2024 Best College Food in America

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  5,583 reviews

Alum: It was amazing! I came to UCLA as a 3rd year transfer student meaning I had more perks than some of those who came in as freshmen. The housing I did off-campus apartment dorms which was amazing. They are like luxury apartments with plenty of space for roommates with open kitchens and fully furnished. The campus has a strong sense of community and it's easy to find friends and people you can connect with both in and out of your majors and initial interests. The college town Westwood is built against Beverly Hills and close to Rhodeo Drive, meaning it's not uncommon to spot a celebrity here and there. The local theaters host recarpets and UCLA students are often given entry to the premiers. the professors in my major (Art History) were some of the kindest and most interesting people I will have the pleasure to meet. My only issue is the workload, if you get overwhelmed easily, it's not the school for you. The quarter system is a monster for any major.... Read 5,583 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $13,393

• SAT range —

• Amherst, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  5,405 reviews

Sophomore: I really enjoy the social aspect of the University of Massachusetts. Since it’s such a big school, it’s an amazing way to meet new people and create great college experiences. Another positive is the food provided at Umass, as it is recognized as #1 in college dining. There is great variety and you can definitely get your moneys worth with the meal plan! The only negative I’ve found with the time I’ve spent at this university is the big classes. Of course this depends on your major, but majority of the classes at UMass consist of 200-300 people; very big lectures. It makes learning complex topics even harder and often times the professor push a lot of their responsibility onto the TA’s (student teaching assistants). While some times these extra help opportunities can be helpful, it’s hard to find the time to actually attend these sessions, especially when working a job or trying to balance other classes. Overall, the University of Massachusetts is a great option.... Read 5,405 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $17,291

• SAT range 1250-1460

• Blacksburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  4,156 reviews

Sophomore: I have partaken in multiple clubs throughout my semesters here at Virginia Tech where I was able to develop leadership skills that I would have never thought to gain. Out of all the extracurriculars I have partook in, there are a couple I would like to speak upon that greatly impacted my leadership expertise which I can carry onto my future positions. Due to these activities, I took place in, I was able to get the Residential Well-being Student Leader position for the fall and other great opportunities I am grateful for. The leadership opportunities that I took part in include English Language Learner (ELL) Tutor, Sunday School Substitute teacher, and Hokie Health Advisor for the American Medical Student Association (AMSA). Overall the experience at Virginia Tech is amazing!... Read 4,156 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $20,109

• SAT range 1210-1410

• Riverside, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.14 out of 5  2,901 reviews

Freshman: I am not a party person so I am enjoying it here! Outside of parties, there are plenty of things to do, and I love that the school tries to get students involved in college life! Riverside often feels a little sketchy, but I do not worry about such things on campus. I love how understanding the professors are; they are always willing to listen and give different opportunities for you to try your best. The food can get a bit repetitive but there are different options so it is always nice being able to grab something different. I love the people I have met here and I am enjoying my time here!... Read 2,901 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $23,494

• SAT range 990-1210

• Rochester, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  606 reviews

Freshman: St. John Fisher University has been a great experience for me so far! If you are looking to become a nurse, Fisher's nursing program is amazing! I would recommend Fisher to any student aspiring to become a nurse. The community is great here as well! There are so many opportunities to get involved on campus and many clubs worth joining. Fisher is also rated #1 in New York State for college food. In my opinion, I love the variety of food the staff at my school is able to serve to students. There is lots of variety and they make special treats on holidays. Lastly, if you're looking for a smaller college community where all of your professors get to know you, I would definitely recommend St. John Fisher University!... Read 606 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $27,325

• SAT range 1110-1270

• De Pere, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  761 reviews

Senior: If you are looking for a close knit and safe community, St Norbert is a good choice. Safety was never a concern for me in my four years here. Additionally, the surrounding area is a good are for a student who wants some excitement without the overwhelming atmosphere of most large cities. The professors are a highlight of the campus. In my four years, I never once had a professor that did not work directly with students. TA's never taught classes. All classes were taught directly by professors who actively worked with students to help them succeed, especially in higher level courses. Food options here are a large pro as well. Not only is the cafeteria food remarkably better than other college dining options, the choices are varied and even have dedicated spaces for students with allergies and other dietary restrictions.... Read 761 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $27,107

