Texas A & M University-College Station

With more than 53,000 undergraduates, Texas A&M is one of the largest schools in Money's top 50. It's also just plain big, covering 5,200 acres in College Station. Best known for its business, agriculture and engineering programs, Texas A&M also has one of the country's largest programs in recreation, park and tourism management. The school boasts an 82% graduation rate, and Aggies tend to thrive economically after leaving school: A decade after enrolling, they have median earnings of $66,566 – about $4,700 more than expected based on the composition of students. The school has a rich military tradition; the Corps of Cadets is the oldest student organization on campus (but military service isn't mandatory). Athletics, however, may be the most vibrant element of campus culture. Some 12,000 Aggies play either team or club sports, taking part in crew, fencing, ice hockey, paintball, gymnastics and more. Football is a fan favorite. In fact, the school refers to all students and alumni as "the 12th Man" to symbolize their readiness to jump onto the football field if needed. It's a tradition that dates back to 1922. Another tradition is the presence of Reveille – a collie with the title "First Lady of Aggieland" – on campus.