2022 Top party schools in America

• New Orleans, LA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  1,599 reviews

Alum: The academics were absolutely stellar. Wide variety of classes with lots of flexibility to take courses outside of your primary disciplines. I was even able to double major AND minor! The professors are also fantastic; super knowledgeable in their field. Even the TAs and PhD students who taught courses were engaging and knew their stuff. The diversity and social scene of Tulane could use a bit of help. For a school in one of the most diverse cities in the country, the student body was VASTLY white-passing. The university is taking measures to make Tulane more accessible to BIPOC, though, which is a fantastic move to see. The social scene can at times feel overwhelmed by Greek life, but only if you are in Greek life or have friends who are in it. The variety of clubs and student orgs that Tulane offers is sure to help just about anyone find "their people," though.... Read 1,599 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $47,413

• SAT range 1340-1500

• Tallahassee, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  7,359 reviews

Junior: The best thing about Florida State is how proud all of the students and staff are to call themselves Seminoles. Regardless of race, gender, religion, political affiliation or personal experiences there is always this sense of camaraderie between students, with the common denominator being that we all are proud members of the same University community. If I could change one thing about my campus it would be making extracurricular opportunities way easier to integrate yourself into and to get involved in. Coming to a large school from a very small town it was almost overwhelming to try and compartmentalize everything going on around me, and by the time I found something I would like to participate in, there are already a bunch more events and organizations that have also grabbed my attention! I feel as though a concise list of campus opportunities would definitely be helpful to both incoming and current students.... Read 7,359 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 32%

• Net price $12,815

• SAT range 1220-1350

• Madison, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  3,290 reviews

Sophomore: UW - Madison is an outstanding school with unlimited opportunities and resources. Whether it be Greek life, debate club, or athletics, UW has something for everyone. The sense of strong community cohesion in Madison has also eased the college transition experience for me, personally, and I can't imagine a school with better welcome events. Coming from a very small high school, I was initially hesitant about going to such a large institution. Physically, it's a large campus (hence the free student bus pass, which is a huge plus), but mentally and socially it's as big or as small as you make it to be. In terms of academics, I find some classes to be challenging as a STEM major, but the professors are highly intelligent and more often than not are willing to lend a helping hand. Large lecture halls can feel intimidating, but everyone else is in the same boat! The only criticism I have is that UW admitted so many incoming freshman for Fall 2022 that they are running out of housing.... Read 3,290 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $14,030

• SAT range 1260-1460

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.45 out of 5  3,848 reviews

Freshman: Despite some challenges, Howard University was an excellent choice. I am able to thrive in an outstanding academic environment with a rich heritage of scholars, artists, entrepreneurs, engineers, doctors, and lawyers, among other professions. My professors have been engaging and enthusiastic. I am thrilled about my major and the courses I took first semester. I met some of the brightest and creative people from a diversity of backgrounds. A significant part of my growing is learning about my community and how to better met their needs beyond traditional community opportunities. I am learning how long-term engagement changes the trajectory of communities. I will build on the legacy of service.I look forward to great spring semester!... Read 3,848 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 39%

• Net price $23,233

• SAT range 1130-1260

• Tuscaloosa, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  4,599 reviews

Junior: The University of Alabama is amazing! I am enrolled in the Culverhouse college of business and I am going on my junior year. The university provides many resources such as tutors, study rooms, career fairs, and much more. The professors are very passionate about their jobs and do want to see you succeed. I am an out-of-state student and I have never felt out of place or excluded. There are students from all different places, backgrounds, and ethnicities, and overall a very diverse student body. I have toured and visited over 25 schools across the nation and nothing compares. The amenities and resources provided are endless and beyond your imagination. The school spirit is simply unmatchable, there is nothing like a Saturday night in Bryant Denny Stadium. If you are considering The University of Alabama, I recommend visiting to see if it is for you. Although, I only visited once before committing, and know many who never visited and have also never once regretted their decision.... Read 4,599 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $20,518

