners
• For ACT and SAT scores, acceptance rate, costs, financial aid, and other information, visit the University of Oklahoma admissions profile .

Oklahoma State (Oklahoma State University at Stillwater)

Oklahoma State University's School of Business draws more students than any of the other schools at the university. Students with good grades and a strong work ethic should check out OSU's Honors College.

• Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma
• Enrollment: 25,622 (21,101 undergraduates)
• Team: Cowboys
• For ACT and SAT scores, acceptance rate, costs, financial aid, and other information, visit the Oklahoma State University admissions profile .

Texas (University of Texas at Austin)

The University of Texas at Austin is one of the top public universities in the country, and with over 50,000 students, it is also one of the largest. The McCombs School of Business is particularly strong.

• Location: Austin, Texas
• Enrollment:  51,331 (40,168 undergraduates)
• Team: Longhorns
• For ACT and SAT scores, acceptance rate, costs, financial aid, and other information, visit the University of Texas at Austin admissions profile .

Texas Christian University

Texas Christian is strong academically -- the university has a 14 to 1 student/faculty ratio , and the student-teacher interaction is valued highly. For its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences, TCU was awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa . Recent years have seen lots of campus construction, renovations and upgrades.

• Location: Fort Worth, Texas
• School type: Private, Christian Church
• Enrollment:  10,394 (8,891 undergraduates)
• Team: Horned Frogs
• For admissions and financial data, see the Texas Christian admissions profile .

Texas Tech (Texas Tech University at Lubbock)

With its attractive Spanish architecture, Texas Tech's 1,839-acre campus is one of the largest in the country. The university is far more than a tech school; in fact, of all of Texas Tech's Colleges, Arts and Sciences has the highest undergraduate enrollments.

• Location: Lubbock, Texas
• Enrollment:  36,551 (29,963 undergraduates)
• Team: Red Raiders
• For ACT and SAT scores, acceptance rate, costs, financial aid, and other information, visit the Texas Tech admissions profile .

West Virginia University

West Virginia University, the flagship campus of the state university system, offers 185 degree programs, and the school was awarded a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences. Highly motivated students who are looking for smaller and more challenging classes should check out the WVU Honors College.

• Location: Morgantown, West Virginia
• Enrollment:  28,488 (22,350 undergraduates)
• Team: Mountaineers
• For acceptance rate, test scores, costs, and other information see the West Virginia University admissions profile
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Kansas State vs CU Boulder

The Matchup

Kansas State University

Manhattan, Kansas

#2 Best Quality of Life , Princeton Review  

#8 Best Colleges for Agricultural Sciences in America , Niche.com

90+ Research Centers

University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, Colorado

#4 in World, Geosciences

#1 City for Green Startups (Promoleaf)

#8 in Aerospace Engineering Sciences

The Academic Matchup

Community health and well-being

In response to a statewide need for more health care providers, K-State created the physician assistant program. The 27-month graduate program includes a year of classroom education and 15 months of clinical experience. K-State's first physician assistant cohort graduated in spring 2024, and they're ready to help solve a shortage of rural health care providers.

Sustainability

Vaishali Sharda, associate professor in the Carl R. Ice College of Engineering, is preparing Kansas farmers for future climates. Her research aims to ensure the sustainability of Kansas water resources in crop production by using computer models to generate future climate scenarios. This work gives producers the knowledge and insight needed to adjust toward climate-smart practices.

Global food security and biosecurity

Across the world, K-State researchers are changing lives through agricultural innovation. The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Collaborative Research on Sustainable Intensification, or SIIL, has four consortiums, four centers of excellence and many research projects in 13 countries. The lab aims to increase food production from existing farmland without damaging the environment.

Enabling technologies

K-State Salina and Pure Imagination Labs recently broke ground on the Kansas Advanced Immersive Research for Emerging Systems Center, or K-AIRES, a spatial computing and learning facility that will propel the state of Kansas to the forefront of the technology entertainment industry. The center will feature state-of-the-art equipment and immersive technology that will transform the educational experience.

