Baylor University has emerged as the top-ranked academic institution within the Big 12 conference, securing the 88th spot nationally according to U.S. News & World Report’s recent rankings. Despite this achievement, the conference does not feature any universities within the top 85 nationally, illustrating the academic challenges that lie ahead for the Big 12.
The conference, which has seen significant changes due to recent realignments, now includes new members such as Arizona State, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado, who joined in 2024, with BYU, UCF, Cincinnati, and Houston having entered in 2023. This influx of new members has reshaped the academic hierarchy within the conference. Nevertheless, the Big 12 continues to lag behind conferences like the Big Ten and ACC in terms of academic prestige.
U.S. News evaluates universities based on 17 academic factors, including peer assessment and graduation rates, to determine their rankings. Within these rankings, the University of Colorado Boulder and Texas Christian University share the second spot in the Big 12, both placing at No. 97 nationally. West Virginia University, on the other hand, holds the lowest spot in the conference at No. 222, having slid two spots from the previous year.
Notably, several other Big 12 schools have made strides in improving their academic standings. Texas Tech University ascended 16 positions to reach No. 198, while the University of Kansas jumped nine spots to No. 143. Meanwhile, the University of Houston moved up to No. 132, showcasing positive momentum.
However, challenges remain for some institutions. The University of Arizona experienced a substantial drop, falling nearly 20 places to No. 127, and the University of Utah also slipped several notches to No. 151. Despite these setbacks, schools like UCF and Iowa State have managed to improve, both ranking at No. 117 nationally, reflecting upward trends in their academic performances.
As the Big 12 conference navigates these academic shifts, it’s evident that while some institutions are climbing the ranks, others face hurdles requiring attention and improvement. The conference’s academic landscape remains a work in progress, with a diverse mix of schools striving to enhance their educational reputations.