US News and World Report has updated its rankings of national universities this week. For the first time in years the publication, famous for its college rankings, has altered the methodology that goes into the list. The change has caused the biggest alterations in the rankings in years.
U.S. News adopted the new 2025 Carnegie Classifications, causing a reshuffling where roughly 17% to 20% of schools changed categories. Many schools have fallen as a result, including the University of Texas, which fell four spots nationally.
There is also a new "Earnings by Major" ranking factor that was introduced, which alongside category updates, created larger year-over-year movement throughout the lower tiers of the lists.
The SEC has never been stronger scholastically,
with seven universities ranked among the top 100 schools in the nation for the upcoming academic year. That's up from five in the previous rankings. In previous rankings, there were several schools tied with each other in the conference. The new update features only one tie - Texas and Florida at No. 2.
Academically, the University of Texas at Austin is one of the best colleges in the nation. It ranks highly among public universities and is considered a "Public Ivy" school, a term originated in a 1985 book that listed the best state schools in America. UT was on the original list and remains in the top 10.
Still number one in Texas. 🤘
— UT Austin (@UTAustin) September 22, 2026
The University of Texas at Austin continues to hold the top spot among public universities in Texas, and there’s plenty more to celebrate. 20 of UT’s 37 ranked undergraduate programs landed in the top 10.
Just a few more reasons to be Longhorn… pic.twitter.com/EQ8CJPxSVd
Texas and Florida both dropped four spots nationally, but are still entrenched behind Vanderbilt in the top tier of the SEC academically. Only one school, Mississippi State, stayed in the exact same spot nationally.
Texas coach Steve Sarkisian uses the academic prestige of UT Austin as a big selling point during the recruiting process. Along with the Longhorns success on the field, Sarkisian stresses the UT education.
"All the while that's occurring at a Top 5 Public Institution in the United States. ... Oh by the way, Forbes Magazine last year wrote (Texas is) the new Ivy League. Name another school that's getting compared to Harvard, Yale and Princeton (academically) but on the flip side is getting compared to Georgia, Ohio State and Alabama on the football field." -- Steve Sarkisian
Forbes named Rice University and the University of Texas at Austin as "New Ivy League" schools in a new list describing "the 10 public universities and 10 ascendant private ones turning out the smart, driven graduates craved by employers of all types." https://t.co/NubEneP44Y
— Houston Chronicle (@HoustonChron) May 7, 2024
Here is how the 16 SEC schools stack up academically:
No. 16 in SEC: Mississippi State University - Starkville, Mississippi
Mississippi State University is a public institution that was founded in 1878. In the 2027 edition of Best Colleges, Mississippi State University is ranked No. 208 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. 104 in Best Value for In-State Students.
It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 19,093 (fall 2025), its setting is rural, and the campus size is 4,200 acres. The student-faculty ratio at Mississippi State University is 16:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
Mississippi State University accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $10,995; out-of-state tuition and fees are $29,986. Sixty percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $15,910.
The four-year graduation rate is 49%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $43,487. - US News
- Full US New & World Report profile
Academic Ranking:
- U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 208 (tie)
- Previous Ranking: 208 (tie)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 19,093
- Acceptance Rate: 96%
- Tuition and fees: $10,995
Average Test Scores:
- SAT Range: 1000-1240
- ACT Range: 21-29
- High School GPA: 3.7
No. 15 in SEC: Louisiana State University - Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College is a public institution that was founded in 1860. In the 2027 edition of Best Colleges, Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College is ranked No. 202 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. 83 in Best Value for In-State Students.
It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 35,248 (fall 2025), its setting is city, and the campus size is 2,000 acres. The student-faculty ratio at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College is 22:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $12,966; out-of-state tuition and fees are $29,644. Fifty-four percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $18,761.
The four-year graduation rate is 49%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $49,218. - US News
- Full US New & World Report profile
Academic Ranking:
- U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 202 (tie)
- Previous Ranking: 169 (tie)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 35,248
- Acceptance Rate: 69%
- Tuition and fees: $12,966
Average Test Scores:
- SAT Range: 1160-1330
- ACT Range: 25-30
- High School GPA: 3.9
No. 14 in SEC: University of Arkansas - Fayetteville, Arkansas
University of Arkansas is a public institution that was founded in 1871. In the 2027 edition of Best Colleges, University of Arkansas is ranked No. 191 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. 79 in Best Value for In-State Students.
