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Leading the list is Dallas Baptist University, our #1 college for Student Athletes (Division II). Dallas Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Dallas, TX.
by our College Data Analytics TeamFor student athletes, the right college balances academics with athletics. We have ranked 23 colleges for Student Athletes (Division II) by academic-athletic quality, using our 2026 methodology.
To arm you with the information you need, College Factual weighs a blend of academic-athletic outcomes (NCAA Academic Progress Rate and Graduation Success Rate), athletic financial resources (team revenue, expenses, and aid per athlete from the EADA survey), and overall school quality, drawing on NCAA, U.S. Department of Education EADA, and IPEDS data. Learn more about our ranking methodology.
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Here are the top-ranked colleges for student athletes:
Leading the list is Dallas Baptist University, our #1 college for Student Athletes (Division II). Dallas Baptist University is a private not-for-profit school based in Dallas, TX.
Oklahoma Baptist University earned the #2 place for student athletes. Located in Shawnee, OK, Oklahoma Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution.
Lubbock Christian University landed the #3 spot for Student Athletes (Division II). This private not-for-profit school is set in Lubbock, TX.
Texas A & M International University came in at #4 on this year's ranking for Student Athletes (Division II). Texas A & M International University is a public school based in Laredo, TX.
Oklahoma Christian University landed the #5 spot for Student Athletes (Division II). Based in Edmond, OK, Oklahoma Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution.
Southern Nazarene University came in at #6 in this year's ranking. Based in Bethany, OK, Southern Nazarene University is a private not-for-profit institution.
The University of Texas at Tyler did well this year, earning the #7 position. The University of Texas at Tyler is a public school based in Tyler, TX.
West Texas A & M University placed #8 among the best colleges for Student Athletes (Division II). Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A & M University is a public institution.
Texas Woman's University did well this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Denton, TX.
The University of Texas Permian Basin placed #10 among the best colleges for Student Athletes (Division II). This public school is set in Odessa, TX.
Western New Mexico University did well this year, earning the #11 position. Western New Mexico University is a public school based in Silver City, NM.
Texas A&M University-Kingsville did well this year, earning the #12 position. Texas A&M University-Kingsville is a public school based in Kingsville, TX.
Angelo State University came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Angelo State University is a public school based in San Angelo, TX.
University of Central Oklahoma landed the #14 spot this year. Located in Edmond, OK, University of Central Oklahoma is a public institution.
Northeastern State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list for Student Athletes (Division II). Northeastern State University is a public school based in Tahlequah, OK.
Midwestern State University placed #16 among the best colleges for Student Athletes (Division II). This public school is set in Wichita Falls, TX.
New Mexico Highlands University ranked #17 on our 2026 list for Student Athletes (Division II). This public school is set in Las Vegas, NM.
Southwestern Oklahoma State University placed #18 among the best colleges for Student Athletes (Division II). This public school is set in Weatherford, OK.
Cameron University ranked #19 on our 2026 list for Student Athletes (Division II). Cameron University is a public school based in Lawton, OK.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University ranked #20 on our 2026 list for Student Athletes (Division II). Located in Durant, OK, Southeastern Oklahoma State University is a public institution.
Rogers State University ranked #21 on our 2026 list for Student Athletes (Division II). Located in Claremore, OK, Rogers State University is a public institution.
Northwestern Oklahoma State University landed the #22 spot this year. Located in Alva, OK, Northwestern Oklahoma State University is a public institution.
East Central University did well this year, earning the #23 position. Located in Ada, OK, East Central University is a public institution.
*These averages are for the top 25 ranked colleges only.
This ranking is produced by College Factual, 2026 edition. The methodology weighs a blend of academic-athletic outcomes (NCAA Academic Progress Rate and Graduation Success Rate), athletic financial resources (team revenue, expenses, and athletic aid from the federal EADA survey), and overall school quality. The current methodology measures academic-athletic quality and does not include team win/loss performance.
References
More about our data sources and methodologies.
