2024 Colleges with the Best Student Life in America

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  5,513 reviews

Junior: I came into UCLA as a transfer student and immediately joined the transfer summer program. The support I received from the program was incredible. I was able to form a community, make new friends, and explore the seemingly endless opportunities UCLA has to offer. Within the first month, I had an opportunity to join a physics lab. This is something that I wanted to do since I began my college journey. To be able to have this opportunity at UCLA is something that I have only dreamt of until now. Additionally, the people that you meet here at UCLA are all incredible and smart in their own ways. I have met tons of ambitious students with their own unique goals and career aspirations. It seems like this is a place filled with endless opportunity!... Read 5,513 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $13,393

• SAT range —

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  3,993 reviews

Sophomore: So far I have not started my sophomore year as I am transferring from Pepperdine University. However, from what I have heard, seen, and experienced from USC is that it gives students the opportunity to explore their creative and intellectual sides simultaneously. I recently attended a transfer orientation session and it was filled with school spirit and gave us transfer students an opportunity to connect with the school as well as with other transfers. This orientation was packed with exciting events that truly made each person who attended eager to get on campus in August. USC offers many different programs along with a variety of specific classes and clubs. I am excited to see how this year goes and I am looking forward to joining the many opportunities that USC offers their students!... Read 3,993 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $26,021

• SAT range 1410-1540

• Athens, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  5,699 reviews

Alum: UGA is definitely a large, State University which was a fit for me since I was unsure as to what career path I was initially interested in. So many choices! But it gets much smaller and intimate over time as you get through the core classes and begin to specialize. I joined a fraternity while I was there, but you certainly don't need to be a part of Greek life to find a multitude of social opportunities. It's very easy to make friends at UGA. The sports are amazing and the academics continue to strengthen as the years go by. There really aren't any obvious weaknesses to discuss. The only thing I will say is that the number of students is stressing the available infrastructure in terms of parking and housing. If UGA will focus on increasing the number of dorm rooms and parking spaces then it would help a lot. And this can be accomplished in a very thoughtful way so as not to diminish the beauty and walkability of the campus.... Read 5,699 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 40%

• Net price $16,902

• SAT range 1270-1450

• Ann Arbor, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  4,606 reviews

Senior: This is a fabulous choice school for someone looking to truly have the social and academic life balance, such as I am. This environment is more than suitable even for those who are dedicated wholeheartedly either side of that social-academic spectrum- though the opportunities for growth and exploration in each regard are something I refuse to believe can be found on any other campus. The professors are renowned in their respective fields, if not the world, and are advisable, inspiring, generous (most of the time), and constructors of some of the most effective and informative curriculums I can imagine. What is most imperative to emphasize is that exponential emotional, academic, and professional development occurs for every person. If you have faced adversity in the past or are entering college first-gen like me, attending UM will open your eyes, open doors, and change your life past in the best way while you overcome challenges you never thought you could. But it's definitely hard!... Read 4,606 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $19,205

• SAT range 1340-1520

• New Haven, CT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  1,033 reviews

Sophomore: Yale has been a fun and enjoyable experience overall. I would definitely choose Yale again if I had to re-do my college application. Academics: some departments are better taught than other departments. Yale can be weaker in CS and Math compared to other universities, but most alums are still very successful. Like most colleges, there is a lot of independent learning and there are numerous resources to help you. The environment is not competitive unless premed. Social life: Yale has an AMAZING social life compared to other universities of equal caliber. There is always something going on and you can be as social as you want. Social life is nonexistent during midterm season. There are parties, frats, concerts, woads, club formals, and many other events. Sports: Not a big sports school but many students are involved in club sports. Yale dining is delicious and healthy!... Read 1,033 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 5%

• Net price $20,605

• SAT range 1480-1580

• Tallahassee, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  7,543 reviews

Sophomore: Florida State University has offered an incredibly positive, educational experience for me thus far. I've made several friends in my major and have had nothing but successful and beneficial interactions with me professors and peers. There is still a lot I'm learning about my checklist and goals for my career path which I've especially enjoyed. Learning to network and get out of my comfort zone socially to discover more about my educational and post graduation plans has opened up several opportunities for me that I never would've thought possible before coming to FSU. I can't wait for all the future experiences and opportunities that are still yet to come for me here!... Read 7,543 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 37%

• Net price $12,684

• SAT range 1180-1340

• Tuscaloosa, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  4,726 reviews