• SAT range 1100-1280

• Lewiston, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  403 reviews

Freshman: My first year at Bates has been wonderful for the most part. Excellent professors, excellent community and culture, excellent facilities. My only complaints are with the housing and the STEM department being understaffed. The dorm I live in is rarely cleaned and the lack of professors for STEM makes it very hard to get Chem or Bio classes you want.... Read 403 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 17%

• Net price $26,231

• SAT range 1385-1460

• Harrisonburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  3,227 reviews

Alum: I had a great experience at JMU. I was a kinesiology major and all the professors were amazing! definitely felt cared for by my professors and they were always willing to take the time to answer my many questions. As for general education professors, they could be hit or miss, but overall very attentive to the student's education. I was never into the party scene, but that is big here with greek and non-greek life. There is always a party going on, if you are into that, and other campus events on the weekends or club events. Sports are getting bigger here since we have entered the Sunbelt league. Once you find the right community, this place will feel like home. Whether that is a club you join, academic peers, or an outside community, there is something for everyone. I started at JMU the year before COVID hit, so I was all in-person and then all online. Now with things back to normal, it is all in person, but they give access to recordings for extra studying, which is nice.... Read 3,227 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $18,528

• SAT range 1140-1310

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,958 reviews

Sophomore: I have really enjoyed the small classes sizes here at San Diego. It is very nice to be able to go into office hours and talk to my professors. However, at the same time, the school does not feel too small. It is a very nice balance of a small community, but not too small. I have also found it nice to be on a liberal arts campus. As an engineering student, I interact with similar people every day, so it is nice to have friends in other majors, that I had the chance to meet in my required liberals classes. University of San Diego is one of the only liberal arts schools with an engineering program. I have benefitted a lot from balancing my highly technical classes with liberal arts classes. The balanced program is truly making me a more well rounded student and person. Additionally, I have heard from potential employers and recruiters that they appreciate the fact that engineering students at the University of San Diego graduate with both an BA and BS in engineering.... Read 1,958 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $34,155

• SAT range 1190-1370

• Miami, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  7,500 reviews

Other: Florida International University is a fantastic setting for growth and education. FIU provides a really engaging experience, from its energetic campus culture to its committed teachers and diverse student body. The university offers countless chances for students to succeed academically and personally because of its dedication to innovation and community involvement. Whether it's exploring Miami's stunning surroundings or getting lost in cutting-edge research, FIU offers a nurturing atmosphere that promotes achievement and creates enduring relationships. Selecting FIU is about more than just getting a degree; it's about committing to an exciting and motivating journey towards a better future. Panthers, go!... Read 7,500 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 64%

• Net price $9,398

• SAT range 1060-1240

• Athens, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  5,776 reviews

Senior: Going to UGA was the best decision I could have made! It is a great combination between academics and a social scene. I felt like there was always something to do, but there also wasn't immense pressure to go with the crowd. The campus is beautiful with many places to study and hang out with friends. Athens as a whole has also been so much fun to live in. It was more of a small town that I originally expected, but I learned to love its charm. As for academics, I have found great mentorship from my professors, and I have genuinely enjoyed every program I have gotten involved in on campus. There is a lot of freedom to explore different majors and take courses outside of your direct line of study. I always felt challenged but never like I was being given impossible work.... Read 5,776 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 40%

• Net price $16,902

• SAT range 1270-1450

• Kennesaw, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  5,077 reviews

Senior: I really enjoy attending kSU. They have such great professors provided that help to teach and push students. The professors genuinely care about all their students success and try their best to help you. The school provides many different opportunities and experiences for students of all majors. KSU cultivates a very diverse student body and it is seen in the classrooms and all around campus. Although, like every school, KSU has its problems, they are working to better the campus, facilities, and community so that students can have the best possible experience. I would highly recommended KSU if you are unsure and looking for a school to attend!... Read 5,077 reviews

• grade B

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 82%

• Net price $18,245

• SAT range 1050-1250

• Ithaca, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  2,073 reviews

Alum: Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Cornell University. I was within the Policy Analysis and Management Department. Our courses were rigorous, but our professors encouraged collaboration with our peers through group papers, presentation, and problem sets. In addition, my peers were often happy and excited to work together. Outside of the PAM department, I was heavily involved with the Einhorn Center for Community-Engagement. Through my role at the Center, I really learned how to integrate community-engagement within my classes and professional work. I found that Cornell had many opportunities for students to engage with the Greater Ithaca community.... Read 2,073 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $24,262