It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 29,252 (fall 2025), its setting is city, and the campus size is 664 acres. The student-faculty ratio at University of Arkansas is 21:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
University of Arkansas accepts the Common Application. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $10,916; out-of-state tuition and fees are $33,184. Thirty-four percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $16,050.
The four-year graduation rate is 55%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $49,686. - US News
- Full US New & World Report profile
Academic Ranking:
- U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 191 (tie)
- Previous Ranking: 183 (tie)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 29,252
- Acceptance Rate: 74%
- Tuition and fees: $10,916
Average Test Scores:
- SAT Range: 1020-1220
- ACT Range: 20-27
- High School GPA: 3.8
No. 13 in SEC: University of Mississippi - Oxford, Mississippi
University of Mississippi is a public institution that was founded in 1848. In the 2027 edition of Best Colleges, University of Mississippi is ranked No. 179 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. 44 in Best Value for In-State Students.
It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 22,936 (fall 2025), and the campus size is 3,693 acres. The student-faculty ratio at University of Mississippi is 18:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
University of Mississippi accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $10,438; out-of-state tuition and fees are $31,228. Forty-one percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $13,504.
The four-year graduation rate is 58%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $45,336. - US News
- Full US New & World Report profile
Academic Ranking:
- U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 179 (tie)
- Previous Ranking: 169 (tie)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 22,936
- Acceptance Rate: 97%
- Tuition and fees: $10,438
Average Test Scores:
- SAT Range: 970-1190
- ACT Range: 21-29
- High School GPA: 3.6
No. 12 in SEC: University of Alabama - Tuscaloosa, Alabama
The University of Alabama is a public institution that was founded in 1831. In the 2027 edition of Best Colleges, The University of Alabama is ranked No. 156 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. 73 in Best Value for In-State Students.
It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 35,621 (fall 2025), its setting is suburban, and the campus size is 1,143 acres. The student-faculty ratio at The University of Alabama is 19:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
The University of Alabama accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $13,094; out-of-state tuition and fees are $37,100. Thirty-eight percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $20,888.
The four-year graduation rate is 58%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $52,233. - US News
- Full US New & World Report profile
Academic Ranking:
- U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 156 (tie)
- Previous Ranking: 169 (tie)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 35,621
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Tuition and fees: $13,094
Average Test Scores:
- SAT Range: 1160-1410
- ACT Range: 24-31
- High School GPA: 3.9
No. 11 in SEC: University of Kentucky - Lexington, Kentucky
University of Kentucky is a public institution that was founded in 1865. In the 2027 edition of Best Colleges, University of Kentucky is ranked No. 148 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. 74 in Top Public Schools.
It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 27,386 (fall 2025), its setting is city, and the campus size is 918 acres. The student-faculty ratio at University of Kentucky is 18:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
University of Kentucky accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $14,177; out-of-state tuition and fees are $35,846. Forty-four percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $16,328.
The four-year graduation rate is 58%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $47,266. - US News
- Full US New & World Report profile
Academic Ranking:
- U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 148 (tie)
- Previous Ranking: 149 (tie)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 27,386
- Acceptance Rate: 94%
- Tuition and fees: $14,177
Average Test Scores:
- SAT Range: 1050-1280
- ACT Range: 21-28
- High School GPA: 3.6
No. 10 in SEC: University of South Carolina - Columbia, South Carolina
University of South Carolina is a public institution that was founded in 1801. In the 2027 edition of Best Colleges, University of South Carolina is ranked No. 121 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. 57 in Lowest Acceptance Rates.
It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 31,845 (fall 2025), and the campus size is 444 acres. The student-faculty ratio at University of South Carolina is 19:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
University of South Carolina accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $12,688; out-of-state tuition and fees are $38,498. Forty-two percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $21,044.
The four-year graduation rate is 71%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $50,621. - US News
- Full US New & World Report profile
Academic Ranking:
- U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 121 (tie)
- Previous Ranking: 127 (tie)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 31,845
- Acceptance Rate: 57%
- Tuition and fees: $12,688
Average Test Scores:
- SAT Range: 1190-1370
- ACT Range: 26-32
- High School GPA: 3.7
No. 9 in SEC: University of Oklahoma - Norman, Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma is a public institution that was founded in 1890. In the 2027 edition of Best Colleges, The University of Oklahoma is ranked No. 116 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. 55 in Top Public Schools.
