2024 Best College Dorms in America

• Knoxville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  304 reviews

Senior: I transferred to Johnson back in 2021. For the past two years (sophomore and junior), my time here has been transformative. Initially, it was hard transitioning from a bigger school to the culture of a small school. Now, I have grown to love it here! I love the professors because they are passionate, fun, and understanding. The faculty here genuinely care about the student body. Johnson offers that rare opportunity to be friends with your professors and faculty here which brings a deeper feeling of connection. Some things I would change are the level of communication between students and faculty, curfew, and dining hours. Many times students don't know what's going on and are left blindsided. Curfew is not necessary, especially for upperclassmen. Lastly, dining hours should be extended for at least another hour to accommodate athletes and other schedules.... Read 304 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $19,985

• SAT range 980-1190

• Saint Louis, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,558 reviews

Alum: I am thankful for my undergraduate experience at Washington University in St. Louis. The college has great connections for post-grad opportunities in multiple fields - business, medicine, research, engineering. I was easily able to switch between the Arts & Sciences program and the Business School at the end of my sophomore year. There is a huge focus on medicine, so even for other career paths there are healthcare adjacent offerings (e.g. Healthcare Management, Bio Medical Engineering, Global Health, Psychology/Neuroscience/Philosophy). The brand name and resources do carry for other non-health related professions too. The classwork can be tough so it's best you find out which paths are a good fit for you in terms of academic rigor, class size, and teaching style. Your counselors can help with this. Good size of the school - not too big to get lost, but not too small to know everyone and the campus is very very beautiful! I suggest visiting and talking to alum to learn more!... Read 1,558 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $28,298

• SAT range 1490-1570

• University Center, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,689 reviews

Alum: Overall I had a great experience at Saginaw Valley State University. The campus always had events planned for students to mingle. My friends and I especially enjoyed going to hockey games and plays. The theater department did a wonderful job creating interesting sets and costumes. The advisors at SVSU were very helpful. It was always easy to get in to see someone when I had questions and the staff was eager to support the students. They made registering for classes stress-free. I also had many wonderful professors! They are really the heart of SVSU. They were supportive, and always willing to help support students during class and during office hours. My experience in college of education was a positive one. I feel that the professors really worked with us to prepare for teaching in the real world. They supported us in getting placements for student teaching and acted as a guide every step of the way. I would strongly encourage anyone going into education to look into SVSU.... Read 1,689 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 78%

• Net price $15,476

• SAT range 960-1170

• Phoenix, AZ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  10,137 reviews

Freshman: I've heard great things about Grand Canyon University! Some of my friends who have attended the school have raved about the friendly and supportive community, the beautiful campus, and the wide range of academic programs available. From what I understand, the faculty and staff at GCU are committed to helping students succeed, both academically and personally, which is really important for a positive college experience. Additionally, GCU offers a lot of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities and leadership roles, which can be a great way to make new friends and build valuable skills. Overall, I think Grand Canyon University is a great choice for students who are looking for a supportive and engaging college experience.... Read 10,137 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $21,644

• SAT range —

• High Point, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,547 reviews

Sophomore: My decision to attend HPU was easy once I stepped onto the campus. After my first year I know I made the right decision. My freshman dorm was Wanek and I couldn't have been happier with the roommate that was assigned to me and the quality of the building. Everything is like living at an all-inclusive resort. The tuition cost is not the cheapest, but it includes everything! We have unlimited access to all types of food venues, snacks with entertainment such as carnivals, concerts and more without an extra cost. When you walk to class in the morning there is a kiosk offering drinks and snacks free of charge. The educators are top notch and engaging and we are offered free tutoring. I have made my forever friends while participating in Greek Life and Athletics! Did I mention school spirit? It is a must see. Attend a HPU basketball game in the amazing arena. The student section receives food and merch for attending. I LOVE it! This is my home.... Read 1,547 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $40,604

