It's important to note that rankings change year to year. This list represents schools consistently in the top tier, not a fixed, universally agreed-upon ranking for a specific year:
1. University of Maryland: A perennial powerhouse with multiple national championships.
2. University of North Carolina: Another consistently strong program with a rich history.
3. Yale University: A dominant force in Division I lacrosse.
4. Johns Hopkins University: A historical powerhouse with a strong tradition of excellence.
5. Princeton University: Highly competitive and consistently ranked amongst the best.
6. Syracuse University: A program with a long history of success and national championships.
7. Virginia Cavaliers: Another consistently top-ranked program.
8. Notre Dame: A rising program with increasing national prominence.
9. Duke University: A strong program with a consistently high level of play.
10. Loyola University Maryland: Another school that frequently appears in the top rankings.
This list is debatable and could vary depending on the ranking system and the year. Websites like US Lacrosse, Inside Lacrosse, and NCAA websites offer updated rankings throughout the season.