It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 25,054 (fall 2025), its setting is town, and the campus size is 3,500 acres. The student-faculty ratio at The University of Oklahoma is 19:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
The University of Oklahoma accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $10,181; out-of-state tuition and fees are $28,301. Forty-six percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $20,261.
The four-year graduation rate is 58%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $52,216. - US News
- Full US New & World Report profile
Academic Ranking:
- U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 116 (tie)
- Previous Ranking: 110 (tie)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 25,054
- Acceptance Rate: 78%
- Tuition and fees: $10,181
Average Test Scores:
- SAT Range: 1140-1310
- ACT Range: 23-28
- High School GPA: 3.6
No. 8 in SEC: University of Tennessee - Knoxville, Tennessee
University of Tennessee—Knoxville is a public institution that was founded in 1794. In the 2027 edition of Best Colleges, University of Tennessee—Knoxville is ranked No. 109 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. 42 in Most Innovative Schools.
It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 32,041 (fall 2025), its setting is city, and the campus size is 920 acres. The student-faculty ratio at University of Tennessee—Knoxville is 18:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
University of Tennessee—Knoxville accepts the Common Application. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $14,024; out-of-state tuition and fees are $34,136. Thirty-eight percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $19,400.
The four-year graduation rate is 58%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $47,782. - US News
- Full US New & World Report profile
Academic Ranking:
- U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 109 (tie)
- Previous Ranking: 102 (tie)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 32,041
- Acceptance Rate: 44%
- Tuition and fees: $14,024
Average Test Scores:
- SAT Range: 1270-1400
- ACT Range: 26-31
- High School GPA: 3.8
No. 7 in SEC: Auburn University - Auburn, Alabama
Auburn University is a public institution that was founded in 1856. In the 2027 edition of Best Colleges, Auburn University is ranked No. 100 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. 42 in Most Innovative Schools.
It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 28,953 (fall 2025), and the campus size is 1,875 acres. The student-faculty ratio at Auburn University is 21:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
Auburn University accepts the Common Application. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $13,572; out-of-state tuition and fees are $37,596. Twenty-seven percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $24,297.
The four-year graduation rate is 62%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $54,629. - US News
- Full US New & World Report profile
Academic Ranking:
- U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 100 (tie)
- Previous Ranking: 102 (tie)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 25,141
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Tuition and fees: $16,162
Average Test Scores:
- SAT Range: 1270-1400
- ACT Range: 27-31
- High School GPA: N/A
No. 6 in SEC: University of Missouri - Columbia, Missouri
University of Missouri is a public institution that was founded in 1839. In the 2027 edition of Best Colleges, University of Missouri is ranked No. 95 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. 40 in Best Value for In-State Students.
It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 25,141 (fall 2025), its setting is city, and the campus size is 1,262 acres. The student-faculty ratio at University of Missouri is 17:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
University of Missouri accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $16,162; out-of-state tuition and fees are $39,324. Forty-two percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $19,979.
The four-year graduation rate is 58%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $52,756. - US News
- Full US New & World Report profile
Academic Ranking:
- U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 95 (tie)
- Previous Ranking: 102 (tie)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 28,953
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- Tuition and fees: $13,572
Average Test Scores:
- SAT Range: 1170-1350
- ACT Range: 23-30
- High School GPA: N/A
No. 5 in SEC: Texas A&M University - College Station, Texas
Texas A&M University is a public institution that was founded in 1876. In the 2027 edition of Best Colleges, Texas A&M University is ranked No. 59 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. 24 in Top Public Schools.
It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 62,031 (fall 2025), its setting is city, and the campus size is 5,200 acres. The student-faculty ratio at Texas A&M University is 20:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
Texas A&M University accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $12,878; out-of-state tuition and fees are $40,847. Thirty-seven percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $20,257.