Tom Cech and mRNA

Nobel Prize recipient Tom Cech's research, particularly his discovery of the catalytic properties of RNA, has revolutionized the way scientists perceive the role of mRNA in cellular processes. His work revealed that RNA could function as an enzyme, challenging the prevailing notion that only proteins could have catalytic roles. This discovery was instrumental in understanding how mRNA molecules can influence gene expression and cellular functions, providing new insights into genetic mechanisms and potential therapeutic strategies.

Out of this world

The University of Colorado Boulder is a prominent center for aerospace research, known for its cutting-edge facilities and contributions to space science and technology. CU Boulder is the top public university in NASA funding and boasts 18 university-affiliated astronauts. Among the university's notable aerospace research initiatives is the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP), a leading institution in the field.

Leading the way in climate awareness

In December 2022, the inaugural Right Here, Right Now Global Climate Summit addressed the interconnectedness of human rights and climate change. CU Boulder held the first summit, which gathered some of the world's foremost human rights, scientific, political, educational, cultural and industry leaders to outline and commit to specific actions addressing the harmful effects of climate change on human rights. The second summit will take place in Oxford, England, in June 2025.

Physical sciences

CU Boulder has had four Nobel laureates in physics and JILA, one of the nation's leading research institutes in the physical sciences, and is a leader in quantum physics research.

The Wabash has played a vital part in K-State spirit, dating back to December 1968 when Nichols Gym burned. The fire destroyed most of the band's instruments and sheet music, but band director Phil Hewett had sheet music at his home, which included the "Wabash Cannonball." Ever since its debut three days after the fire, the song became the treasured "Wabash" tradition, which is characterized by the dancing and rocking done by the crowd during the song.

One of the most popular sites on the K-State campus is the dairy bar at Call Hall. The Call Hall ice cream counter serves more than 35 flavors, including its signature flavor, Purple Pride.

Ralphie Running

Since 1967, CU Boulder’s live mascot, Ralphie the Buffalo, has kicked off each home football game with an electrifying run down the field, leading the way for the team.

Singing the Fight Song

For decades, Buff fans have stood "shoulder to shoulder" at campus sporting events to sing the university's beloved fight song.

Notable Alums

    Pete Souza , chief White House photographer for Presidents Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama

    Eric Stonestreet , Emmy-award winning actor and star of “Modern Family”

    Gen. Richard B. Myers , former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient

    Kalpana Chawla , an engineer, pilot and fallen astronaut who became the first Indian-born woman in space in 1997 aboard the shuttle Columbia

    Steve Wozniak , co-founder of Apple, technology entrepreneur, philanthropist and member of the Inventors Hall of Fame

    Trey Parker and Matt Stone , co-creators of the hit animated series “South Park” who famously met in a CU Boulder film class

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Where Big 12 Schools Rank Among the 2021 Best Colleges

U.S. News & World Report

February 24, 2021, 12:00 AM

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Where Big 12 schools rank

Despite its name, the Big 12 is composed of only 10 schools. Though the Big 12’s inaugural season as an athletic conference was in 1996, its history stretches back to the early 1900s, with roots in the Southwest Conference and Big 6 Conference. Members of those two conferences formed the original dozen programs that made up the Big 12. Conference membership has been in flux in the last decade, with several original members leaving and new schools joining. To date, Big 12 schools have claimed more than 60 NCAA team championships. Here’s where Big 12 schools stand among National Universities — research-focused schools that offer a full range of undergraduate majors as well as master’s and doctoral programs — in the 2021 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings.

West Virginia University

Location: Morgantown, West Virginia

U.S. News rank: 241 (tie)

Total enrollment: N/A

4-year graduation rate: N/A

First established as the Agricultural College of West Virginia in 1867, the school changed its name to West Virginia University in 1868. Like many schools on this list, WVU began as a federal land-grant institution, a post-Civil War initiative intended to establish agricultural colleges across the nation. The Mountaineers, the moniker of WVU’s sports program, is a nod to residents of the Mountain State. A relative newcomer to the Big 12, WVU joined the conference in 2012.

Learn more about West Virginia University .

Texas Tech University

Location: Lubbock, Texas

U.S. News rank: 217 (tie)

Total enrollment: 38,742

4-year graduation rate: 36%

Opened in 1925 as Texas Technical College, the school officially became Texas Tech University in 1969. Initially dubbed the Matadors, a reference to Spanish-style architecture on campus, athletic teams were nicknamed the Red Raiders in 1936 by a local sports writer. The name stuck and a student on horseback added to the legend by leading the team onto the field. This eventually inspired Texas Tech’s current mascot, Raider Red, who resembles the Warner Bros. cartoon character Yosemite Sam.

