For students who want the experience of a big research university with NCAA Division I athletics, the members of the Big 12 are worth a close look. Each of these universities offers a wide range of academic and athletic opportunities. Admissions criteria vary widely, so be sure to click on the profile link to get data such as average ACT and SAT scores, acceptance rates and financial aid information.
If you want to learn more about your favorite teams, check out our About.com experts:
- Tim Hyland, the About.com Guide to College Football
- Charlie Zegers, the About.com Guide to College Basketball
1. Baylor University
genvessel / Flickr
Baylor is the most selective university in the Big 12. Its preprofessional programs, especially business, are among the most popular with undergraduates.
Baylor Profile
- Location: Waco, Texas
- School type: Private, Baptist affiliation
- Undergraduate enrollment: 11,902 (2007)
- Team: Bears
2. Colorado (University of Colorado at Boulder)
Aidan M. Gray / Flickr
The flagship campus of Colorado's university system, CU Boulder features high-level research that has earned it membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities.
University of Colorado Profile
- Location: Boulder, Colorado
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 26,348 (2007)
- Team: Buffaloes
3. Iowa State (Iowa State University at Ames)
SD Dirk / Flickr
Like the University of Colorado at Boulder, Iowa State University at Ames is a member of the Association of American Universities. The university has particular strengths in the sciences, engineering, and agriculture.
Iowa State Profile
- Location: Ames, Iowa
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 21,004 (2007)
- Team: Cyclones
4. Kansas (University of Kansas at Lawrence)
RichieC / Flickr
Along with its excellent athletic programs, the University of Kansas at Lawrence wins high marks for both its high-level research and the quality of student life.
University of Kansas Profile
- Location: Lawrence, Kansas
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 20,828 (2007)
- Team: Jayhawks
5. Kansas State (Kansas State University at Manhattan)
Kevin Zollman / Flickr
Kansas State University takes pride in its high number of Rhodes, Marshall, Truman, Goldwater, and Udall scholars. For programs in technology and aviation, students can attend the branch campus in Salina, Kansas.
Kansas State Profile
- Location: Manhattan, Kansas
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 18,545 (2007)
- Team: Wildcats
6. Missouri (University of Missouri at Columbia)
bk1bennett / Flickr
The University of Missouri at Columbia, or Mizzou, is the flagship campus of Missouri's university system. It is also the largest university in the state. The school features many excellent research centers and a strong greek system.
University of Missouri Profile
- Location: Columbia, Missouri
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 21,586 (2007)
- Team: Tigers
7. Nebraska (University of Nebraska at Lincoln)
sscornelius / Flickr
The University of Nebraska at Lincoln consistently ranks among the top 50 public universities in the country. The university features excellent research facilities and strengths in fields ranging from business to English. The city of Lincoln can boast of a high quality of living and an extensive trail and park system.
University of Nebraska Profile
- Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 18,053 (2007)
- Team: Cornhuskers
8. Oklahoma (University of Oklahoma at Norman)
Majdan / Flickr
The University of Oklahoma at Norman enrolls an impressive number of National Merit Scholars, and it graduates a significant number of Rhodes Scholars. The university's quality of life and strong academics have earned it high marks for value.
University of Oklahoma Profile
- Location: Norman, Oklahoma
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 19,512 (2007)
- Team: Sooners
9. Oklahoma State (Oklahoma State University at Stillwater)
DBinfo / Wikimedia Commons
Oklahoma State University's School of Business draws more students than any of the other schools at the university. Students with good grades and a strong work ethic should check out OSU's Honors College.
Oklahoma State University Profile
- Location: Stillwater, Oklahoma
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 18,557 (2007)
- Team: Cowboys
10. Texas (University of Texas at Austin)
Silly Jilly / Flickr
The University of Texas at Austin is one of the top public universities in the country, and with nearly 50,0000 students, it is also one of the largest. The McCombs School of Business is particularly strong.
UT Austin Profile
- Location: Austin, Texas
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 37,037 (2007)
- Team: Longhorns
11. Texas A&M
eschipul / Flickr
Texas A&M is far more than an agricultural and mechanical college these days. It is a huge, comprehensive university where business, humanities, engineering, social science and the sciences are all extremely popular with undergraduates.
Texas A&M Profile
- Location: College Station, Texas
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 37,357 (2007)
- Team: Aggies
12. Texas Tech (Texas Tech University at Lubbock)
finna dat / Flickr
With its attractive Spanish architecture, Texas Tech's 1,839 acre campus is one of the largest in the country. The university is far more than a tech school; in fact, of all of Texas Tech's Colleges, Arts and Sciences has the highest undergraduate enrollments.
Texas Tech Profile
- Location: Lubbock, Texas
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 23,021 (2007)
- Team: Red Raiders
