Big Sky Conference Schools Ranked Beyond Athletics

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A new ranking from College Raptor looks at Big Sky Conference schools through a lens beyond just athletic success. Factors like the local town, cost of attendance, and graduation rates were all considered to determine the overall best schools in the conference, with neither Montana school taking the top spot.

Why it matters

While athletic success is often a major factor when choosing a college, it doesn't tell the whole story. This ranking provides a more well-rounded look at the Big Sky schools, highlighting factors that are important for students' overall college experience and future success.

The details

College Raptor analyzed a variety of metrics beyond just sports performance to rank the Big Sky Conference schools. They looked at the quality of the local town, cost of attendance, graduation rates, and other key factors that impact the overall college experience. While athletic accomplishments can help attract students, the ranking shows that there are many other important considerations when selecting the right university.

• The 2026 rankings from College Raptor were recently released.