Discover the 2026 Academic Rankings of Big Ten Schools by U.S. News
U.S. News and World Report Releases 2026 Big Ten Academic Rankings
Big Ten Conference Sees Shifts in Academic Standing
U.S. News and World Report recently unveiled its 2026 college and university academic rankings, showcasing notable changes within the Big Ten Conference. The conference, which now includes new members Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA, has experienced shifts in both athletic and academic landscapes. These additions have enhanced the academic stature of the conference, with several new members joining the top academic tier.
Understanding the U.S. News Evaluation Criteria
The U.S. News and World Report evaluates academic institutions based on various factors, including graduation and retention rates, graduate success, and academic resources. This comprehensive approach provides insights into how schools perform on both national and conference levels.
Where Big Ten Schools Stand in the National Rankings
Here’s a look at the current standings of each Big Ten school in the 2026 academic rankings:
| School | City | National Ranking | 2025 Ranking | Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nebraska — Lincoln | Lincoln, Nebraska | Tied for 158 | 152 | 87% |
| University of Oregon | Eugene, Oregon | Tied for 110 | 109 | 85% |
| University of Iowa | Iowa City, Iowa | Tied for 102 | 98 | 84% |
| Indiana University — Bloomington | Bloomington, Indiana | Tied for 73 | 73 | 78% |
| Michigan State University | East Lansing, Michigan | Tied for 64 | 63 | 85% |
| University of Minnesota — Twin Cities | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Tied for 59 | 54 | 80% |
| Pennsylvania State University — University Park | University Park, Pennsylvania | Tied for 59 | 63 | 61% |
| Purdue University — Main Campus | West Lafayette, Indiana | Tied for 46 | 46 | 50% |
| University of Washington | Seattle, Washington | Tied for 42 | 46 | 39% |
| University of Maryland, College Park | College Park, Maryland | Tied for 42 | 44 | 45% |
| Rutgers University — New Brunswick | Piscataway, New Jersey | Tied for 42 | 41 | 41% |
| The Ohio State University | Columbus, Ohio | 41 | 41 | 61% |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, Illinois | Tied for 36 | 33 | 42% |
| University of Wisconsin — Madison | Madison, Wisconsin | Tied for 36 | 39 | 45% |
| University of Southern California | Los Angeles, California | 28 | 27 | 10% |
| University of Michigan — Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, Michigan | Tied for 20 | 21 | 16% |
| University of California — Los Angeles | Los Angeles, California | Tied for 17 | 15 | 9% |
| Northwestern University | Evanston, Illinois | Tied for 7 | 6 | 8% |
Spotlight on Top Academic Performers
Northwestern University retains its prestigious position as the top academic institution in the Big Ten Conference. It ranks seventh nationally, trailing only elite schools such as Harvard and MIT. Meanwhile, UCLA and the University of Michigan continue to uphold their reputation for academic excellence, ranking 17th and tied for 20th nationally, respectively.
Rising Stars and Challenges
Among the notable changes, the University of Washington and Penn State show significant improvements, climbing four-ranking spots nationally. However, schools like the University of Nebraska and the University of Iowa have seen declines, requiring targeted efforts to regain their standing.
As the Big Ten continues to evolve, both academically and athletically, these rankings reflect the dynamic nature of the conference. Readers can stay informed about developments in Big Ten schools and athletics via Emegypt.