Learn more about Texas Tech University .

Oklahoma State University

Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma

U.S. News rank: 187 (tie)

Total enrollment: 24,041

4-year graduation rate: 41%

Oklahoma State University is another school that began as a federal land-grant institution. The school was founded on Christmas Day in 1890 and was known as Oklahoma Agricultural and Mechanical College until a 1957 name change. The university was established on a 200-acre pasture, plowed by horses to remove prairie grass prior to beginning construction. Track was the first organized sport at Oklahoma State, and football and women’s basketball soon followed.

Learn more about Oklahoma State University .

Kansas State University

Location: Manhattan, Kansas

U.S. News rank: 170 (tie)

Total enrollment: 21,719

4-year graduation rate: 37%

Kansas State University traces its roots back to Bluemont Central College, which opened in 1858. Bluemont became Kansas State Agricultural College in 1863. The current name was adopted in 1959. Team names also changed over the years, shifting from Aggies to Wildcats in 1915. Early sports programs included men’s basketball, baseball and football. Female students attempted to establish a basketball program in 1902 but were denied the opportunity to play intercollegiate games. Women’s basketball was finally added in 1968.

Learn more about Kansas State University .

University of Oklahoma

Location: Norman, Oklahoma

U.S. News rank: 133 (tie)

Total enrollment: 28,079

4-year graduation rate: 44%

The University of Oklahoma opened in 1892, offering classes in a rented building to a population of 57 students that by the end of the first year increased to 119. The town of Norman contributed 40 acres and $10,000 from bond sales in the early days of the institution. The campus has expanded to more than 4,000 acres and more than 28,000 students. Known as the Sooners, the athletic programs at the college are a nod to a nickname for the eager early settlers of Oklahoma during the land rush of 1889.

Learn more about the University of Oklahoma .

University of Kansas

Location: Lawrence, Kansas

U.S. News rank: 124 (tie)

Total enrollment: 27,552

4-year graduation rate: 48%

The University of Kansas was chartered in 1859 as Lawrence University and began offering classes in 1866. The athletic programs at Kansas play as the Jayhawks, named after a brightly colored bird of mysterious and mythical origins. The name appears to be an amalgamation of a blue jay and a sparrow hawk, both native to the area, according to the university’s website. Other historical references note that the name was used by a Kansas regiment in the Civil War.

Learn more about the University of Kansas .

Iowa State University

Location: Ames, Iowa

U.S. News rank: 118 (tie)

Total enrollment: 33,391

4-year graduation rate: 47%

Chartered in 1858, Iowa State University was initially known as Iowa Agriculture College and Model Farm and was coeducational from the start. The name changed to Iowa State College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in 1898 before the current moniker was adopted in 1959. The team name, Cyclones, was inspired by a sports writer’s description of the football team’s performance in 1895. Though known as the Cyclones, the school mascot is a cardinal, a nod to school colors and the challenge of creating weather-themed mascots.

Learn more about Iowa State University .

Texas Christian University

Location: Fort Worth, Texas

U.S. News rank: 80 (tie)

Total enrollment: 11,024

4-year graduation rate: 71%

Texas Christian University has not only changed names but also locations over the years. TCU got its start as AddRan Male and Female College in 1873, a combination of the names of the founding brothers, ministers Addison and Randolph Clark. Though it began in a small prairie town, TCU moved to Waco, Texas, in 1895 and eventually to Forth Worth in 1911. The name TCU was chosen in 1902. TCU athletic teams play as the Horned Frogs, which the school’s website describes as a “small but fierce lizard.” TCU is a more recent member of the Big 12, joining the conference in 2012.

Learn more about Texas Christian University .

Baylor University (TX)

Location: Waco, Texas

U.S. News rank: 76 (tie)

Total enrollment: 18,033

4-year graduation rate: 63%

Baylor University was established in 1845 by the Texas Baptist Education Society and named for one of its founders. Though initially in Independence, Texas, Baylor moved to its current home in 1886 and merged with Waco University. According to the school’s website, Baylor is the oldest continually operating college in the state and the world’s largest Baptist university. Baylor still espouses its founding principles on its website, noting a commitment to the Baptist denomination and the state of Texas.

