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2020 Best College Food in AmericaAbout this List

The 2020 Best College Food ranking is based on meal plan costs and student reviews. Top-ranked colleges offer outstanding on-campus dining—students can easily access healthy, quality food across a wide range of cuisines and dietary preferences. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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  1. University of California - Los Angeles

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 4,921 reviews
    #1 Best College Food in America

    Junior: Campus couldn't be more beautiful. Many spots to study, relax, enjoy the sights, etc. Dorms are pretty standard. Fairly easy to transfer rooms if a problem arises with your roommate(s). Professors are generally helpful and generous with their knowledge. Department heads tend to be very considerate and work with you to complete your educational plans. Honors Program counselors are encouraging and friendly. Many different resources available for things like study abroad and academic planning. So many clubs to join. Very likely to find things that satisfy your interests. Plenty of things to do in Westwood. Strong campus safety department. Social scene is lively. Division I sports rarely disappoint. All in all, amazing experience!
    Read 4,921 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,760 Net Price
    • 1220-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Virginia Tech

    • 4 Year
    • Blacksburg, VA
    • 3,682 reviews
    #2 Best College Food in America

    Freshman: As a freshman, I haven't fully experienced Virginia Tech yet, but I can tell that the campus is beautiful, it's a relatively safe school, and the professors are very knowledgeable. The food offered in the dining halls or on-campus restaurants is amazing and sustainably sourced. For example, the horticulture department is partnered with the dining halls, and uses a farm for teaching/research for horticulture students which in turn provides fresh produce for the dining halls. Virginia Tech is a great place to be!
    Read 3,682 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 70% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,700 Net Price
    • 1180-1360 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. University of Massachusetts - Amherst

    • 4 Year
    • Amherst, MA
    • 3,385 reviews
    #3 Best College Food in America

    Freshman: I just joined the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and I love it! The tight-knit student community makes me feel right at home, despite the fact that I had applied as an international student. The innumerable student and faculty-led organizations have helped me to pursue my passions such as Literature, Filmmaking, and Journalism. Moreover, I have discovered several new and interesting hobbies thanks to UMass, such as Archery, Lawn Darts, and Chess!

    As an international student, it was nice to see several students from different backgrounds and races. As an Indian student (Asia), I was initially fearful that I would not be able to grow culturally and spiritually at Amherst. However, UMass Amherst has an Indian community, a Hindu community and multifarious others that allow me to feel right at home while experiencing a culture that is different from my own! Overall, UMass Amherst is a great college!
    Read 3,385 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 58% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,281 Net Price
    • 1180-1360 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  4. Washington University in St. Louis

    • 4 Year
    • Saint Louis, MO
    • 1,420 reviews
    #4 Best College Food in America

    Niche User: This school defines that you can not put a price on the education you receive. Every student is driven, focused, and goal oriented, so the competitive environment pushes you just as hard as the professors! The campus is extremely safe and beautiful and the research opportunities you receive are unlike any other!
    Read 1,420 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,777 Net Price
    • 1470-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Bates College

    • 4 Year
    • Lewiston, ME
    • 350 reviews
    #5 Best College Food in America

    Junior: Everyone will tell you this but it's true- the people make Bates a special place! The students, professors, and faculty give the school a unique quality that makes your time here truly invaluable. Whenever I am away from Bates for too long, I find myself yearning to be back on campus, back home. The thirst for change and the passion for diversity, community engagement, and social justice create a vibrant atmosphere that is exciting to be a part of. There's never a shortage of things to be involved in! Even with little to no idea about what I want to do with my life, I am confident that when I leave Bates I will be able to draw on what I've learned to craft a meaningful career. Yeah, there may not be much to do in Lewiston, but make sure to get out and explore the rest of Maine! Skiing, hiking, surfing, biking, running, canoeing, .... all can be found within an hour of Bates.
    Read 350 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 22% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,312 Net Price
    • 1385-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. St. John Fisher College

    • 4 Year
    • Rochester, NY
    • 526 reviews
    #6 Best College Food in America

    Junior: St. John Fisher is a great school for those who have an interest in majoring in nursing, pharmacy, education or business. For those who are looking to play a sport in college, this is a very strong division three athletic school. Their athletic facilities are always kept in great condition as the NFL team the buffalo bills have their training camp there every year. Not only are the athletic facilities kept in great condition the entire campus has a very modern feel to it as they are always doing renovations to keep up the growing interest in the school itself.
    Read 526 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,628 Net Price
    • 1060-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. California Baptist University

    • 4 Year
    • Riverside, CA
    • 2,494 reviews
    #7 Best College Food in America

