The Pac-12, ACC, Big 10, Big 12, and SEC are all filled with outstanding academic programs, but which ones stand out from the rest? Here are the top 6 academic schools in the Power 5 conferences based on national rank, admissions, majors and degrees, and awards.
6. University of California, Berkeley (Cal)
With over 350 degree programs in 130 academic departments, UC Berkeley offers one of the top education programs in the Pac-12. The school has an acceptance rate of 16%, and an average student at the school has had an SAT score of 1330-1530 or an ACT score of 31-35. The university's undergraduate data science major has been named the #1 program in the nation by US news, beating out MIT for the top spot. UC Berkeley has a lot to offer in their sports programs, but keep in mind that this university is one of the best in academics as well, making it the perfect fit for the student-athlete looking for the best of both worlds.
5. Notre Dame
Offering 75 degree programs, this catholic university is a part of the ACC. With an acceptance rate of 18% and undergraduate enrollment at around 13,000, the average student has an SAT score of 1475 and an ACT score of 33. Notre Dame offers many top programs such as Accounting and Economics at the Mendoza College of Business, one of their most popular schools on campus. They are currently ranked #19 by U.S. News.
4. Northwestern
Coming in at #9 in national universities, Northwestern is the top academic school in the Big 10. Northwestern offers 115 undergraduate degrees with 83 different major options. The average SAT score is a 1495 and act score is 34 among students, which is exceptionally high. Northwestern is very selective on who gains admissions or offers to the university, shown by an overall acceptance rate of 8.4%.
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Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University offers 70 majors in high-quality undergraduate programs. Vandy is a private institution, meaning enrollment is on the low end for a Power 5 school. The 2022 U.S. News rankings placed Vanderbilt University at #14, and for good reason–with an acceptance rate of 12%, SAT scores at 1590, and ACT scores of around 35, the prestigious university is extremely hard to gain admission to. A member of the SEC, Vanderbilt leads their conference academically year after year.
2. Duke
Duke University, known for excellence in basketball and lacrosse, is a top academic university in the ACC. Offering 53 majors, 52 minors, and 23 certificates, 83% of the students end up pursuing more than one major. Accepting only 9% of applicants, most students at this university have had SAT scores around 1560 and ACT scores of around 35. Duke's Fuqua School of Business is the most popular college at the university, enrolling more than 1300 students in various programs.
1. StanfordWith a 4% acceptance rate and the #6 academic ranking spot according to US News, Stanford is the best academic school in the Power 5. Out of 69 unique majors that the university offers, the Computer Science Major is ranked the #1 major at Stanford as well as the #1 ranked on College Factual. As good as the undergraduate program is at Stanford, the students often stay after graduation to enroll in a graduate program. More than 9,000 students are enrolled in the 14 different graduate degrees the university has to offer. A member of the Pac 12, Stanford is given the #1 spot for the top academically ranked Power 5 schools.
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* Originally published on April 7, 2022, by Finn Rice