• SAT range 1070-1330

• Athens, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  5,555 reviews

Freshman: UGA is beyond incredible. It is such a competitive school, and has the feel of a friendly, close knit community. The campus could not be in a better area. Athens GA is one of the top places to live in! The day and night scene is incredible. Great restaurants, fantastic bars, and wonderful activities. The academic side of UGA is astounding! The professors go above and beyond for each student. The resources UGA offers is amazing. I had access to laser cutters, 3D printers, and more! The things taught were so detailed, taught clearly, and fun! UGA is the university to go to for any major! And don’t even get me started on the dinning halls. UGA is known for some of the best in the country. Ice cream bars, cooked to order stir fry, fried chicken, veg bar, Philly cheese steaks, milkshakes, pizza, burgers, healthy salad bars, and just so much more. The quality is really good! UGA is just perfect across the board. Hope you get in if you are trying too! It’s tough but so worth it!... Read 5,555 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 48%

• Net price $16,580

• SAT range 1250-1460

• Syracuse, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  3,445 reviews

Sophomore: As someone who grew up in a predominately small, white neighborhood attending Syracuse was a huge change, but a great one! I struggled in the first semester to make friends due to covid, but after joining a sorority I can gladly say that I love the school and everything it has to offer. It has great academics, sports and connections that will help create opportunities for me once I graduate. Every professor genuinely cares for your success and happiness and is always there to help. Syracuse can feel a bit large at times, but within the specific schools for your major it is much smaller. I always have a class with someone I know or recognize, which makes classes or the first week of class less uncomfortable and more enjoyable.... Read 3,445 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $47,177

• SAT range 1180-1380

• Urbana, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  4,778 reviews

Graduate Student: As a working adult and someone who is somewhat cautious about recent COVID complications, a program that is online seemed the best route for me. I looked at a lot of different Universities that offered online programs, but price also was a big concern for me too. Through my searches I came across the University of Illinois and their iMBA program. After looking into the program and realizing what a great university the school was, I was also happy knowing it was within my home state of Illinois. Further, the iMBA program was offered at a reasonable price that ultimately made me go with University of Illinois. This is a great University that is well know and that offers a nationally top ranked learning experience! Their online iMBA program was just what I was looking for to continue my education. The are a lot of fellow working adults from all aspects of varying careers. Its a great opportunity to work with and learn from so many others who can offer a different view and perspective.... Read 4,778 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 63%

• Net price $13,517

• SAT range 1200-1460

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  3,873 reviews

Sophomore: For context- current sophomore who started at USC online, majoring in Communications but has taken classes from across disciplines -Academics: overall good but definitely some terrible professors who either have favoritism, are unclear with expectations, or bad w grading. But the majority of professors are really good -Environment: if you're intimidated by rich, judgmental people, this is not the place for you. A lot of the culture is exclusionary towards ppl who work or who don't partake in certain activities (ex: Greek life) But when you get through the superficial aspect you can meet some really awesome, interesting friends! -facilities: very very nice- great gyms, dining halls, dorms Overall: a great school with a lot of resources, so be sure to look into your major specific resources bc they offer so much! Just be warned that it's not the easiest place to go to if you don't fit a certain mold.... Read 3,873 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 16%

• Net price $39,759

• SAT range 1340-1530

• Morgantown, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  3,001 reviews

Junior: West Virginia University was crucial to my growth as an individual, young professional, and lifetime learner. The amount of opportunities and avenues that you can pursue really allow you to make the most of whatever you're interested in. I've changed my path many times throughout starting my time here, and I feel that I have always been supported and been given significant options to try and explore. Career fairs, resume workshops, and networking opportunities are abundant. The campus is absolutely gorgeous and taken care of throughout all seasons; it's truly beautiful. The culture around the university and our sports teams connects people from across the world and really makes me feel part of something bigger. It's a big school, but you can make it as small as you want. It's also almost 50% women, which is great!... Read 3,001 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $13,087

• SAT range 1030-1230

• University Park, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  7,221 reviews