• SAT range 1080-1300

• Milwaukee, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  478 reviews

Junior: Overall 5/5, Pros: It's a small campus in Tosa. It's a safe and intimate setting; most classes only have 30 people or less. Labs only have about 15 or fewer people. The campus is small, but not crowded. (across campus in less than 10 min) I love that the professors are available nearly 24/7, along with TAs (Tutors). This campus also encourages you to build professional relationships not only with your professors but also with peers. Activities are posted daily throughout campus. Housing is 6/5! Freshman and Sophomore housing are usually 2 people for 1 bathroom. (PLENTY of room for housing.) Cons: Due to the placement in Wauwatosa, you can't do much without a car. Having a car is HIGHLY encouraged. Milwaukee is exciting! Take advantage of the culture nearby. The food is also a 4/5, there isn't much diversity, and it doesn't cater well to those with food allergies/ diseases (like Crohn's). The Party scene is nonexistent on campus, but Marquette, UWM, and MSOE are close by.... Read 478 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 98%

• Net price $21,761

• SAT range 1010-1170

• Jackson, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  678 reviews

Alum: Union is a very close knit community of students and faculty. They are very involved in the local community and are supportive of many local churches and events. I absolutely LOVED my 4 years there as an undergraduate. I was truly cultivated in areas of spirituality, character, knowledge, and relationships. If you seek to be in community with other Christian believers, this is the place for you!... Read 678 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $27,660

• SAT range 1120-1330

• Stevenson, MD•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  1,302 reviews

Freshman: I absolutely love Stevenson University and I am thrilled to have chosen it as my college for the next four years! There are several reasons why I believe Stevenson University is the perfect fit for me. Firstly, the campus is absolutely stunning. I was immediately drawn to the beautiful greenery and modern facilities that make up the campus. It feels like a place where I can truly thrive academically, socially, and personally. Secondly, the programs offered at Stevenson University align perfectly with my career aspirations. The school's emphasis on hands-on learning and practical experience will provide me with the skills and knowledge I need to excel in my chosen field. Finally, the sense of community at Stevenson University is unparalleled. Everyone I have met - from current students to faculty members - has been welcoming and supportive. I feel like I am part of a tight-knit family, which is exactly what I was looking for in a college experience.... Read 1,302 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $25,354

• SAT range 1010-1190

• Rohnert Park, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.51 out of 5  1,526 reviews

Junior: This university is academic focused. One on one help with small class sizes. Dorm life is incredible! The campus is small and the community is very welcoming. Close to restaurants, gas stations, and entertainment venues. The beach is a 30 minute drive and to reach the snow is 20 minutes from campus. Lots of clubs to join and job opportunities with internship credit. Beautiful sunsets and sunrises around campus. The scenery is spectacular with views of the redwood trees and Sonoma Mountains in the East. Best sports teams in the CSU with high academic scores. I am definitely returning for Sonoma State’s graduate program for Masters and Ph.D!... Read 1,526 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $7,055

• SAT range 950-1150

• Lakewood, CO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  1,347 reviews

Alum: Colorado Christian University was by far the best college! They had a great teaching program which actively got you into the classroom starting your freshman year. I transferred in my junior year and was blessed by how much effort and kindness they showed me. Although the chapel requirements seemed lengthy, they were not and easily obtainable. I would highly recommend Colorado Christian University as a college as a whole but particularly for a teaching pursuit.... Read 1,347 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $26,759

• SAT range —

• Mansfield, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  913 reviews

Sophomore: Mansfield is a small school with only about 2,000 students. For as small as it may be, the education that my professors give to their students is incredible. Not to mention the music program is phenomenal. I am in marching band and have only worked with two music professors, but I have been to every concert type and am blown away each time I attend. Mansfield University also has a great community, with many clubs and events advertised to students. I would love to see an upgrade in the dining situation. As a nutrition major, I believe it is important to have many options for any dietary needs. Although this is a small school, I am sure that there is s way to come up with a better dining plan than the one we have now. All in all, I have enjoyed my time here so far, and am excited to go back this August!... Read 913 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $13,168

• SAT range 970-1150

• California, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.45 out of 5  1,488 reviews

Sophomore: PennWest California has given me quite the experience so far! Not only do I feel so welcomed in the community because I know some friends from high school, but also all of the staff and educators are so very welcoming and understanding. I love the organization of classes and also how my professors are extremely systematic with their lectures, and they make sure we get the most out of the lesson. Fixating on change, I feel that for the most part, everything should stay as it is. The only slightly concerning factor is the amount of classes that are online. Some of us find online classes difficult, depending on the class, and this can be stressful.... Read 1,488 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 97%

