1
Our analysis found Rice University to be the best college for Student Athletes in the Southwest Region. Based in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution.
by our College Data Analytics TeamChoosing a college as a student athlete means weighing both the classroom and the competition. Our ranking highlights 70 programs for Student Athletes by academic-athletic quality, using our 2026 methodology.
To arm you with the information you need, College Factual evaluates each program using 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.
Looking for a different division or a related ranking? Use the shortcuts below.
Here are the top-ranked colleges for student athletes:
Our analysis found Rice University to be the best college for Student Athletes in the Southwest Region. Based in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution.
Baylor University earned the #2 place for student athletes. Baylor University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waco, TX.
Southern Methodist University is one of the top schools for Student Athletes, at #3. Based in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution.
The University of Texas at Austin ranked #4 among the best colleges for Student Athletes. The University of Texas at Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX.
Arizona State University Campus Immersion ranked #5 among the best colleges for Student Athletes. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University Campus Immersion is a public institution.
University of Tulsa ranked #6 on our 2026 list for Student Athletes. Located in Tulsa, OK, University of Tulsa is a private not-for-profit institution.
University of Arizona placed #7 among the best colleges for Student Athletes. Located in Tucson, AZ, University of Arizona is a public institution.
Texas Christian University came in at #8 in this year's ranking. Based in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution.
University of Dallas did well this year, earning the #9 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Irving, TX.
Dallas Baptist University placed #10 among the best colleges for Student Athletes. This private not-for-profit school is set in Dallas, TX.
Abilene Christian University ranked #11 on our 2026 list for Student Athletes. This private not-for-profit school is set in Abilene, TX.
Texas A&M University-College Station landed the #12 spot this year. Texas A&M University-College Station is a public school based in College Station, TX.
Austin College placed #13 among the best colleges for Student Athletes. Located in Sherman, TX, Austin College is a private not-for-profit institution.
Texas Tech University placed #14 among the best colleges for Student Athletes. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution.
University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus landed the #15 spot this year. This public school is set in Norman, OK.
Oklahoma State University-Main Campus placed #16 among the best colleges for Student Athletes. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University-Main Campus is a public institution.
University of New Mexico-Main Campus landed the #17 spot this year. Located in Albuquerque, NM, University of New Mexico-Main Campus is a public institution.
LeTourneau University came in at #18 in this year's ranking. LeTourneau University is a private not-for-profit school based in Longview, TX.
The University of Texas at San Antonio did well this year, earning the #19 position. Based in San Antonio, TX, The University of Texas at San Antonio is a public institution.
The University of Texas at Arlington came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Based in Arlington, TX, The University of Texas at Arlington is a public institution.
University of Houston landed the #21 spot this year. Located in Houston, TX, University of Houston is a public institution.
Oklahoma Baptist University ranked #22 on our 2026 list for Student Athletes. Located in Shawnee, OK, Oklahoma Baptist University is a private not-for-profit institution.
Texas State University did well this year, earning the #23 position. Located in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University is a public institution.
Oklahoma Christian University landed the #24 spot this year. Located in Edmond, OK, Oklahoma Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution.
Texas Lutheran University ranked #25 on our 2026 list for Student Athletes. Texas Lutheran University is a private not-for-profit school based in Seguin, TX.
These schools rounded out the top of the list:
*These averages are for the top 25 ranked colleges only.
This ranking is produced by College Factual, 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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.