Learn more about Baylor University .

University of Texas–Austin

Location: Austin, Texas

U.S. News rank: 42 (tie)

Total enrollment: 51,090

4-year graduation rate: 66%

Plans to establish the University of Texas–Austin date back to 1839, but it took decades for that vision to be realized. Classes officially began in temporary quarters in 1883 as early efforts at campus construction commenced. Known as the Longhorns, university athletic programs are represented by a live steer mascot named Bevo. An early entrant into the Big 12, Texas has been dominant in the division, winning the most conference championships of any member.

Learn more about the University of Texas–Austin .

Find the school for you.

Get more information about how to choose a college , and check out the complete rankings of the Best Colleges to find the school that’s best for you. For more advice and information on selecting a college, connect with U.S. News Education on Twitter and Facebook .

How the Big 12 schools rank among National Universities

— University of Texas–Austin: 42 (tie)

— Baylor University: 76 (tie)

— Texas Christian University: 80 (tie)

— Iowa State University: 118 (tie)

— University of Kansas: 124 (tie)

— University of Oklahoma: 133 (tie)

— Kansas State University: 170 (tie)

— Oklahoma State University: 187 (tie)

— Texas Tech University: 217 (tie)

— West Virginia University: 241 (tie)

More from U.S. News

Where the Pac-12 Schools Rank Among the U.S. News Best Colleges

Where ACC Schools Rank Among the U.S. News Best Colleges

5 Myths About Athletic Scholarships

Where Big 12 Schools Rank Among the 2021 Best Colleges originally appeared on usnews.com

Update 02/24/21: This slideshow has been updated with new information and to reflect ranks and data from the 2021 U.S. News Best Colleges rankings.

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University of Cincinnati to join Big 12

Uc officials announce the bearcats have accepted invite to power 5 conference.

The University of Cincinnati has accepted an invitation to join the Big 12 Conference by no later than July 1, 2024, it announced today.

UC President Neville G. Pinto

“With 25 years of history, 69 team national champions and 702 individual national champions to its name, the Big 12 ranks among the nation’s premiere athletic conferences,” said University of Cincinnati President Neville G. Pinto. “UC’s membership in this Power 5 conference will position us for even greater success both on and off the field.”

UC will join an impressive group of academic institutions. Three Big 12 schools are members of the Association of American Universities (AAU). Nearly all schools are classified as R1 Universities (very high research activity) via the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education. Notably, the Big 12 has supported more than 720 Academic All-America recipients.

UC Director of Athletics John Cunningham

"Our student-athletes are at the center of our decision, and this move will allow Cincinnati's best and brightest to compete where they belong: On the biggest stages of collegiate athletics," said John Cunningham, UC's director of athletics. "In the Big 12 Conference, Bearcats teams will host national powers in the heart of our campus, and we will travel to compete at some of the nation's most iconic venues. I cannot wait to experience a whole new level of home-team support in Nippert Stadium and Fifth Third Arena and at all of our home events."

Cunningham shared with supporters today that the impact of the move to the Big 12 Conference will extend beyond the walls of the Lindner Center and into the classrooms and research laboratories on campus.

"While there are financial benefits to our conference move, including a significantly enhanced position to secure a long-term media-rights agreement consistent with our investment in athletics, just as important is the access the Big 12 Conference will provide to our teams." said Cunningham. "Our goal is to win national championships, and by joining the Big 12, all of our teams will have more avenues to do so. We also will witness a higher level of recruiting, the enhancement of our national brand, and an expected heightened awareness of our institution across the world."

The Big 12 boasts one of the biggest, most loyal fan bases in all of sports. Since their teams travel well in terms of fan support, the city, state and region will also benefit from the growing economic impact of Big 12 fans coming to Cincinnati each year. UC officials say the Power 5 membership will enable the university to re-energize its alumni and co-op connections in Big 12 states, too.

"This Big 12 invitation only confirms our core belief: UC has earned its seat at the Power 5 table,” said Pinto. “With 8 national champions and 100 conference championships, UC has achieved a level of success few can match.”

