re: Ranking the SEC schools academically?

My general thoughts on SEC Academics. Of course some places have strengths in certain fields and weaknesses in others, but in general:

Tier 1:
Vandy: The only really elite national University. Probably the second best reputation in the South (after Duke).

Tier 2:
Florida, Texas A&M, Georgia: Very good state schools. Everyone but elites think well of these places. This is the level that the others should strive for.


Tier 3
Alabama, Auburn, Missouri, maybe Tenn: These are good state schools. Nationally they are not going to "wow" anyone, but they are solid. Some programs are extremely well regarded (example Auburn engineering), but others less so.


Tier 4:
Kentucky, South Carolina, LSU, Arkansas: Decent state schools. Don't carry much weight nationally, but are fine regionally (Unless you are in a particularly good program).

Tier 5:
Ole Miss and Miss State: Not too far off from Tier 4, but they could use some improvement