• SAT range 1450-1560

• Eugene, OR•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  3,751 reviews

Sophomore: I really enjoy the tapestry of opportunities offered here at the UO. So many students majoring in so many different things, it feels like this school as something to offer academically to each student. The campus really is beautiful, and it was amazing to see its beauty when spring finally hit Oregon. It is a very clean and safe environment, many places to sit outside and many places to study too! I do recognize the lack of diversity among students and staff at UO. I would like to see the university take more initiative to improve their diversity (possibly through better financial aid for marginalized communities), and create a safe and inclusive environment for a diverse staff body.... Read 3,751 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 93%

• Net price $18,556

• SAT range 1090-1290

• Conway, AR•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  500 reviews

Alum: It was a life-changing experience that inspired me to the best I can be both academically and professionally. Hendrix College professors are passionate, determined, and experts in their fields. They are their to support you and your goals, even many years after graduating from Hendrix!... Read 500 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $9,968

• SAT range 1090-1340

• Durham, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  1,206 reviews

Alum: Overall I highly recommend Duke University as an Undergraduate university because the sense of community is unbeatable and the professors are willing and able to help their students prosper. The athletics and school pride is shown often and proves to create community and garner relationships for a lifetime. One thing I would like to change about Duke University is the dorm situation. I think some dorms need to be remodeled. While many dorms are in the process of being remodeled and upgraded, it seems the school is not focused on making living situations better for all dorms, so I think one main place of improvement is living situations.... Read 1,206 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $27,297

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Dayton, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  1,481 reviews

Freshman: The University of Dayton is a great mid-sized private university. They talk a lot about community and they mean it. Everywhere I go on campus I see people I know and everyone is very friendly and helpful. The food is great, and there are lots of options on campus and off. Sporting events are free with the exception of football and basketball, but very affordable. Professors are approachable. Tutoring is available and included with your tuition. It is a perfect fit for me.... Read 1,481 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $29,933

• SAT range 1130-1330

• Allentown, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.57 out of 5  509 reviews

Junior: Muhlenberg College is a small but lovely undergraduate liberal arts college. The campus itself is a bit small, but that has always been a positive to me because I like the personable nature of the school. Also, everything is within walking distance, which makes commute to class/events pretty easy. The dining hall is ranked number one in PA, and very highly nationally as well, so the food is one of the major positives of the campus. In terms academics, Muhlenberg has a very strong theater program, though they are well staffed in other fields as well, providing a plethora of different majors and minors to students. The professors are great and work really hard to foster an inclusive environment. They are always happy to meet with you outside of class, and the small class sizes allow you to build more personal relationships with peers and instructors, which is ultimately one of my favorite aspects of the school. Overall, I had a very positive experience here at Muhlenberg.... Read 509 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $30,920

• SAT range 1200-1370

• Lynchburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.13 out of 5  8,332 reviews

Graduate Student: I have had a wonderful experience in the Counselor Education & Supervision PhD program at Liberty! My program started as intensive based, but because of the pandemic, we online met online. I loved the time we had in the intensives (week only in-class instruction each semester). I had fabulous professors that really focused on our strengths and built us up rather than tear us down. Don’t get me wrong, they were fair in their assessments of us as students. The program was rigorous, accredited, and focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Yes, it’s Christian based, but all are welcome and the focus is not shoving Christianity down someone’s throat or beating people over the head with the Bible till they believe. The program I was in was fair, objective, personal, and followed counseling ethics set forth by the American Counseling Association.... Read 8,332 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 99%

• Net price $27,891

• SAT range 1040-1250

• Bristol, RI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  1,041 reviews

Sophomore: As a commuter at Roger Williams University, I've noticed a commendable effort by the institution to foster inclusivity and a sense of belonging among commuters. Unlike some other universities where a division between commuters and residents may exist, RWU has taken proactive steps to eliminate such distinctions. The university organizes various activities, including sports events and community gatherings, aimed at bringing together students from all backgrounds to foster camaraderie and collaboration. Furthermore, the faculty at RWU exemplify a commitment to creating a personalized and engaging learning environment. Each professor demonstrates enthusiasm, involvement, and a genuine desire to assist students in surpassing their academic goals. Their collective dedication ensures that students receive individualized attention and support, contributing to a fulfilling educational experience for all.... Read 1,041 reviews