Since 2000, UC has played in 15 or more Bowl Games as well as 15 or more NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournaments. Only four other schools (Florida, Oklahoma, Texas and Wisconsin) can claim the same.

As part of his message to the campus community today, Pinto thanked UC leaders, faculty, staff and students.

"We owe this momentous day to many great partners.  Foremost, I want to thank the Board of Trustees—both past and present members—for their vision, perseverance and investment,” said Pinto. “They never stopped believing in what’s possible. To our student-athletes, you created this game-changing opportunity. There’s no us without you.

“To our deans, faculty, students, staff and alumni, your achievements in the classroom and beyond played a pivotal role in raising UC’s national profile. To our coaches, your relentless commitment to excellence set the foundation for who we are and why we matter. To our athletic director, John Cunningham, and his team, your leadership continues to position us to better our best.  To our loyal fan base, you empowered us to believe that, together, we can meet any moment. No stage is too big. No sacrifice is too small. Indeed, it is a great day to be a Big 12 Bearcat.”

• Visit GOBEARCATS.COM/BIG12
• Read the Big 12 announcement

UC officials will join a virtual press conference hosted by the Big 12 at 4:30 p.m.  (est.) Sept. 10, followed by a 5:30 p.m. press conference hosted by UC's Department of Athletics inside the Fifth Third Arena media room.

Media Contact : Ben Hofstetter | 513-556-4345 | [email protected]

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Baylor once again among Big 12’s top 2, Texas’ top 5 in U.S. News rankings

When prospective students look to U.S. News & World Report ’s college rankings over the coming year, they’ll once again find Baylor among the top universities in the state, conference and country.

For the 11th straight year, Baylor has been named one of the top two schools in the Big 12 Conference and one of the top five in Texas. Overall, Baylor was named the No. 77 national university in the United States — one point shy of No. 72, and two points from No. 67 in a crowded race. That puts Baylor just behind Rice, Texas, Texas A&M and SMU, and ahead of such universities as TCU, Houston and Dallas Baptist.

In the Big 12, Baylor was ranked behind only UT (No. 38). Other Big 12 institutions in the rankings: TCU (89), Kansas (121), Iowa State (127), Oklahoma (127), Kansas State (166), Oklahoma State (182), Texas Tech (219) and West Virginia (234). BU also came in ahead of future Big 12 members BYU (89), UCF (137), Cincinnati (151) and Houston (182).

Notably, Baylor moved up in several important categories, coming at No. 10 for First-year Experience (up from No. 15), No. 16 for Best Undergraduate Teaching (up from No. 33), No. 20 for Most Innovative Schools (up from No. 34), and No. 46 for Best Colleges for Veterans (up from No. 111). Baylor also was highly ranked for its Learning Communities (No. 16) and Undergraduate Research/Creative Projects (No. 21).

“It’s rewarding to have our peer institutions and others recognize Baylor’s high-quality undergraduate programs and how much we deeply value the undergraduate student experience,” says President Linda Livingstone. “Baylor is a Christian Research 1 university with a distinct and compelling mission, including providing our students with a transformational academic education and co-curricular experience that prepares the whole person for worldwide leadership and service.”

Sic ’em, Bears!

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Big 12 schools ranked academically by u.s. news for 2022-23, share this article.

The Big 12 has had its fair share of athletic success in a number of sports. Its member schools also have strong academic reputations.

According to  U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Colleges rankings, four of the expanded Big 12’s universities rank within the top 100 in the US News report. The Oklahoma Sooners were just outside the top five in the conference.

U.S. News takes into account faculty resources, graduation rates and student outcomes to come to its rankings.

In the new-look Big 12, enrollment ranges from TCU, just over 10,000, to UCF, just over 60,000 students.

Using U.S. News’ rankings as a guide, here’s how the Big 12 schools in the new-look Big 12 stack up academically, according to U.S. News in the current calendar year.

14 West Virginia University

Oct. 29, 2022; Morgantown, West Virginia; West Virginia Mountaineers fans cheer during the first quarter against the TCU Horned Frogs at Mountaineer Field at Milan Puskar Stadium. Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports

Location: Morgantown, West Virginia

U.S. News rank: 234

Total enrollment fall 2021: 19,599

4-year graduation rate: 44%

13 Texas Tech University

Texas Tech football players and fans celebrate the team’s win against Oklahoma, Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, Jones AT&T Stadium. Texas Tech won, 51-48, in overtime.