    Junior: I have to commend myself because this university was my first choice. A very clean and orderly campus, with so much potential to grow among many other competing campuses just like it. I adore the student/faculty ratio and it's actually why I chose the school in the first place. Also, free parking--who doesn't enjoy that. However, it is still very Baptist-rooted and for the very liberal, it may seem too traditional but it is still a very opportunistic school with many chances to uncover your full learning potential. Love the programs, love the menu selections, BUT PLEASE UPGRADE THE WIFI!
    Read 2,494 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 77% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,714 Net Price
    • 980-1190 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  8. University of San Diego

    • 4 Year
    • San Diego, CA
    • 1,808 reviews
    #8 Best College Food in America

    Freshman: Going to the University of San Diego is like going to summer camp year round. By that I mean, half of the time I forget I'm just here for school! The campus is so gorgeous it doesn't feel like a traditional college environment at all, and I love that about it. The class sizes are small, enough so that your professor knows you by name. Being able to develop relationships with my professors has significantly helped my academic success in the classroom. I love everything that this school stands for. They are openly accepting of persons from all races and ethnicities, economic backgrounds, and religions. There are on campus resources for minority groups such as women, women and persons of color, and LGBTQ+. The only thing I think this school lacks is the numbers of students with diversity in race and ethnicity as well as economic backgrounds. This school does much to support diverse communities on campus, but lacks in the actual numbers and representation of these minority communities.
    Read 1,808 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 50% Acceptance Rate
    • $38,592 Net Price
    • 1180-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  9. St. Norbert College

    • 4 Year
    • De Pere, WI
    • 665 reviews
    #9 Best College Food in America

    Senior: I haven't started classes as of this review, but from the various times I've visited or participated at an event on campus, I can say that St. Norbert College is among the top colleges in the state of Wisconsin. The sense of community I felt amongst the students in my first visits was unavoidable, along with the beauty of the campus. The dorms aren't the greatest at first glance, although once students get to decorate their rooms, they look a lot nicer. All the buildings are within a quick walking distance from each other, and they are all kept well maintained, especially with the newly renovated science building and gym! One of my favorite parts about any campus, the cafeteria, is also a home run at SNC. The food is amazing, and I'm not ashamed to admit that it was one of the deciding factors for me when choosing colleges.
    Read 665 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,980 Net Price
    • 1110-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  12. James Madison University

    • 4 Year
    • Harrisonburg, VA
    • 2,846 reviews
    #10 Best College Food in America

    Junior: James Madison University is an outstandingly fantastic campus, which includes nice students and helpful staff. Harrisonburg may not be the biggest college town, but there’s things always going on off campus, as well as on campus grounds as well. Furthermore, studies are taken seriously, as well as any extracurriculars, especially music, which is something JMU excels at, and football, with our team going to the National Championship two times in recent years. It’s not like a big name college, such as Alabama or Notre Dame, but it has that feel of one. It has the heart of one. It has the people of one. If you’re considering applying or coming to a decision, this is definitely a great place to call home, even if it’s just for a little while. And if you aren’t considering, please do! Come take a tour of the town of Harrisonburg and the campus JMU has. It has everything a college kid needs to succeed and have a little fun as well!
    Read 2,846 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 75% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,154 Net Price
    • 1100-1260 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. Bowdoin College

    • 4 Year
    • Brunswick, ME
    • 675 reviews
    #11 Best College Food in America

    Freshman: So glad I chose to come to Bowdoin! A very close community where people treat each other with kindness and are excited to learn from their peers. Quality of life is great, with great dorms, food and surrounding area. Classes are challenging but there is very little competitiveness and lots of support for students academically. For a small liberal arts school, there is a very healthy and fun social life.
    Read 675 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 14% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,447 Net Price
    • 1360-1510 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Kendall College

    • 4 Year
    • Chicago, IL
    • 307 reviews
    #12 Best College Food in America

    Freshman: So far so great! I am at Kendall for their Culinary Arts Program. Let me just tell you the Chef professors are no joke. They have all been in the industry for a bery long time. Their experiences all range from private chefs to, restaurant owners, head chef's, executive chef. Owning their own catering companies. Experienced every level of hospitality or kitchen work imaginable.

