2026 College Rankings

Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – Ohio Valley Conference

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The Top 50 Best Colleges in the US is College Raptor’s most prestigious rankings list. Updated annually, these schools are celebrated for their rich histories, stunning campuses, excellent academics, and vibrant student life. The institutions on this list are known for both academic excellence and impressive extracurricular opportunities, making them “dream schools” for students around the world. Use these rankings as a jumping-off point for you to create your own personalized rankings using our college match tool.

Methodology

Each of these rankings is based on an analysis of data about the school’s selectivity, financial health, graduation rates, student success, and more. We’ve outlined our full methodology here.

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Rank	Institution	Undergraduates	Acceptance Rate	SAT Score	Your Est. Net Price Avg. Net Price	Median Starting Salary	Save
1	Tennessee Technological University	8838	83.16	1,040 – 1,280	15138	43759	#1 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – Ohio Valley Conference Tennessee Technological University Cookeville, TN Located in Cookeville, Tennessee Technological University’s acceptance rate is 83%. Undergraduates have to pay $25 to apply. Approximately 70% of students at Tennessee Technological University currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 8,838 Acceptance Rate 83.2% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,280 Avg. Net Price $15,138 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $43,759
2	Lindenwood University	4663	56.84	1,070 – 1,270	18698	45711	#2 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – Ohio Valley Conference Lindenwood University Saint Charles, MO Lindenwood University has a 14 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio, and many students enroll in the Business/Commerce, General program. The school’s campus overlooks the Missouri River and downtown. 678 Lions compete in the NCAA Division I-FCS Ohio Valley Conference. Popular sports include Football, Ice Hockey, and Basketball. Undergraduates 4,663 Acceptance Rate 56.8% SAT Score 1,070 – 1,270 Avg. Net Price $18,698 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $45,711
3	The University of Tennessee-Martin	6817	88.2	1,010 – 1,210	11151	38863	#3 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – Ohio Valley Conference The University of Tennessee-Martin Martin, TN Based in Martin, The University of Tennessee-Martin accepted 88% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They require unknown for undergraduate applications. Approximately 78% of students attending The University of Tennessee-Martin currently receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 6,817 Acceptance Rate 88.2% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,210 Avg. Net Price $11,151 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,863
4	Southeast Missouri State University	7926	68.97	970 – 1,190	14843	38150	#4 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – Ohio Valley Conference Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, MO Southeast Missouri State University is fairly selective. A NCAA Division I-FCS school, athletes may receive athletic scholarships. On average, each athlete receives $11,447. The main campus is known as “River Campus,” as Southeast also has regional campuses throughout the area, shared with Three Rivers Community College. Undergraduates 7,926 Acceptance Rate 69.0% SAT Score 970 – 1,190 Avg. Net Price $14,843 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $38,150
5	University of Southern Indiana	5347	95.81	1,040 – 1,250	14066	42323	#5 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – Ohio Valley Conference University of Southern Indiana Evansville, IN Based in Evansville, the University of Southern Indiana accepted 96% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle. They charge $40 for undergraduate applications, but some schools offer fee waivers. About 94% of attending students will receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 75%....Read more Undergraduates 5,347 Acceptance Rate 95.8% SAT Score 1,040 – 1,250 Avg. Net Price $14,066 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,323
6	Eastern Illinois University	6785	65.35	910 – 1,130	14621	42694	#6 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – Ohio Valley Conference Eastern Illinois University Charleston, IL Based in Charleston, Eastern Illinois University accepts 65% of applicants. They request unknown for undergraduate applications and $30 for graduate applications. Approximately 90% of students at Eastern Illinois University will receive grant aid from the school....Read more Undergraduates 6,785 Acceptance Rate 65.4% SAT Score 910 – 1,130 Avg. Net Price $14,621 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $42,694
7	Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville	8975	97.21	930 – 1,160	15182	46384	#7 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – Ohio Valley Conference Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville Edwardsville, IL Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville received 8,900 applications during the last admissions cycle. Many students major in Business Administration and Management, General, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse....Read more Undergraduates 8,975 Acceptance Rate 97.2% SAT Score 930 – 1,160 Avg. Net Price $15,182 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $46,384
8	University of Arkansas at Little Rock	5789	57.74	1,010 – 1,220	11225	40040	#8 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – Ohio Valley Conference University of Arkansas at Little Rock Little Rock, AR Based in Little Rock, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock accepted 58% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and requests $40 to apply, but fee waivers may be available. Approximately 60% of students attending the University of Arkansas at Little Rock will receive institutional grant aid....Read more Undergraduates 5,789 Acceptance Rate 57.7% SAT Score 1,010 – 1,220 Avg. Net Price $11,225 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $40,040
9	Tennessee State University	5057	70.18	890 – 1,070	9231	34160	#9 2026 Best Colleges – Overall Ranking – Ohio Valley Conference Tennessee State University Nashville, TN Found in Nashville, Tennessee State University accepted 70% students who applied to the school in the last admissions cycle and charges $25 for undergraduate applications. About 64% of students attending Tennessee State University currently receive institutional grant aid. The first year retention rate is 33%....Read more Undergraduates 5,057 Acceptance Rate 70.2% SAT Score 890 – 1,070 Avg. Net Price $9,231 Sign in to see your Estimated Net Price Median Starting Salary $34,160