Location:  Lubbock, Texas

U.S. News rank: 219

Total enrollment fall 2021: 33,132

4-year graduation rate: 38%

12 University of Houston

March 18, 2023; Birmingham, Alabama; Fans of the Houston Cougars during the first half against the Auburn Tigers at Legacy Arena. Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Location:  Houston, Texas

U.S. News rank: 182

Total enrollment fall 2021: 38,581

11 Oklahoma State University

Oct. 31, 2020; Stillwater, Oklahoma; Oklahoma State Cowboys fans and students hold up their seat cushions and yell during overtime against the Texas Longhorns at Boone Pickens Stadium. Brett Rojo-USA TODAY Sports

Location:  Stillwater, Oklahoma

Total enrollment fall 2021: 20,197

4-year graduation rate: 45%

10 Kansas State University

Nov. 26, 2022; Manhattan, Kansas; Kansas State Wildcats fans hold up signs after a victory over the Kansas Jayhawks at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium. Scott Sewell-USA TODAY Sports

Location:  Manhattan, Kansas

U.S. News rank: 166

Total enrollment fall 2021: 15,619

4-year graduation rate: 41%

9 University of Cincinnati

Dec. 31, 2021; Arlington, Texas; Cincinnati Bearcats fans cheer during the game between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Cincinnati Bearcats the 2021 Cotton Bowl college football CFP national semifinal game at AT&T Stadium. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Location: Cincinnati, Ohio

U.S. News rank: 151

Total enrollment fall 2021: 28,910

4-year graduation rate: 39%

8 University of Central Florida

Dec. 3, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana; UCF Knights fans react to a touchdown against the Tulane Green Wave during the second half at Yulman Stadium. Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Location: Orlando, Florida

U.S. News rank: 137

Total enrollment fall 2021: 60,075

4-year graduation rate: 46%

7 Iowa State University of Science and Technology

Oct. 23, 2021; Ames, Iowa; Fans storm the field after the game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Oklahoma State Cowboys at Jack Trice Stadium. Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Location:  Ames, Iowa

U.S. News rank: 127

Total enrollment fall 2021: 25,808

4-year graduation rate: 51%

6 University of Oklahoma

Oklahoma fans cheer during a college football game between the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU) and the Baylor Bears at Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in Norman, Oklahoma, Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022.

Location:  Norman, Oklahoma

Total enrollment fall 2021: 21,152

4-year graduation rate: 50%

5 University of Kansas

Nov. 5, 2022; Lawrence, Kansas; Kansas Jayhawks fans celebrate against the Oklahoma State Cowboys during the second half of the game at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium. Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

Location: Lawrence, Kansas

U.S. News rank: 121

Total enrollment fall 2021: 19,158

4 Brigham Young University

Sept. 10, 2022; Provo, Utah; Brigham Young Cougars fans storm the field after the Cougars beat the Baylor Bears at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Gabriel Mayberry-USA TODAY Sports

Location:  Provo, Utah

U.S. News rank: 89

Total enrollment fall 2021: 31,633

4-year graduation rate: 25%

3 Texas Christian University

Oct. 22, 2022; Fort Worth, Texas; TCU Horned Frogs fans hold up phones during a time out in the game against the Kansas State Wildcats at Amon G. Carter Stadium. Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Location: Fort Worth, Texas

Total enrollment fall 2021: 10,222

4-year graduation rate: 71%

2 Baylor University

Sept. 11, 2021; Waco, Texas; Baylor Bears fans celebrate a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Texas Southern Tigers at McLane Stadium. Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

Location:  Waco, Texas

U.S. News rank: 77

Total enrollment fall 2021: 15,191

4-year graduation rate: 68%

1 University of Texas

Sept. 21, 2019; Austin, Texas; Texas Longhorns fans in the second half at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Scott Wachter-USA TODAY Sports

Location:  Austin, Texas

U.S. News rank: 38

Total enrollment fall 2021: 40,916

4-year graduation rate: 70%

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