Freshman: Known for its excellence in teaching and research, the University of Alabama was on the list of Best Employers for New Graduates 2022. Read on to find out the top 5 reasons for applying to this university! University of Alabama, Birmingham Founded in 1831, the University of Alabama is a student-centered research institute spread across a 1200-acre campus in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It is known as the center of excellence across many academic, research, and service areas and is the oldest and largest public university in the state. There are tons of reasons why students should consider studying at this university — from small class sizes and incredible campus facilities to award-winning faculty and high-paying job opportunities. Here are our top 5. magical campus The University of Alabama offers a complete educational, cultural, and social experience to its students. magical campus The University of Alabama offers a complete educational, cultural, and social experience to its... Read 4,726 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $21,263

• SAT range 1070-1370

• Nashville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  1,339 reviews

Alum: I graduated summa cum laude from Vanderbilt University in 2021 with a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience. I primarily chose to attend Vandy for its academic prowess, and it definitely lived up to that reputation. In retrospect, I loved the majority of my STEM classes, and I find that my education was well-rounded because of my required liberal arts classes. The campus is beautiful, the food is relatively good, and on-campus housing is average. Admittedly, I was excited to live off-campus for my last two years (but beware - living in Nashville is not cheap). Socially, I had a great time at Vandy, especially thanks to the liveliness of Nashville, but sadly not due to Vanderbilt sports - this is not their strong suit. I met lifelong friends at this school! Realistically, however, many students do come from wealthy backgrounds, which can be off-putting at times. Ultimately, while undeniably expensive, Vanderbilt is a great school that will certainly work to your advantage after graduation.... Read 1,339 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $27,553

• SAT range 1480-1570

• Santa Barbara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  4,685 reviews

Junior: My experience at the University of California - Santa Barbara (UCSB) was truly incredible! From the moment I stepped foot on the beautiful coastal campus, I knew I was in for an amazing adventure. The combination of fun and learning at UCSB was beyond comparison. Academically, UCSB exceeded my expectations. The university is renowned for its rigorous programs across various disciplines, and the faculty members are top-notch. The courses were intellectually stimulating, challenging me to expand my knowledge and think critically.... Read 4,685 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $17,333

• SAT range 1230-1460

• Norman, OK•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  3,182 reviews

Freshman: This is an amazing school! I have met so many unique people here and as an out of state student, everyone is so welcoming. Greek life is pretty popular, but there is still tons to do if that is not your scene. The university does a great job at holding on campus events to get freshmen and honestly anyone involved! I am a nursing major and will say that the chemistry department is slightly lacking in terms of having professors that can adequately teach such rigorous courses. There are ways to get extra assistance though which is very helpful if you actually use it. The dorms are pretty average. The towers definitely have mold in them and provide your average dorm experience, whereas Cross is more of an apartment style dorm. I lived in the towers and loved every crazy moment of it! Overall, The University of Oklahoma is an amazing school and I’d recommend it to anyone that is even slightly interested.... Read 3,182 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $22,022

• SAT range 1150-1340

• Austin, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  6,678 reviews

Senior: I've had an amazing experience at UT. Pursuing a career in journalism, it's an honor to be studying at one of the best journalism programs in the world! I've learned so much from such amazing and accomplished journalists, and I've been able to grow my knowledge and journalistic writing and center in on exactly what path I want to go down in journalism. Along with that, I've been able to pursue other academic interests of mine through pursuing an additional degree in sociology and a certificate in human rights and social justice. I've been able to broaden my knowledge on the issues that plague marginalized communities around the world and through this I've been able to strengthen my reporting and story telling as a journalist. I've also completed four internships throughout my time at the university, and will be studying abroad in the fall! I've grown and gained so much during my time here, and I can't wait to see how much I'll learn and grow during my last year.... Read 6,678 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $16,589

• SAT range 1230-1500

• Charlottesville, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  2,378 reviews

Alum: Overall, great education with some mishaps due to COVID and online learning. Positive atmosphere, very inclusive. I would like to see a change in how the grading system is designed - a-lot of my classes (mostly STEM) allowed students to fail and then curved everyones grades and I would rather the material be taught correctly and more comprehensively and have no curve needed at all. Loved the liberal arts classes I got to take! Lots of engaging discussions. The grounds around campus are absolutely beautiful and very well kept. There are tons of amazing places to study and relax.... Read 2,378 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 21%

