In College Football 25, the Academic Prestige grade represents your university’s real-world academic ranking. This grade reflects the intellectual environment and reputation of your school, playing a crucial role in attracting recruits who value education alongside athletics. While it cannot be changed through in-game actions, Academic Prestige remains a key factor in a recruit’s decision-making process.
Academic Prestige measures the academic reputation of your university based on actual academic rankings. It evaluates the quality of the institution’s academics, providing a metric for recruits who are not solely focused on football but also on their education. For schools known for strong academic programs, this can be a vital recruiting tool, as many players and their families prioritize education when selecting a college.
Though this grade cannot be altered through in-game performance, it remains consistent across your Dynasty. Whether you’re a powerhouse football program or a smaller school, the Academic Prestige grade holds weight with certain recruits, especially those with higher academic standards.
Not all recruits are swayed purely by a program’s football success or brand exposure. For many, the academic standing of a university is a significant factor. Schools with a high Academic Prestige grade are more likely to attract academically minded athletes who are looking to balance education and football. These recruits might be more drawn to institutions that provide them with the opportunity to thrive both on and off the field.
For example, elite universities with strong Academic Prestige grades will naturally attract recruits who are thinking about their long-term future beyond football. This creates a more comprehensive recruiting dynamic, where education plays as important a role as football success in a player’s decision.
Academic Prestige is just one of 14 categories that make up your school’s My School Grades. These grades assess a school’s overall strengths and weaknesses, ranging from athletic facilities to campus lifestyle. Here’s the full list of My School Grades:
While Academic Prestige can’t be changed through in-game performance, it remains a key factor in Dynasty Mode. Recruits who value education may be swayed by a school with a strong academic reputation. For example, a recruit looking at a school like Stanford or Northwestern might be particularly drawn to their high Academic Prestige scores. This can give academically elite schools an edge in recruiting battles where education plays a prominent role.
In contrast, schools with lower Academic Prestige may find it more challenging to attract these recruits. However, those schools can still focus on other areas like Championship Contender, Playing Time, or Pro Potential to make their programs appealing.
For head coaches in College Football 25, managing a program means balancing the athletic goals of winning championships and developing players, while also acknowledging the importance of academics for many recruits. Schools that excel in both academics and athletics will naturally have a broader pool of recruits to target. High Academic Prestige doesn’t just appeal to potential NFL prospects; it resonates with players who see education as part of their path forward.
You can view your school’s Academic Prestige and the other My School Grades in the My School screen, accessed from the Recruiting Hub. This screen allows you to track your program’s strengths and weaknesses across various categories. Though Academic Prestige is fixed, understanding where your program stands academically will help you tailor your recruiting strategy.
By knowing which recruits value academics, you can better focus your efforts, increasing the chances of securing commitments from these players. Additionally, highlighting your Academic Prestige during recruiting pitches to the right players can give you an edge in landing recruits who prioritize both education and athletics.
In College Football 25, Academic Prestige is a vital factor for recruits who are equally focused on academics and football. While you cannot alter this grade through in-game actions, it plays a critical role in attracting high-achieving athletes. Schools with high Academic Prestige scores have a unique recruiting edge, appealing to players who value their education alongside their football careers. Balancing the academic and athletic aspects of your program will allow you to build a well-rounded, successful team, and give your program the reputation it needs to stand out in the world of college football.