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What Schools Make Up the SEC?
Going to college offers a number of new experiences, some of which happen in the sports arena. Whether you’re passionate about football, soccer, or volleyball, you can participate (or watch!) all of those sports in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Keep reading to learn more about SEC schools and sports!
What schools are in the SEC conference?
The schools included in the SEC are Auburn University, Louisiana State University, Mississippi State University, Texas A&M University, University of Alabama, University of Arkansas, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of Kentucky, University of Mississippi, University of Missouri, University of South Carolina, University of Tennessee, and Vanderbilt University.
History of the SEC
The SEC was officially formed in 1933, which means this conference has been around for nearly 90 years. The SEC went through a number of expansions over the years, with a number of schools leaving the SEC to join the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). The current 14 SEC member colleges are from the South Central and Southeastern United States.
Auburn University
This public research university is located in Auburn, Alabama. The current acceptance rate is 85%. There are over 24,000 undergraduate students on the Auburn University campus. Auburn is a football powerhouse with 12 undefeated seasons.
- Team: Tigers
- Average annual cost: $24,018
- Most popular field of study: Business Administration, Management and Operations
Louisiana State University
LSU is a public research university located in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The acceptance rate is over 70%, and you’ll have an opportunity to make friends among more than 25,000 of your peers. The LSU football team made it to the 2022 SEC National Championship and finished with a score of 30-50. The last championship win was as recent as 2019.
- Team: Tigers
- Average annual cost: $17,811
- Most popular field of study: Teacher Education and Professional Development
Mississippi State University
Located in Starkville, Mississippi, MSU is a public research university. The average annual cost is around $16,000 with an acceptance rate of 80%. There are about nine concentrations for students to pursue, so be sure to do your research!
- Team: Bulldogs
- Average annual cost: $16,122
- Most popular field of study: Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
Texas A&M University
Texas A&M University is a public research university located in College Station, Texas. There are nine academic or interest based living learning communities for students to choose from. The Aggies’s women’s basketball team has competed in the Final Four Women’s Basketball Tournament two times.
- Team: Aggies
- Average annual cost: $18,919
- Most popular field of study: Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies
University of Alabama
Located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, the University of Alabama is a public research school with an acceptance rate of over 75%. “Bama,” as it is affectionately known, is a sports powerhouse, known as the place “where legends are made.” Bama has 12 sports ranging from football to rowing to tennis. Over five of those teams received a perfect 100 for 2022 NCAA Graduation Success Rate (GSR). Bama is ranked in the top three for GSR within the SEC.
- Team: Crimson Tide
- Average annual cost: $20,917
- Most popular field of study: Marketing
University of Arkansas
Located in Fayetteville, Arkansas, the University of Arkansas is a public research university with over 20,000 undergraduates. The acceptance rate is 78%, with an average SAT of 1236 and ACT of 26. Arkansas has won 48 national championships in varying sports, and competes at the Division I level in the NCAA. Next time you attend a game, be sure to do the Hog Call, which is the official Arkansas chant.
- Team: Razorbacks
- Average annual cost: $16,507
- Most popular field of study: Business Administration, Management and Operations
University of Florida
Located in Gainesville, Florida, the University of Florida is a public research university. It’s a desirable school with a lower cost of attendance, but standing out in your application is important because the acceptance rate is 31%. The Florida Gators volunteer swimming coach, Katie Ledecky is the first woman to win the Associated Press Female Athlete of the Year.
- Team: Gators
- Average annual cost: $5,135
- Most popular field of study: Biology
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is a public research university based in Athens, Georgia. The UGA acceptance rate is 48%, so it’s ideal to keep your grades up and submit a stellar application. There are over 15 schools within this university for students to choose from. Both women’s soccer and volleyball reached NCAA Tournaments in 2022, marking the first time ever that’s happened in Bulldog history! Student-athletes also reached a record-high GPA for the 2022 fall semester.
- Team: Bulldogs
- Average annual cost: $14,257
- Most popular field of study: Finance and Financial Management Services
University of Kentucky
This public research university was founded in Lexington, Kentucky in 1865. UK places emphasis on student success and provides resources for them to take advantage of. UK is proud of their 92% graduation rate for student athletes, which is higher than the national average of 89% for Division I athletes overall.
- Team: Wildcats
- Average annual cost: $18,203
- Most popular field of study: Marketing
University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi is a public research university affectionately known as “Ole Miss.” It’s located in Lafayette County, Mississippi, and the current acceptance rate is 88%. Applicants and students are able to choose from almost 40 degree programs, but if they’re unsure about their major yet, students can take Freshmen Studies. Ole Miss has the Next Level NIL Program for their student-athletes. Through this program, student athletes are able to profit off of their name, image, and likeness (NIL).
- Team: Rebels
- Average annual cost: $12,161
- Most popular field of study: Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities
University of Missouri-Columbia
Located in Columbia, Missouri, the University of Missouri is a public research university with an acceptance rate of 82%. There are about 22,600 undergraduate students in attendance at this university commonly known as “Mizzou.” The four foundational values of this university are respect, responsibility, discovery, and excellence.
- Team: Tigers
- Average annual cost: $16,559
- Most popular field of study: Ethnic, Cultural Minority, Gender, and Group Studies
University of South Carolina
This public research university is located in Columbia, South Carolina. Its current acceptance rate is 68% with over 27,000 undergraduates in attendance. There are also a number of activities for students to participate in such as local and regional outings, leadership experiences, and service projects. The mission for the Carolina Way is focused on cultivating well-rounded student-athletes to succeed in and out of the classroom.
- Team: Gamecocks
- Average annual cost: $20,559
- Most popular field of study: Finance and Financial Management
University of Tennessee-Knoxville
This public research university is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. UT-Knoxville has an acceptance rate of 78%, and there are over 350 bachelor’s degree options for students.
Baseball, basketball, football, golf, rowing, and swimming and diving are just some of the varsity sports offered at UT-Knoxville.
- Team: Volunteers
- Average annual cost: $18,579
- Most popular field of study: Business Administration, Management and Operations
Vanderbilt University
Located in Nashville, Tennessee, Vanderbilt University is a private research university. Vanderbilt is considered a Hidden Ivy with an acceptance rate of 12%, so it’s important to keep your grades up and write an impressive supplemental essay. Vanderbilt offers many sports, including bowling, golf, track and field, and football. Be sure to sing Dynamite, the Vanderbilt fight song, at your next game!
- Team: Commodores
- Average annual cost: $19,970
- Most popular field of study: Economics
Are schools in the SEC for me?
SEC schools in particular have a variety of popular majors, meaning you won’t have to choose between colleges that all focus on the same thing. Most SEC schools are public research universities (excluding Vanderbilt University), which means they’re funded by the government. Public schools may be a cheaper option than private colleges. The price range for attending an SEC school ranges from $5,000-24,000 annually. SEC schools in particular are located in southern states, so be sure to take the geographical location into consideration as well.
No matter what you choose, it’s important that you choose a school that fulfills your personal needs and growth in your desired career.
Additional resources
As you navigate your college search, take advantage of other resources we offer, including when to apply to college and how many schools to apply to. We can also help you find safety, reach, and match schools, decide if you want to apply Early Action or Early Decision, and help you complete the Common App activities section. Put everything together with help from our how to put together a strong college application guide!
Check with us to learn how to interpret your financial aid award letter, and finally, let us help you choose a college. Good luck!