• Net price $20,317

• SAT range 940-1150

• Bluffton, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  489 reviews

Junior: The University of South Carolina Beaufort is a smaller school in South Carolina, but it is a great fit for me. The main campus is in Bluffton, SC and is around a lot of great places to eat! With the school being smaller than others, you have an opportunity to get to know your professors and create a bond. This can help you a lot academically by having access to a helpful professor. My favorite thing about the campus is that you are only 25 minutes from the beach, so if you had a rough week you can go relax. It is a great school and I would recommend it to anyone!... Read 489 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $15,896

• SAT range 940-1110

• Marion, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  1,143 reviews

Senior: Indiana Wesleyan University (IWU) has an amazing community of Christ followers who genuinely care about your education and well-being. The professors challenge and support students. They go out of their way to help students and engage in meaningful relationships. In general, the students at IWU are very welcoming, and it is very easy to make friends and rely on others for support!... Read 1,143 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $22,098

• SAT range 990-1200

• Shippensburg, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.55 out of 5  1,077 reviews

Junior: I absolutely love attending this school. As someone who had a bit of a rough start in my college experiences, this schools support team and staff were truly something I will forever cherish. Through my own hard work and their assistance, I was able to pull myself out of what felt like the deepest hole for myself. I was able to achieve good academic standing and I know that I wouldn't have been able to do it alone. Overall an amazing school with an amazing faculty!... Read 1,077 reviews

• grade B minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $21,077

• SAT range 970-1180

• Mahwah, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.43 out of 5  1,023 reviews

Freshman: The college overall was an excellent experience. The program I was a part of, however, was new and undeveloped. I felt as though I wasn't given a path that made me feel confident in following. The offices responded in a timely manner and were always willing to help. All of the professors that I encountered in my time at this college were very pleasant. This college sold me when I saw their housing, commitment to their students' safety, diversity, and welcoming community. The small campus allows for a close community between students and professors, and aids in lessening confusion as you learn to navigate campus. This college provides unlimited extracurricular opportunities and hosts a multitude of events weekly! I was also surprised to find that the TWO dinning halls were always preparing amazing food. Both the atrium and standard dinning hall offered excellent, diverse, options; this includes those who are vegetarian and vegan. They also have Dunkin' and Starbucks as great options!... Read 1,023 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $12,251

• SAT range 1100-1280

• Virginia Beach, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  1,008 reviews

Sophomore: Regent University exceeded my expectations with the content in the online biblical courses that was so insightful, and detailed surrounding the time that the Bible was actually written. I enjoyed the interactions with professors and my classmates. Overall Regent has the best online experience as navigating blackboard was easy, and communication tools were very effective! My professors usually responded the same day or the next day with answers to my questions. I absolutely loved the online courses at Regent. Also, my counselor often checked in to see how I was doing, to let me know if there was something they needed, and to let me know when I could choose more classes, unusually nice of them. Lastly, next semester I will be taking courses on campus in which I am looking forward to engaging. Regent University was a great choice of schools, and I am humbled by the experience thus far. I know that the campus will provide rich memories for my collegiate experience.... Read 1,008 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 41%

• Net price $16,579

• SAT range 960-1230

• Kerrville, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  475 reviews

Sophomore: Schreiner University is amazing! I love the small atmosphere, the tight-knit community, and that the people at Schreiner really care. The professors are absolutely wonderful! I love being able to talk and interact in a small class where the professors genuinely care about their students. I have also been able to find so many opportunities at Schreiner to advance my interests in things such as songwriting and public speaking! It is a beautiful school with so many wonderful people.... Read 475 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $23,048

• SAT range 970-1160

• Lynchburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  8,024 reviews

Freshman: My experience with Liberty University has been blissful, interacting with passionate residential staff who are sincere with the Father, supportive admissions officers over the phone, a direct and transparent website, and resources responding to many essential questions that undergraduates like me would have. If you are a true believer and lover of Jesus Christ in keeping His word and the Holy Spirit dwells in you, this is the college to attend, especially if you're in Virginia! I am an admitted online LU student, but I plan on attending residentially in the future because of the "LU Tour." The campus is gorgeous! Everything about Liberty University leaves a luscious impression. However, above that, I feel the peace of the Holy Spirit throughout. I recommend the LU 100%; you won't be disappointed.... Read 8,024 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 99%