    They know what they're talking about and hopefully you can connect with one of them, and they can support you academically. i.e. Reference, Internship, Job opportunity.
    Read 307 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,324 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. University of Georgia

    • 4 Year
    • Athens, GA
    • 5,176 reviews
    #13 Best College Food in America

    Freshman: The competitive intensity within the classroom, along with the rigor of each course are what makes Georgia such an elite school academically. Georgia has many amazing professors that clearly know the entire face of their preferred subject. Georgia offers an abundance of course types with different levels which helps students to increase the amount of rigor in their schedules. The school itself is very well-built and well-kept. All of the staff at Georgia works tremendously hard to keep the facility safe. Everyone loves coming out to watch Georgia football. The environment on gameday is insane! I love Georgia’s culture as it’s so easy to make friends as there are a multitude of people on campus at all times. Georgia is a place that will better students’ academic and social lives, and will teach them valuable life lessons along the way.
    Read 5,176 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,934 Net Price
    • 1200-1370 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. The Culinary Institute of America

    • 4 Year
    • Hyde Park, NY
    • 1,010 reviews
    #14 Best College Food in America

    Sophomore: The Culinary Institute of America will emerge you in a diverse culture, and it will provide you with all the tools that you will need to succeed in the kitchen and/or management position. I'm enrolled in the brand new Bachelor's for Hospitality Management, and so far I have been provided with many experiences and tools that will help refine my character and skills to be successful in any career option I pick! The faculty is extremely experienced, and they are very helpful, and they excel in guiding the students to the right path. This is the school to go to for a degree in Hospitality Management because you will come out with a culinary background on top of all the hands-on management experiences that you will receive, so you will already be ahead of the competition!
    Read 1,010 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 97% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,290 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  17. Hendrix College

    • 4 Year
    • Conway, AR
    • 459 reviews
    #15 Best College Food in America

    Alum: Hendrix pairs a rigorous academic experience with a tight knit community that made me feel right at home. The school places a premium on critical thinking, writing ability, and multidisciplinary, liberal arts education. Its Odyssey Program provided me with the tools and opportunities I needed pursue novel academic and professional development. The school did a terrific job of encouraging growth and nurturing my progress along the way. Hendrix’s faculty and staff are top tier professionals, but they are also deeply engaged in student interests and wellbeing. I had a terrific experience!
    Read 459 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 80% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,089 Net Price
    • 1100-1410 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Ashland University

    • 4 Year
    • Ashland, OH
    • 690 reviews
    #16 Best College Food in America

    Freshman: Ashland University is a great place to go to college. I love the business school and all of the professors I've had so far. All of the people I've met are so nice and student life here in Ashland is great! I just wish that the campus was a little bigger and there were more things to do off campus. I feel that if I want to go off campus to do anything like shop or go out to dinner I have to drive so far. But, overall Ashland is a great place to go to school and I'm very glad I decided to come here.
    Read 690 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,201 Net Price
    • 960-1180 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Middletown, CT
    • 693 reviews
    #17 Best College Food in America

    Junior: I LOVE this school! Couldn't be happier with my choice to come here. The students are incredible - everyone is interested in such a wide range of subjects and activities and they're all so passionate about what they're doing! I have friends who are chem majors who also star in plays, film majors who are also varsity athletes, bio majors who are in mock trial, etc. Everyone feels free to be themselves and do what they love and it's such an awesome environment to be a part of.
    Read 693 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,251 Net Price
    • 1300-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. St. Olaf College

    • 4 Year
    • Northfield, MN
    • 704 reviews
    #18 Best College Food in America

    Freshman: St. Olaf College is an extremely competitive college to get into being one of the best institutions in Minnesota as well as nationally. St Olaf has a top notch Music Department and program that parallels prestigious conservatories with internationally touring Choirs, Bands and Orchestras. While the college is religiously affiliated , the school is liberal and accepting. The cafeteria is easily one of the best in the country and the campus is stunning and modern. Academic rigor is at a very high level and demands the very best of students. St Olaf College has been the right choice for me.
    Read 704 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 43% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,587 Net Price
    • 1150-1400 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  23. Cornell University

    • 4 Year
    • Ithaca, NY
    • 1,841 reviews
    #19 Best College Food in America

    Freshman: Prepare to work hard - especially if you're in STEM. As an engineering major my life here is a never ending cycle of attending classes, working in lab, engineering project team related work, doing homework and crashing/going to bed at 1-2AM. It may seem rough to the outsider but if you're coming from a challenging high school (as I did) its a relatively seamless transition and I am infinitely happier here at Cornell! There is constantly something new happening from the range of amazing speakers visiting, cool things your classmates are creating/doing, Ithaca's quirky charm, your eccentric professors , etc... I came here expecting the competition to be intense and thank goodness its not ; there's a sense of general comradery amongst engineers. The motto 'any person, any study' is really true. They have just about every major allowing allotting the opportunity to study a great variety of fields. Fair warning about Ithaca; it gets REALLY cold! Invest in a warm coat!
    Read 1,841 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 13% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,449 Net Price
    • 1390-1550 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  24. Pomona College

    • 4 Year
    • Claremont, CA
    • 371 reviews
    #20 Best College Food in America