• Net price $20,401

• SAT range 1380-1500

• Madison, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  3,403 reviews

Freshman: The student life here is amazing, and it's clear the university wants its students to feel comfortable on campus. TA's and professors have been mostly receptive to emails and eager to help out when needed. The location and surrounding resources are valuable and easy to take advantage of as a student. I wish professors were better equipped to use canvas or some other teaching website. Also, there should be a standardized attendance app or website that is used by all teachers rather than having to download two or three separate applications in a semester depending on which professors you have. Overall, a great experience!... Read 3,403 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $13,484

• SAT range 1320-1500

• Auburn, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  2,535 reviews

Freshman: Auburn University is a great state university! There are plenty of opportunities to explore campus and make connections. Every year they have over a month’s worth of freshman related events to go to, it’s very welcoming. Advisors are friendly and I have had no problems with my professors. Study and you will get the most out of your classes, though Auburn has plenty of free tutoring/aid for students as well! The only things that have been a problem are parking and housing. I live off campus, but I have heard about the hygiene of on some on campus buildings being below par. Parking is also extremely limited, and there is a lot of construction going on in Auburn. There’s nothing wrong with the academia itself, but be prepared to take extra time to park in designated areas and walk to classes. Investing in a scooter or bike may be wise, but arranging your schedule to be manageably walkable also works. AU is very thorough with campus safety so the only issue there is extra exercise.... Read 2,535 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 71%

• Net price $23,873

• SAT range 1150-1320

• Gainesville, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  7,983 reviews

Sophomore: The student organizations, resources for students, and variety of courses is incredible. Every day I discover a new opportunity for professional and personal growth and the resources for mental and physical health are phenomenal. The fitness centers on campus have classes, personal training, and top notch equipment. There are so many ways to get involved and a club for EVERY interest, both personal and professional. My only complaints are that the advisors can be hit or miss. Some advisors are incredible and give you a breath of information and provide you with a ton of resources but some advisors left me with more questions than answers. Some of the professors are amazing and passionate and the reason why I changed my major to economics. On the other hand some professors were so incredibly bad that I changed my major to something outside of their discipline. Some professors courses are incredibly unorganized and were more about them showing off than helping students. Great school!... Read 7,983 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 30%

• Net price $9,809

• SAT range 1300-1470

• University Park, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  7,472 reviews

Alum: I love nearly everything about this school! The sports are great, there are major entertainment events, art and religion are honored, there are over 1,000 student organizations, and I have had incredible professors consistently throughout my years (although peers in other majors did not always say this). In the area, there is hiking, skiing, several summer festivals, several thrift stores, and a high proportion of restaurants with different ethnic cuisines. Recommendation for change are prioritizing updates to dorm buildings and increasing accessibility to groceries downtown, as this is where a large number of students live (without their cars). It has many international students, but is otherwise limited in diversity. It mostly reflects the state/region, so I do not see this as something that necessarily needs to change.... Read 7,472 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $26,151

• SAT range 1160-1360

• Columbus, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  5,779 reviews

Sophomore: Ohio State University is a college that focuses on job opportunities and athletics, and its degree requirements for students reflects that. Many professors are either very professional or have no teaching experience whatsoever, and it is a guess as to which one you'll receive half of the time. Campus events and community are great though, and there are plenty of groups to get involved with if you're interested in any subject. Although there are some instances of crime around campus, very rarely does any serious crime happen on campus grounds. The university has plenty of support and equipment for athletes as well, so if you are interested in any form of athletics, feel free to enroll into The Ohio State University!... Read 5,779 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $19,474

• SAT range 1250-1440

• Cambridge, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.16 out of 5  659 reviews

Freshman: Studying at the MIT has been an enlightening and enriching journey. The opportunity to learn from some of the most distinguished professors and work with bright, ambitious peers is unparalleled. The curriculum is rigorous and challenging, which I appreciate as it pushes students to their intellectual limits. MIT's focus on combining theory with practical application is particularly engaging. For example, not only did I learn the theory behind machine learning algorithms, but I also got to implement these algorithms to solve real-world problems. This hands-on approach is what sets MIT apart from many other institutions. Furthermore, MIT's culture of innovation and entrepreneurship is highly motivating. The environment encourages students to think outside the box, fostering an innovative mindset. It's also commonplace for undergraduates to work in research labs, contributing to groundbreaking advancements in various fields.... Read 659 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $30,958

• SAT range 1510-1580

• Coral Gables, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  3,018 reviews