The four-year graduation rate is 63%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $59,386. - US News
- Full US New & World Report profile
Academic Ranking:
- U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 59 (tie)
- Previous Ranking: 51 (tie)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 62,031
- Acceptance Rate: 52%
- Tuition and fees: $12,878
Average Test Scores:
- SAT Range: 1150-1400
- ACT Range: 24-32
- High School GPA: N/A
No. 4 in SEC: University of Georgia - Athens, Georgia
University of Georgia is a public institution that was founded in 1785. In the 2027 edition of Best Colleges, University of Georgia is ranked No. 52 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. 19 in Top Public Schools.
It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 32,824 (fall 2025), its setting is city, and the campus size is 767 acres. The student-faculty ratio at University of Georgia is 17:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
University of Georgia accepts the Common Application. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $11,628; out-of-state tuition and fees are $33,298. Twenty-nine percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $15,117.
The four-year graduation rate is 75%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $57,565. - US News
- Full US New & World Report profile
Academic Ranking:
- U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 52 (tie)
- Previous Ranking: 46 (tie)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 32,824
- Acceptance Rate: 34%
- Tuition and fees: $11,628
Average Test Scores:
- SAT Range: 1310-1500
- ACT Range: 30-34
- High School GPA: 3.9
No. 2 (tie) in SEC: University of Florida - Gainesville, Florida
University of Florida is a public institution that was founded in 1853. In the 2027 edition of Best Colleges, University of Florida is ranked No. 34 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. 3 in Best Value for In-State Students.
It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 37,283 (fall 2025), its setting is city, and the campus size is 2,000 acres. The student-faculty ratio at University of Florida is 17:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
University of Florida accepts the Common Application. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $6,436; out-of-state tuition and fees are $34,616. Thirty-three percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $6,275.
The four-year graduation rate is 85%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $56,398. - US News
- Full US New & World Report profile
Academic Ranking:
- U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 34 (tie)
- Previous Ranking: 30 (tie)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 37,283
- Acceptance Rate: 20%
- Tuition and fees: $6,436
Average Test Scores:
- SAT Range: 1330-1490
- ACT Range: 29-33
- High School GPA: 3.9
No. 2 in SEC: University of Texas - Austin, Texas
The University of Texas—Austin is a public institution that was founded in 1883. In the 2027 edition of Best Colleges, The University of Texas—Austin is ranked No. 34 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. 8 in Top Public Schools.
It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 44,314 (fall 2025), its setting is city, and the campus size is 441 acres. The student-faculty ratio at The University of Texas—Austin is 22:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
The University of Texas—Austin accepts the Common Application. The school's in-state tuition and fees are $11,656; out-of-state tuition and fees are $44,816. Forty-one percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $18,850.
The four-year graduation rate is 74%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $60,896. - US News
- Full US New & World Report profile
Academic Ranking:
- U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 34 (tie)
- Previous Ranking: 30 (tie)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 44,314
- Acceptance Rate: 22%
- Tuition and fees: $11,656
Average Test Scores:
- SAT Range: 1200-1470
- ACT Range: 26-33
- High School GPA: 3.9
No. 1 in SEC: Vanderbilt University - Nashville, Tennessee
Vanderbilt University is a private institution that was founded in 1873. In the 2027 edition of Best Colleges, Vanderbilt University is ranked No. 16 in National Universities. It's also ranked No. 5 in Lowest Acceptance Rates.
It has a total undergraduate enrollment of 7,366 (fall 2025), its setting is city, and the campus size is 333 acres. The student-faculty ratio at Vanderbilt University is 8:1, and it utilizes a semester-based academic calendar.
Vanderbilt University accepts the Common Application and has a test-optional admissions policy. The school's tuition and fees are $73,206. Forty-eight percent of first-year students receive need-based financial aid, and the average net price for federal loan recipients is $20,917.
The four-year graduation rate is 89%. Six years after graduation, the median salary for graduates is $73,909. - US News
- Full US New & World Report profile
Academic Ranking:
- U.S. News & World Report Ranking: 16 (tie)
- Previous Ranking: 17 (tie)
- Undergraduate enrollment: 7,366
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Tuition and fees: $73,206
Average Test Scores:
- SAT Range: 1510-1560
- ACT Range: 34-35
- High School GPA: 3.9
Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas news, notes and opinions. Follow Trey on X: @TreyLuerssen.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: NEW SEC academic rankings for 2027: Texas falls nationally