    Sophomore: I'm only a sophomore, but I've gotten involved with research for all four semesters, received internship funding, had expenses for two conferences paid for, was actively involved in an award winning Mock Trial without any experience, and learned how to play the violin through free private music lessons. I've also been able to go to Los Angeles often for endless entertainment, natural beauty, and incredible eats. This place may be tiny, but it is bustling with opportunity. The academic experience is robust, with professors who love to teach and peers who love to learn. The Claremont Colleges add so much depth, and each is distinctive enough to venture out to and seek out new perspective. I had my choice of attending a world-renowned university over here, but I could see the difference in how the undergraduates were valued. The only thing I wish were different was the lack of name brand- Pomona is so unknown by most! Still, if you are willing to work hard, you can go anywhere from here.
    Read 371 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,427 Net Price
    • 1370-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. Liberty University

    • 4 Year
    • Lynchburg, VA
    • 6,817 reviews
    #21 Best College Food in America

    Graduate Student: I can't describe how helpful each and every employee with Liberty University has been to me during my application and enrollment process. I've been able to chat live with numerous individuals who've been nothing short of amazing. Each question I ask is answered promptly, and I've had lots of them! For someone going through the college application process alone, I've felt beyond supported by all employees I've had interactions with. Tuition is not only affordable, but their online program is exactly what I need since I work full-time. The flexibility is unmatched. I cannot thank Liberty University enough for making this chaotic and sometimes intimidating process nothing but smooth-sailing and enjoyable.
    Read 6,817 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 30% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,954 Net Price
    • 1040-1240 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. University of Oregon

    • 4 Year
    • Eugene, OR
    • 3,412 reviews
    #22 Best College Food in America

    Senior: University of Oregon is a great college for International Studies majors. I've been able to double major also in Italian with a minor in Non Profit Administration. They are great about accepting transfer credits and double dipping requirements, making it easy to study multiple disciplines in 4 years or less. We have a large population of international students and lots of campus jobs stem from that. You can get experience in your field and practice your language with natives every day. Best of all our Global Education department offers endless study abroad choices and international summer internships too. The opportunities are everywhere and they make it so easy!
    Read 3,412 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 83% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,100 Net Price
    • 1080-1270 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. Kennesaw State University

    • 4 Year
    • Kennesaw, GA
    • 3,789 reviews
    #23 Best College Food in America

    Junior: What I love about Kennesaw State University is the friendships you make during your time there. Although it is a big campus, there are so many friendly faces around to help guide you to the right classes. The professors are kind and very helpful when you have concerns of any kind. The one thing I would like for KSU to improve on is parking and class registration. Both of these things can be very stressful when you are about to start the new semester. I know myself and many others would appreciate if they came up with an easier way for each student to receive the classes they need at a more convenient time. There are some slots that are hard for most students to register for since they can be very late in the evening. Parking is also a nightmare because there aren't enough slots for everyone to park who actually do have parking passes. All in all, I believe this university is the best decision I made and would highly recommend it to any upcoming freshman!
    Read 3,789 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,929 Net Price
    • 1080-1240 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  30. Gustavus Adolphus College

    • 4 Year
    • Saint Peter, MN
    • 803 reviews
    #24 Best College Food in America

    Freshman: Gustavus is a fantastic place for an undergraduate degree. What attracted me most to the school was the strong community and support for all students. The professors really care your success, and they care about you as a person. Anyone on campus will refer you to the best place of help for what you need. The food is really good, as far as college cafeterias go. The campus is in a nice small town, 15 minutes from Mankato and one hour from the twin cities. There are lots of parks and nature to explore nearby, like Seven Mile Creek County Park (I went there on a class field trip!). My favorite place on campus is definitely the arboretum!
    Read 803 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,894 Net Price
    • 1080-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  31. Wheaton College - Illinois

    • 4 Year
    • Wheaton, IL
    • 598 reviews
    #25 Best College Food in America

    Freshman: Wheaton College is the perfect place for you if you're a Christian who is interested in serious academics from a Christ-centered perspective! While it is quite expensive (not surprising, given that it's a private college), Wheaton offers many scholarships and grants to its students. I'm an out-of-state student and I have two-thirds of my tuition covered by Wheaton!
    Read 598 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 85% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,021 Net Price
    • 1230-1410 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  32. Sponsored

    Roanoke College

    • 4 Year
    • Salem, VA
    • 697 reviews

    Sophomore: This college is so artsy, personal, and full of life. The professors are incredible, and many hold class outside a lot of the time! The campus is stunning and full of trees, the food is phenomenal, and the curriculum is unique and engaging. I waited for 5 years to attend school, because no college seemed worth the price. Once I found Roanoke, I didn't hesitate for a moment. It really is a family here, and full of the best people. I have grown so much in my first year here, and I am so excited for the growth ahead. Going to Roanoke College will be the best decision that you could make.
    Read 697 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 67% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,573 Net Price
    • 1040-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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