Freshman: I'm having a great time at UM! Move-in is phenomenal; the school provides professional movers to help families unload their vehicles and get students' belongings to the rooms. Orientation programming is fun and includes a variety of activities for students and parents. Class registration for engineering students is completely stress-free. On top of it all, classes are going well. If I had to do all over again, UM would still be my #1 choice.... Read 3,018 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 28%

• Net price $34,492

• SAT range 1300-1460

• Blacksburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  4,099 reviews

Junior: Virginia Tech is a wonderful academic institution. Where most schools excel in either academics or the college experience, VT is strong in both areas. The surrounding area is also very involved with Virginia Tech. While I have been at multiple colleges, I have returned to VT to finish my bachelor's and complete my master's degree! Take one visit and you will understand why everyone is so proud to be a Hokie. Be sure to also check out the dining halls. Virginia Techs' dining halls are incredible with the friendliest staff you could imagine! The culture at Virginia Tech is Work hard play hard! Students are self-motivated and are always willing to lend a helping hand. Come Friday night, the campus turns into the ultimate social hub. Most classmates of mine only left campus during the holiday breaks, as VT has everything you could want or need while on campus!... Read 4,099 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $20,109

• SAT range 1210-1410

• Houston, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.08 out of 5  1,109 reviews

Junior: I came into Rice as a transfer student this past semester. I'm happy to say I've found a place where I feel completely welcomed and appreciated. This is where I was meant to be. I am academically challenged and my curiosity is constantly mirrored in my classmates/friends. The conversations are fun and the people are genuine. Don't think that you can't apply because of how competitive it looks. They really practice the holistic approach and if you bring your unique story, passion, and perspective you have a shot. I didn't have perfect test scores, but I had a great work ethic and passion for what I do. If you want a home away from home- highly recommend!... Read 1,109 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $18,521

• SAT range 1490-1570

• University , MS•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  2,226 reviews

Freshman: The University of Mississippi, also called Ole Miss, has been an amazing experience for me so far. I've only been in the university for about two months, and in that short period of time, I've been able to do many things. I especially love the very high quality of the professors. They've exceeded every single one of my expectations, and I really enjoy attending their classes! I've also had a really great experience with the International Student & Scholar Services; they're staff has worked hard to ensure that I get everything I need as an international student. The campus is really beautiful, and everything seems to blend in pretty well. There's also a great sports scene if you're into that! Of course, there are some things that could use some work, such as the quality of housing and the variety of food options offered on campus. However, the positives far outweight the negatives, and I feel very satisfied with my experience as of now. I totally recommend attending this university!... Read 2,226 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $13,528

• SAT range 1020-1230

• Orlando, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  22,200 reviews

Freshman: I am an early admittance student slated to begin my journey as a college freshman during my senior year of high school at UCF starting in August of 2023. My experience has been incredibly positive so far beginning with my initial tour of the campus, through the application and acceptance process and lastly checking off my "to do" checklist in order to be ready for orientation. Every campus employee that I have encountered has been welcoming, encouraging and informative which has alleviated much of the pressure of being a first time college student! I highly recommend this institution of higher education!... Read 22,200 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 36%

• Net price $11,575

• SAT range 1170-1350

• Stanford, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,265 reviews

Niche User: As a former student of Stanford University, I can say with confidence that it was an incredible experience. The campus is absolutely beautiful, with stunning architecture and sprawling gardens that make for a peaceful and serene environment to study in. The professors were all experts in their fields and incredibly knowledgeable. They pushed us to think critically and creatively, challenging us to go beyond the textbook and truly understand the material. The classes were engaging and interactive, with lots of opportunities for discussion and collaboration. One thing that stood out to me about Stanford was the emphasis on interdisciplinary studies. The university encourages students to explore different fields and take classes outside of their major, which I found to be incredibly valuable. It allowed me to broaden my knowledge and perspectives, and I still use the skills I learned in those classes today. This university is amazing and extremely beneficial to your future career... Read 1,265 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $14,402

• SAT range 1470-1570

• New Orleans, LA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  1,653 reviews

Freshman: Tulane University is so fun and lively. The classes are interesting and valuable, and the professors are very passionate and care about their students' success. The campus environment is amazing, and there is an abundance of student resources. The city of New Orleans is a blast, and uptown New Orleans is relatively safe. I may be biased as a student at Tulane, but I genuinely believe it is the best university, and I am so happy with my decision to attend. Tulane University is a community, and I encourage anyone interested to apply. Roll Wave!... Read 1,653 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 10%

• Net price $45,048

• SAT range 1360-1510