The Atlantic Coast Conference has a rich history of athletics in a variety of sports. But the conference also has developed a strong academic reputation over the years.
According to U.S. News & World Report’s 2023-24 Best Colleges rankings, 13 of the ACC’s 14 schools rank in its list of the top 100 national universities with just Lousiville sitting on the outside looking in.
The site bases the rankings on student outcomes, graduation rates and faculty resources among other things, releasing a list annually based on those factors.
For the Atlantic Coast Conference, Duke took the top spot but not far behind was North Carolina which actually improved its ranking from the previous year.
Let’s take a look at where every ACC program ranked in the latest update.
Duke University
Krzyzewskiville, where students wait to gain access to Cameron Indoor Stadium for Duke basketball games.
Location: Durham, North Carolina U.S. News rank: 7 Total enrollment fall 2021: 6,640
University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill
A general view of the Bell Tower on the campus of the North Carolina Tar Heels before their game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Kenan Stadium on Oct. 4, 2014 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Streeter Lecka/Getty Images
Location: Chapel, North Carolina U.S. News rank: 22 Total enrollment fall 2021: 20,210
University of Virginia
Students return to the University of Virginia for the fall semester on Aug. 19, 2017 in Charlottesville, Virginia. One week ago the town of Charlottesville was placed in the national spotlight when white supremacists descended upon the town to stage a rally protesting the removal of a statue of Robert E. Lee when violence broke out resulting in the death of one counter protester and two members of the Virginia State Police. Win McNamee/Getty Images
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia U.S. News rank: 24 Total enrollment fall 2021: 17,496
Georgia Tech
Nov. 11, 2017; Atlanta; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets mascot Buzz performs during the second half against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Location: Atlanta, Georgia U.S. News rank: 33 Total enrollment fall 2021: 18,415
Boston College
A view of the campus of Boston College on March 31, 2020 in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. Students at Universities across the country were sent home to finish the semester online due to the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19). Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker put the state under a “stay at home” order in an attempt to contain the virus. Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
Location: Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts U.S. News rank: 39 Total enrollment fall 2021: 9,484
Virginia Tech
Dec. 6, 2019; Blacksburg; Virginia Tech Hokies students cheer prior to the game against the Virginia Tech Hokies at Cassell Coliseum. Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports
Location: Blacksburg, Virginia U.S. News rank: 47 Total enrollment fall 2021: 30,434
Wake Forest
Wake Forest University mascot Demon Deacon visits the Empire State Building in advance of the tournament on March 8, 2022 in New York City. Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Empire State Realty Trust
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina U.S. News rank: 47 Total enrollment fall 2021: 5,447
Florida State University
The Westcott Building on Florida State University’s campus.
Location: Tallahassee, Florida U.S. News rank: 53 Total enrollment fall 2021: 32,936
North Carolina State University
March 3, 2023; Greensboro, North Carolina; The NC State Wolfpack mascot performs during the first half at Greensboro Coliseum. William Howard-USA TODAY Sports
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina U.S. News rank: 60 Total enrollment fall 2021: 26,254
Syracuse University
Dec. 7, 2015; Syracuse, New York; General view of the Syracuse logo outside of the George R. Iocolano and William C. Petty Football Wing in Manley Field House on the campus of Syracuse University following a press conference to introduce Dino Babers (not pictured) as the new head coach. Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Location: Syracuse, New York U.S. News rank: 67 Total enrollment fall 2021: 15,421
University of Miami
Miami (Fl) Hurricanes students storm the court after the team defeated the Pittsburgh Panthers 78-76 to win a share of the ACC regular season Championship at Watsco Center on March 4, 2023 in Coral Gables, Florida. Eric Espada/Getty Images
Location: Coral Gables, Florida U.S. News rank: 67 Total enrollment fall 2021: 12,504
University of Pitt
Jan. 21, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; The University of Pittsburgh Panthers pep band plays the national anthem before a game against the Florida State Seminoles at the Petersen Events Center. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania U.S. News rank: 67 Total enrollment fall 2021: 19,928 4-year graduation rate: 67%
Clemson University
Clemson University students walk Tillman Hall on the first day fall classes on campus Wednesday, Aug. 24, 2022.
Location: Clemson, South Carolina U.S. News rank: 86 Total enrollment fall 2021: 22,566
University of Louisville
The common area on the Belknap campus of the University of Louisville is desolate on a Tuesday evening at 5:50 p.m. when the area known as the quad is usually bustling with activity. The university extended spring break through March 17 and thereafter classes will be offered remotely due to the coronavirus outbreak in Louisville, Kentucky on March 17, 2020.
Location: Louisville, Kentucky U.S. News rank: 195 Total enrollment fall 2021: 15,921
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