Game On: March Madness is Upon Us

March Madness for 2025 is finally here! College basketball fans across America have filled out their brackets, gearing up for the thrilling tournament games ahead. But beyond the excitement witnessed on the court, many of these schools also excel academically.

What is March Madness?

March Madness is an annual college basketball tournament held every March in the United States, featuring 68 teams competing in single-elimination rounds to determine the NCAA champion. Teams are selected based on season performance and placed into a bracket divided into four regions. The tournament includes multiple rounds: First Four, Round of 64, Round of 32, Sweet Sixteen, Elite Eight, Final Four, and the Championship game. 

It’s known for exciting games, dramatic upsets, and bracket predictions made by millions of fans. The tournament concludes in early April, crowning one national champion in men’s and women’s college basketball.

This year’s tournament includes powerhouse research universities and smaller liberal arts colleges, showcasing a diverse mix of institutions. So, how do they stack up against the latest U.S. News Best Colleges rankings?

Here’s a breakdown of where each tournament team stands academically, listed by region and overall seed.

How the Teams Rank Academically

Each school in the 2025 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament is listed below by region (East, West, South, Midwest) and seed. Their placement is based on their ranking in the U.S. News Best Colleges Rankings 2025. 

First Four & Championship Matchup

Top Four Teams:

  1. Auburn University (South Region)
  2. Fuqua School of Business, Duke University (East Region)
  3. University of Houston (Mid-West Region)
  4. University of Florida (West Region)

Championship Matchup:

  • [Finalist Team 1] vs. [Finalist Team 2] (Final result TBD)

East Region

No. 1 Seed – Fuqua School of Business, Duke University

  • U.S. News Ranking: #6
  • Location: Durham, North Carolina
  • School Insights: Fuqua School of Business, Duke University is a research and academic excellence leader. With a low student-faculty ratio of 6:1, students receive personalized attention and access to world-class faculty. The university’s strong athletic and academic balance makes it one of the most prestigious institutions in the nation.

No. 2 Seed – University of Alabama

  • U.S. News Ranking: #171
  • ESPN +5
  • SB Nation +6
  • NCAA +3
  • Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
  • School Insights: The University of Alabama offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs. Known for its vibrant campus life and strong athletic tradition, the university also emphasizes research and community engagement.

Other Qualifying Universities:

  •  University of Wisconsin
    • Seed: No. 3
    • U.S. News Ranking: #39
    • Location: Madison, Wisconsin
  •  University of Maryland
    • Seed: No. 4 
    • U.S. News Ranking: #19
    • Location: College Park, Maryland
  • Clemson University 
    • Location: Clemson, South Carolina
    • Seed: No. 5
    • U.S. News Ranking: #74

West Region

No. 1 Seed – University of Florida

  • U.S. News Ranking: #30
  • Location: Gainesville, Florida
  • SB Nation +4
  • ESPN +4
  • School Insights: The University of Florida boasts strong engineering, business, and arts programs. The university’s passionate school spirit and extensive alumni network contribute significantly to student success.

No. 2 Seed –St. John’s University

  • U.S. News Ranking: #152
  • Location: Queens, New York
  • School Insights: St. John’s University offers diverse programs with a strong emphasis on liberal arts and sciences. Its location in New York City provides students with ample opportunities for internships and cultural experiences.

Other Qualifying Universities:

  • University of Arizona
    • Seed: No. 4
    • U.S. News Ranking: #109
    • Location: Tucson, Arizona
  • University of Oregon
    • Seed: No. 5
    • U.S. News Ranking: #109
    • Location: Eugene, Oregon
  • University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
    • Seed: No. 7
    • U.S. News Ranking: #15
    • Location: Los Angeles, California

South Region

No. 1 Seed – Auburn University

  • U.S. News Ranking: #105
  • Location: Auburn, Alabama

School Insights: Auburn University is a well-regarded public research institution with strong engineering and business programs. Its basketball program has steadily risen in national prominence.

No. 2 Seed – Michigan State University

  • U.S. News Ranking: #63
  • Location: East Lansing, Michigan
  • School Insights: Michigan State University State is known for its strong programs in education, business, and engineering. The university emphasizes research and community engagement, providing a well-rounded experience for its students.

Other Qualifying Universities:

  • University of Kentucky
    • Seed: No. 3
    • U.S. News Ranking: #152
    • Location: Lexington, Kentucky
  • University of Louisville
    • Seed: No. 8
    • U.S. News Ranking: #179
    • Location: Louisville, Kentucky
  • University of Mississippi (Ole Miss)
    • Seed: No. 6
    • U.S. News Ranking: #171
    • Location: University, Mississippi

Midwest Region

Seed: No.1– University of Houston

  • U.S. News Ranking: #144
  • Location: Houston, Texas
  • School Insights: The University of Houston is recognized for its research initiatives and diverse academic programs. Its strategic location in a major metropolitan area offers students ample opportunities for internships and employment.

Seed: No. 2– University of Tennessee

  • U.S. News Ranking: #109
  • Location: Knoxville, Tennessee
  • School Insights: The University of Tennessee offers strong programs in business, engineering, and law. The university’s commitment to research and community involvement provides students with a comprehensive educational experience. Its athletic program continues to be a significant force in college sports.

Other Qualifying Universities:

  • Purdue University
    • Seed: No. 3
    • U.S. News Ranking: #46
    • Location: West Lafayette, Indiana
  • University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
    • Seed: No. 4
    • U.S. News Ranking: #33
    • Location: Champaign, Illinois
  • Iowa State University
    • Seed: No. 5
    • U.S. News Ranking: #121
    • Location: Ames, Iowa

Championship Showdown: Who Will Claim the Ultimate Glory?

Over three weeks of March Madness, these schools advance in the bracket, balancing athletic excellence with strong academics. The remaining teams include powerhouse research institutions and public universities, committed to both education and athletic excellence.

Next Steps in the Tournament:

  • The Second Round will narrow down the field from 68 to 32 teams.
  • The Sweet 16 round will feature the remaining top-performing teams battling for a spot in the Elite Eight.
  • The Final Four will showcase top regional teams, featuring traditional basketball powerhouses and emerging contenders.
  • The Championship Game will be held on April 7, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas.

As the tournament progresses, fans will continue to watch for buzzer-beaters, Cinderella stories, and legendary performances. At the same time, these universities‘ academic reputations show that student-athletes excel beyond basketball, succeeding in the classroom, too.

Keep up with all the March Madness results on this live bracket. May the best (or brightest) team win!

Looking for the latest master’s program rankings? Visit our Masters Rankings page to explore more.