Big Ten Schools Ranked in U.S. News 2026 Academic List

LINCOLN, Nebraska — The Big Ten Conference has revealed its academic standings as part of the U.S. News & World Report‘s 2026 rankings. With the addition of former Pac-12 schools, the conference is undergoing significant changes, impacting both sports and academics.

The U.S. News rankings assess schools based on graduation and retention rates, graduate success, and academic resources. Here’s a look at where each Big Ten institution stands:

Nebraska holds the 158th spot nationally, tying with other schools after dropping from ranked 152 last year. With an acceptance rate of 87%, it remains behind in the conference rankings.

Oregon, now ranked 110th, saw a drop from last year’s 109th position. Its football team, the reigning Big Ten champion, is struggling this season.

Iowa slid to a tie at 102nd, falling four spots from 2025. This marks a decline of nine positions over three years.

Indiana remains steady at 73rd, a position it has held for three years as its football program shows promise under Coach Curt Cignetti.

Michigan State is tied for 64th nationally but dropped in the conference ranking due to new additions. Meanwhile, the football team looks to rebuild under new coach Jonathan Smith.

At 59th, both Minnesota and Penn State are tied, with Penn State rising four spots overall. The Nittany Lions lead several Big Ten academic categories.

Purdue is 46th, illustrating the high academic standards of the Big Ten, as it celebrates being part of the top 50 universities.

Washington and Maryland are tied for 42nd, with Maryland making strides this year alongside a promising football start.

Ohio State ranks 41st, while Illinois and Wisconsin are both tied at 36th, with Wisconsin showing signs of improvement.

USC stands at 28th, maintaining a strong academic profile despite challenges in athletics since joining the Big Ten.

Michigan has climbed to 20th place, showcasing success in both academics and sports, while UCLA now sits 17th.

Northwestern leads the conference at 7th nationally, continuing its dominance as the top academic institution in the Big Ten.

This year’s rankings illustrate the Big Ten’s commitment to upholding high academic standards while excelling in athletics, showcasing its unique blend of athletic prestige and academic excellence.