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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
    • 4,991 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 4,991 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 14% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,002 Net Price
    • 1290-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  2. Virginia Tech

    • 4 Year
    • Blacksburg, VA
    • 3,761 reviews
    #2 Best College Food in America

    Junior: As an engineering major, the education provided is superb (compared to what I have heard and seen fro other universities). Being a "Hokie" actually means something: the community here is Blacksburg is very strong and always behind each other. There are tons of clubs/activities to join so no matter what you're interested in, more than likely you can find a group of people who share that interest! All around, an amazing place to attend college. The education is difficult but worth it.
    Read 3,761 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,349 Net Price
    • 1180-1390 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  3. University of Massachusetts - Amherst

    • 4 Year
    • Amherst, MA
    • 3,431 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 3,431 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 60% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,740 Net Price
    • 1200-1390 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  4. Washington University in St. Louis

    • 4 Year
    • Saint Louis, MO
    • 1,438 reviews
    #4 Best College Food in America

    Graduate Student: I'm currently enrolled in the Masters of Legal Studies Program. I'm thoroughly enjoying this program. WashU offers a number of classes in various legal fields. I've taken courses in tort law, contracts, intellectual property law, legal negotiations, legal writing & legal procedures & court hearings. The Masters program is 100% online. The virtual experience is phenomenal. It's like being in an actual class, but at home. This program is very diverse. Through this program, I've connected with different students from Asia, Europe, Africa and the various parts of the United States. The professors are knowledgeable and professionally accomplished in the legal field. The program is fast paced, intriguing and fun. You can complete this program in one to two years. I started in January 2019 and I'm graduating in May 2020. CHOOSE WASHU! The investment is well worth it and WashU is one of the best law schools in the world.
    Read 1,438 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 15% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,931 Net Price
    • 1470-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  5. Bates College

    • 4 Year
    • Lewiston, ME
    • 354 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 354 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 18% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,113 Net Price
    • 1385-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  6. St. John Fisher College

    • 4 Year
    • Rochester, NY
    • 532 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 532 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 64% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,794 Net Price
    • 1080-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  7. California Baptist University

    • 4 Year
    • Riverside, CA
    • 2,530 reviews
    #7 Best College Food in America

    Graduate Student: I love how the staff is very approachable and understanding, they are willing to help their students succeed in every area possible. The courses are interesting helping students to stay engaged in their academics! They have amazon worship services that allows student to grow academically and spiritually. I am
    Currently a graduate student, and I wish I went to this school for my undergrad. I would
    Recommend this school for anyone looking to grow naturally, spiritually, and academically.
    Read 2,530 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 80% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,170 Net Price
    • 990-1200 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  8. University of San Diego

    • 4 Year
    • San Diego, CA
    • 1,828 reviews
    #8 Best College Food in America

    Niche User: I visited this campus over summer, and it is definitely my top choice for college! The buildings and scenery are beautiful. There is a great cafeteria and many housing options. Since this is a competitive school, the academics seem challenging yet rewarding. I also like the "change-maker" vibe of this university. Not only does USD want you to be successful in your career, it wants you to be successful in improving the world. The only downside of USD is how expensive it is. There are scholarships offered, yet you need to have a pretty high GPA and outstanding test scores in order to be considered for the merit ones. I hope that if I get accepted to and attend USD, it will be well worth my expenses; the positives of this campus definitely seem to outweigh the negatives!
    Read 1,828 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 53% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,931 Net Price
    • 1190-1360 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  9. St. Norbert College

    • 4 Year
    • De Pere, WI
    • 675 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 675 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,002 Net Price
    • 1030-1210 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  12. James Madison University

    • 4 Year
    • Harrisonburg, VA
    • 2,883 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 2,883 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,753 Net Price
    • 1120-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  13. Bowdoin College

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

    Freshman: The moment I stepped on Bowdoin's campus, I knew that it was going to be my home for the next four years. I am confident that I chose the right school for me. I feel like I'm flourishing in terms of my social and academic life; things are just happening for me here. My professors are wonderful, there's such a tight-knit community, and the people here are so nice. Bowdoin just cares about me!
    Read 681 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 10% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,831 Net Price
    • 1360-1510 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  14. University of Georgia

    • 4 Year
    • Athens, GA
    • 5,260 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 5,260 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 49% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,539 Net Price
    • 1240-1410 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  15. The Culinary Institute of America

    • 4 Year
    • Hyde Park, NY
    • 1,025 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 1,025 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 98% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,922 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  16. Hendrix College

    • 4 Year
    • Conway, AR
    • 460 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 460 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,732 Net Price
    • 1160-1390 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  17. Ashland University

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

    Sophomore: Ashland University has many different opportunities for all. Being an education major is great because you dive right in making you feel confident about becoming a teacher after graduation. Also, the food is amazing!
    Read 707 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,231 Net Price
    • 980-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  18. Wesleyan University

    • 4 Year
    • Middletown, CT
    • 696 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 696 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,236 Net Price
    • 1300-1480 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  19. St. Olaf College

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

    Freshman: For a lot of prospective students, the religious affiliation of this school puts them off, and I can say that I was skeptical about it myself, however, while the school is affiliated with the Lutheran Church it isn't overtly religious or forced onto you. The college is quite liberal and welcoming of students from different backgrounds and identities including LGBTQ+ students and other religions. Another thing that I have been pleasantly surprised with is downtown Northfield. To outsiders, it seems way too small and dreary when actually it's quite the contrary. There are the most wonderful quaint cafes and shops downtown that make for a nice break from academics or Saturday brunch with friends- my favorite cafe is "Goodbye Blue Monday". Being a vibrant college town, the social and party scene isn't limited or boring EVER because Carleton College is just across the river and the students from the two colleges get along well and have joint events.
    Read 714 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 50% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,894 Net Price
    • 1190-1410 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  22. Cornell University

