The Association for the Protection of Collegiate Athletes ranked the Wildcats in the top 10 among all other Division I programs in its 2012 school ranking report. 

Northwestern claimed the No. 8 spot on the association’s list, released last week and based on factors the APCA says student athletes consider most important: a successful team record, diverse academic options for the athletes, university support of the athletic program, attendance of matches and more.

Only two other Big Ten schools were ranked in the top 20. Penn State came in one spot above the Cats, while Iowa trailed in the 15th slot.

The APCA’s mission is to help student athletes during their entire career, from choosing a program to commitment and post-graduation opportunities, according to its website. The organization only works within athletic programs sanctioned by the NCAA and markets itself as a cost-free service center.

The ranking report was the first released by the APCA.