The Southeastern Conference is often thought to be the strongest athletic conference in the country. Many of the universities also offer impressive academic 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.
Compare the SEC schools: SAT chart | ACT chart
Explore other athletic conferences: ACC | Big East | Big Ten | Big 12 | Pac 10 | SEC
Also be sure to visit the About.com guides for college football and college basketball.
1. Auburn University
booleansplit / Flickr
Located in the small town of Auburn, Alabama, Auburn frequently ranks among the top 50 public universities in the country. Particular strengths include engineering, journalism, math and many of the sciences. Auburn University Profile
- Location: Auburn, Alabama
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 19,812 (2007)
- SEC Division: Western
- Team: Tigers
2. Louisiana State University (LSU)
Shoshanah / Flickr
LSU, the main campus of the Louisiana university system, is well known for its Italian Renaissance architecture, red roofs and abundant oak trees. Louisiana has lower tuition than most states, so the education is a true value. LSU Profile
- Location: Baton Rouge, Louisiana
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 23,393 (2007)
- SEC Division: Western
- Team: Fighting Tigers
3. Mississippi State University
roygullem / Flickr
Mississippi State's main campus sits on over 4,000 acres in the northeastern part of the state. High achieving students should check out the Shackouls Honors College. Mississippi State University Profile
- Location: Starkville, Mississippi
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 13,208 (2007)
- SEC Division: Western
- Team: Bulldogs
4. University of Alabama ('Bama)
maggiejp / Flickr
The University of Alabama frequently ranks among the top 50 public universities in the country. Business is particularly popular among undergraduates, and strong students should definitely check out the Honors College. University of Alabama Profile
- Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 21,081 (2007)
- SEC Division: Western
- Team: Crimson Tide
5. University of Arkansas
Cliton Steeds / Flickr
The flagship campus of Arkansas' university system, Arkansas can boast of high-level research and a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa for its strengths in the liberal arts and sciences. University of Arkansas Profile
- Location: Fayetteville, Arkansas
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 14,948 (2007)
- SEC Division: Western
- Team: Razorbacks
6. University of Florida
randomduck / Flickr
With over 51,000 students (graduate and undergraduate), the University of Florida is one of the largest schools in the country. Preprofessional programs such as business, engineering and the health sciences are particularly popular. University of Florida Profile
- Location: Gainsville, Florida
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 35,189 (2007)
- SEC Division: Eastern
- Team: Gators
7. University of Georgia
hyku / Flickr
The University of Georgia has the distinction of being the oldest state-chartered university in the United States. For the student who wants small, challenging classes, be sure to check out the Honors Program. University of Georgia Profile
- Location: Athens, Georgia
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 25,335 (2007)
- SEC Division: Eastern
- Team: Bulldogs
8. University of Kentucky
Chris Breeze / Flickr
The University of Kentucky is the flagship campus of the state's university system. Look for particular strengths in the Colleges of Business, Medicine, and Communication Studies. University of Kentucky Profile
- Location: Lexington, Kentucky
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 18,770 (2007)
- SEC Division: Eastern
- Team: Wildcats
9. University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
lucianvenutian / Flickr
The largest university in Mississippi, Ole Miss can boast of 30 research centers, a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, and an honors college for high-achieving students. University of Mississippi Profile
- Location: Oxford, Mississippi
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 12,682 (2007)
- SEC Division: Western
- Team: Rebels
10. University of South Carolina
Florencebballer / Wikimedia Commons
Located in the state capitol, USC is the flagship campus of the South Carolina university system. The university has strong academic programs and can boast of a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, a nationally respected honors college, and pioneering work in its programming for first-year students. University of South Carolina Profile
- Location: Columbia, South Carolina
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 18,827 (2007)
- SEC Division: Eastern
- Team: Gamecocks
11. University of Tennessee
Triple Tri / Flickr
The flagship campus of Tennessee's university system, UT Knoxville features high-level research and academics. The university has a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa, and its business school frequently does well in national rankings. University of Tennessee Profile
- Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
- School type: Public
- Undergraduate enrollment: 21,369 (2007)
- SEC Division: Eastern
- Team: Volunteers
12. Vanderbilt University
Zeamays / Wikimedia Commons
Vanderbilt is the only private university in the SEC, and it is also the smallest and most selective school in the conference. The university has particular strengths in education, law, medicine, and business. Vanderbilt University Profile
- Location: Nashville, Tennessee
- School type: Private
- Undergraduate enrollment: 6,532 (2007)
- SEC Division: Eastern
- Team: Commodores