    • 4 Year
    • Ithaca, NY
    • 1,870 reviews
    #19 Best College Food in America

    Sophomore: Cornell is an amazing blend of people from various cultures who have come to one place for the purpose of pursing an education. I come from a very small town in Maryland. Coming to Cornell has allowed me to experience different cultures in lots of new ways. However, I believe that Cornell could work on accepting people not only from diverse backgrounds, but also from various socioeconomic statuses. I am middle class. My father is a principle of and I am grateful to have a well-supported family. Many Cornell students are in top-earning families. Currently, I am taking a class called “Controversies About Inequality.” I have learned that Cornell accepts more students from the top 1% than they are from the bottom 1%, and this cycle continues. I would like to point out that Cornell is very aware of this issue and is taking steps towards leveling the playing field for both high and low income students. And the food is absolutely amazing here, so that’s a huge plus!
    Read 1,870 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,890 Net Price
    • 1390-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  23. Pomona College

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

    Freshman: Pomona students are so accomplished, but they are always so willing to help. The professors also really go out of their way to ensure that students feel supported. Graduate schools really know Pomona and the seniors are doing so many great things. The best part is that these seniors keep first years in the loop and are willing to share so much about their work. The atmosphere is intense in terms of academics, but the competition is against yourself!
    Read 375 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 8% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,988 Net Price
    • 1400-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  24. Liberty University

    • 4 Year
    • Lynchburg, VA
    • 6,967 reviews
    #21 Best College Food in America

    Freshman: The Christian community is incredible! The people on campus are the absolute most gracious, kind, and hospitable students around the country. The academics are rigorous and ensure a solid collegiate education. The professors are extremely gracious yet very good at what they do to effectively give students a solid overall education. The campus is very aesthetically pleasing, with many different housing options of all varieties. The food on campus allows for many diverse and wholesome options that provide students a vast array of solid choices. With a very active police department on campus, the student safety is never in question.
    Read 6,967 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 56% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,432 Net Price
    • 970-1200 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  25. University of Oregon

    • 4 Year
    • Eugene, OR
    • 3,502 reviews
    #22 Best College Food in America

    Freshman: The University of Oregon is a great school with ample funding, highly qualified staff, a great student body, and many clubs and extracurriculars to choose from. It is located in a small yet lovely town with lots of outdoor activities, beautiful hikes, and good dining spots to choose from. Students tend to feel supported by their mentors and peers. One drawback is that a majority of the funding goes toward athletics and STEM, so the great little humanities and arts programs are often left without sufficient funding. Expect a robust party scene, with loud nights on campus when the weather gets nicer. The best way to take advantage of the UO's resources is by getting involved, so put yourself out there!
    Read 3,502 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 83% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,939 Net Price
    • 1080-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  26. Kennesaw State University

    • 4 Year
    • Kennesaw, GA
    • 4,455 reviews
    #23 Best College Food in America

    Senior: As a student who has joined KSU in 2016, specifically in the Marietta campus, I can say that my overall experience has been filled with ease and purpose. I never had trouble when having to reach out to people or asking for help whenever I needed it. It's a fairly large campus with friendly staff members as well. Moreover, the courses that are provided for students come in variety of fruits and serves its purpose well. The professors I've had so far are majorly willing to help and are caring towards a student's education and path of success. In terms of the campus' security, it's fairly safe as there are police spread out in certain areas of the campus. The diversity of the college is also great, which is probably my favorite aspect about it, which made my experience easy and enjoyable. The food is pretty good too! Only wished that there were more highly rated food restaurants located in the center of the campus that way it'd become more accessible and desirable for students/teachers.
    Read 4,455 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 58% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,618 Net Price
    • 1080-1270 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  29. Gustavus Adolphus College

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

    Senior: Gustavus has been my home for the past four years. And like any home, it wasn't perfect but I always felt like I was loved and belonged here. This school provides students the opportunity to explore their interests and make genuine connections with their peers and professors. There is not one internship, research experience, or post-grad opportunity that I did not obtain without the help of a professor or staff member. Gustavus gives back to you what you put in and then some. As I mentioned, not everything is perfect and I am well aware of that. But I am proud to be at an institution that consistently asks what it can do to be better, and then goes a step further to make action plans to incite progress that was talked about. I wouldn't trade the experience of being a Gustie for anything, it has shaped my world view and pushed me to be the best version of myself. Go Gusties!
    Read 819 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 66% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,906 Net Price
    • 1080-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  30. Wheaton College - Illinois

    • 4 Year
    • Wheaton, IL
    • 607 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 607 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 83% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,162 Net Price
    • 1210-1420 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare

  31. University of New Hampshire

    • 4 Year
    • Durham, NH
    • 2,625 reviews
    #26 Best College Food in America

    Sophomore: UNH is where I met some of the most incredible people. I've found my best friends, a group of 9 crazy, caffeine-loving, science geeks just like me. There is a group of people on campus for everyone, which is one of the things I love the most. Not only have I met my best friends, but I have met my mentors, became close with professors (which I never thought was really possible) and I have a job I love more than anything else in the world. If your biggest concern about picking a school is fit, this one will fit you no matter what (unless you're not a fan of the cold!). The academics here are very good, and all programs have incredible research opportunities. I have never had a class that was a waste of time or one in which I didn't learn something valuable. Class sizes are large, but that's part of attending a school as big as UNH. I hope you come to love UNH as much as I do!
    Read 2,625 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Campus Food
    • 77% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,694 Net Price
    • 1090-1270 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?|Compare
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