• grade C+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $36,537

• SAT range —

• Phoenix, AZ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.17 out of 5  10,344 reviews

Sophomore: Love my dorm, love my classes. Wish it was less cliquey! There are tons of fun things to do but seems like alot of people from Colorado and Arizona go as a low cost solution which creates a lot of cliques. When you are new and shy, you feel like everyone knows each other except you. Once you start making friends, you realize alot mote people are like you rather than already in a clique. GCU has some amazing resources for many majors and specialty groups. There are amazing recording studios for music majors. The state of the art medical facilities and huge gaming facilities. I feel safe on campus but it's scary to venture out due to the surroundings areas. Alot of drug and homelessness. You learn where to go and where to avoid fairly quick. However you really don't need to leave campus much except for church & grocery shopping and toiletries because everything on campus is really expensive. The cost of food has gone up tremendously this year so having extras in your dorm helps!... Read 10,344 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $21,644

• SAT range —

• Denton, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  6,210 reviews

Alum: To start with what I liked...The UNT campus is GORGEOUS. In the fall, all the trees turn to beautiful orange and yellow colors. In the spring, there's bluebonnets all over campus. Overall, life at UNT is wonderful. The rec center is awesome. It has a rock climbing wall and a lazy river in the pool, along with a beach volleyball court out back. Dining halls offer lots of variety of food, but the Union also has a ton of options too. Professors were there for you, and wanted to see you succeed. All sporting events are free for students! If you want a diverse campus with lots of different people and cultures, UNT is the place. Now for things I would like to see changed...Housing isn't awful, just well loved. I know that dorms are being improved year after year, but the older dorms on campus could use some TLC. Parking! It was awful when I went, so what they need to change is not overselling parking permits - especially for the commuter lots.... Read 6,210 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 81%

• Net price $11,915

• SAT range 1010-1240

• Saint Louis, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  1,572 reviews

Sophomore: I am a sophomore at WashU. The depth of the education and the number of opportunities (if you seek them) can be life-changing. The business school is super good at hosting recruitment events if your interested in business careers, and the academics ARE HARD -- You will do a lot of work. CS department could be stronger; premed/ bio/chem/pre-law deps / olin are excellent. The undergraduate student body is tight-knit and mostly extremely friendly. People are very smart but not obnoxious or entitled. Campus life is great because many of the undergrads (freshmen, sophomores, and some juniors) live on campus. The housing is excellent, and many students have kitchens on campus. St Louis is certainly not a luxury city (i.e. NY or LA) but does have good restaurants (DRIVE NOT WALK AWAY) and a cheap cost of living (concerts are usually way cheaper). It is way better than being in the woods, but not the bestest place. The school has partially impeded on the fun with their attack on greek life.... Read 1,572 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $28,298

• SAT range 1490-1570

• Waterbury, CT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.26 out of 5  961 reviews

Sophomore: I believe that Post University's holistic approach to education, combined with its emphasis on practical experience and networking, will play a pivotal role in helping me achieve my goals in Business Management. I chose Post University for its strong Business Management online program. Post University's emphasis on real-world applications in its curriculum aligns with my desire for hands-on learning. My near future goal is to gain a comprehensive understanding of business strategies and leadership skills. My goal in majoring in Business Management is to acquire a comprehensive understanding of strategic business operations and effective leadership. I aim to develop practical skills that will enable me to contribute meaningfully to the business side of healthcare, fostering growth and innovation. Ultimately, I aspire to take on leadership roles and make a positive impact in the dynamic world of business in regard to healthcare.... Read 961 reviews

• grade C

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $22,328

• SAT range —

• Providence, RI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  354 reviews

Alum: Rhode Island School of Design was the best college experience, in my opinion. I graduated almost 20 years ago before most of the school was focused on digital processes and computers, so there was a lot of camaraderie and community building. I don't know if it is the same today, but it could be. I immediately met a group of friends on my first day of school, and we have been friends ever since. I feel so lucky to have connected with them. One of the biggest things I would like to see change is for RISD to be much more diverse. There wasn't a lot of diversity at the school when I was there. I would like to see more BIPOC students in the classrooms. The other change I would like to see is that RISD didn't offer many scholarships at the time. There were very few opportunities for people who could not afford the school, even with financial aid, to receive monetary support. I found this disappointing, especially since RISD has billionaire alums.... Read 354 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 19%

• Net price $38,234

• SAT range 1310-1480