• Net price $27,891

• SAT range 1040-1250

• Mobile, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  311 reviews

Junior: The professors here at UM are amazing! The class sizes are small so professors get to know their students on a personal basis. They genuinely want to see each of their students succeed. As a student-athlete, professors also work with me whenever I have to miss class for games. The university is amazing at getting students plugged in and equipping students with what they need to succeed. We have many study resources and even have a peer review center where papers can be proofread. There are always events happening on campus for students to meet other students. The campus outreach is amazing and I have met so many amazing people.... Read 311 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $21,638

• SAT range 1010-1160

• Brunswick, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  719 reviews

Freshman: Choosing Bowdoin was the best decision of my life! They truly value the liberal arts model AND have great STEM programs. care deeply about the student experience. I would recommend it to absolutely any and every student who is looking for a school with incredible academics and amazing peers. The student body is incredibly intelligent and passionate, yet never competitive. Students are also really friendly and there is a true sense of community on campus: when something is wrong, students look after and take care of each other. Bowdoin works very hard to foster both personal and academic growth in its students—one of Bowdoin's most admirable and impactful qualities. I found the classes to be extremely enjoyable. Professors put tons of effort into teaching their classes and make it clear that they really care about you. Academics are challenging yet extremely rewarding. Yes, the food and dorms are actually as great as everyone says they are. Also financial aid is astonishingly generous.... Read 719 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $26,727

• SAT range 1360-1510

• Riverside, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  2,865 reviews

Junior: All throughout high school my teachers would try to hammer this perception that in college, I would be truly independent and nothing more than a number in a classroom. This couldn't be further from the truth regarding CBU. The professors here generally care for their students and show teaching is their passion. Professors remind us on the regular that they're available during their office hours and are even willing to make themselves available for us whenever we had questions. Every Professor I've had thus far has prayed for us before we take an exam, this helped me feel less stressed. Campus life is fun. Dorm life is a great way to make connections. If you're an incoming freshman, I recommend you try and live in Smith/Simmons hall. Campus always has a lot of events going on all the time. Make sure you get involved! The on-campus food is fantastic. I highly recommend El Monte. If you want something different than on-campus food, there's a great selection of food nearby campus.... Read 2,865 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $23,494

• SAT range 990-1210

• Marshall, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  466 reviews

Freshman: My experience here at East Texas Baptist University has been distinguished compared to my high school experience. What I like about this university is that everyone here is so friendly and open-minded. Every interaction I have had with my fellow students and teachers has been pleasant and productive. I enjoy the chapel services that are help every Monday and Wednesday as it is just such a joyful and uplifting experience. Not only do they provide a great chapel service, but they also provide endless amounts of volunteering opportunities to help us gain experience and service hours. Serving the community in Marshall has been nothing more than a outstanding experience. I am a teachers assistant every Monday and I also contribute voluntary work in my schools Honors program. The only thing is that it is a little on the expensive side, but I think the academic and Christian scholarships provide a good amount of support for every student.... Read 466 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 65%

• Net price $23,885

• SAT range 920-1120

• Lexington, KY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  3,949 reviews

Junior: I just transferred to the University of Kentucky this past week, and it has been nothing but amazing. I came from a university that genuinely does not have their students best interest at heart. The second I stepped onto campus in Kentucky it has been nothing but love radiated from everyone, from the students, to the staff and faculty, and everyone I have had the pleasure of meeting. You can tell that these people are actually happy and enjoy what they are doing. I was very nervous walking into orientation and meeting my advisor because I struggled a lot with my academics at my last institution. But my advisor was nothing but understanding, patient, and helpful. It has meant the world to be to somewhere where I not only feel comfortable but it already feels like home, and I can't wait for my time at the University of Kentucky!... Read 3,949 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 94%

• Net price $20,043

• SAT range 1080-1330

• Slippery Rock, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  1,588 reviews

Junior: Slippery Rock has been an amazing college so far and I have enjoyed my time here. I transferred into their program as a second-semester sophomore. They worked with me to accept and transfer all of my existing credits and provided me with two scholarships for my first year. Their campus accommodations including food, housing, and leisure have been diverse and easily accessible. I would love for Slippery Rock to provide more parking. They also have extensive on-campus healthcare options, and a gym for wellness opportunities. Due to the size of the campus, it is easy to make friends and interact with teachers on a one-on-one basis. However, the campus is still large enough that there's always someone new to meet, and the ability to avoid people you don't like! For a state school, the price point is perfect and I've loved my time here so far.... Read 1,588 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $12,364

• SAT range 970-1170