Junior: I chose Penn State University because of the multitude of research and other science-related opportunities that are afforded to you when attending a large university. I also love the overall atmosphere regarding both my studies and social life. Regarding my studies, there are so many resources available to help me when needed including tutoring services, study groups, and more. When I'm not focusing on my studies, there are many events that I can go to for fun including fairs, lectures, concerts, and more. I have not given Penn State all five stars because they offer little financial aid to middle class incomes, however, I knew how much tuition was when accepting and was prepared to take out loans. Overall, love attending Penn State because of all the educational opportunities and fun events!... Read 7,221 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $26,151

• SAT range 1160-1360

• Athens, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  3,721 reviews

Senior: I have throughly enjoyed my time at Ohio University! It has one of the most beautiful campuses I have ever been on, the professors I have had really care about my education, and the professional staff in general on campus are caring and understanding to my needs as a worker and a student. I like that OU is a walking campus and have a bike trail right next to campus which makes it easy to stay active and fit. The main area of improvement for me are some older resident buildings need updating, but I know Ohio University works over the summer to update these buildings and are constantly making improvements to the residential experience!... Read 3,721 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 87%

• Net price $23,307

• SAT range 1050-1250

• Iowa City, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  3,724 reviews

Freshman: I love being at the University of Iowa. The people are great, the classes are rightfully challenging, and the environment is wonderful. All of the professors want to help you, and peers always are there to support you. Iowa City has a wonderful campus - not too small, yet not too big either. The bus service is free and you can get to the opposite side of campus in minutes. Football games are always awesome and I love going to the park to play frisbee or catch with my friends. There are plenty of intramurals, volunteer opportunities, and clubs to get involved in, and there are always good memories to come!... Read 3,724 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $17,452

• SAT range 1110-1310

• Bloomington, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  4,748 reviews

Junior: Awesome school overall! Great social life for anyone because there are so many different types of people and things to do. Whether you like to go out all the time or do something more chill, there's something for you. Basketball games have THE best atmosphere in the country - Hoosier fans go crazy. Professors here are highly qualified and always looking to help you out whenever. They really want you to succeed and will help you do that as long as you put the effort in on your end. The alumni base is huge and always looking to hire IU alum. Companies come to campus looking for IU grads. So many different majors with highly rated programs. Many modern buildings for quiet study time. Best school for the overall college experience both socially and academically. Proud to be a Hoosier!... Read 4,748 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $13,191

• SAT range 1120-1350

• Oxford, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  3,276 reviews

Alum: Miami is an excellent school with excellent programs, professors, and extracurriculars. The campus is gorgeous and a picturesque campus you usually see in movies. Diversity is lacking at this school, despite it's best efforts. Greek life is huge, and I didn't join that group but found "my people" in residence life, where I was an RA for 2 years. Oh, and the food is AMAZING! 15 years on and I still think about it... Overall I cherish my memories of Miami U!... Read 3,276 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 92%

• Net price $24,345

• SAT range 1160-1370

• Santa Barbara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  4,572 reviews

Sophomore: A unique thing that UCSB provides, besides an amazing location on the beach with great weather year-round, is a community for people from all walks of life. Whether that's religious, social, athletic, ethnic, or political, there are groups for everyone to belong to. I have not met a single person that has not found their niche in one way or another, which I think makes UCSB a special place. Lower-division classes are too large and difficult to sign up for, and the method of teaching can be overwhelming for some. Once you get to upper-divisions, classes tend to be smaller, more interesting, and teachers are more involved and passionate about their subject. Major and minor availability is also a bit lacking since there is no business, economics, and political science minor. Unlike other schools of this caliber, UCSB students are not competitive between each other, which makes for a very relaxing and encouraging learning environment. Overall, great school, opportunities and experiences!... Read 4,572 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 37%

• Net price $17,223

• SAT range 1230-1460

• University , MS•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  2,152 reviews

Freshman: I am currently a freshman at the University of Mississippi (OleMiss). Since I first stepped foot on campus I knew this school was right for me. Everyone is so friendly and happy here. My professors are very invested in my education and will always go the extra mile to help us students understand and maintain the material. OleMiss has many opportunities and facilities for students to come and receive extra tutoring and one on one time to better excel in all courses. The campus is genuinely one of the most beautiful college campuses. OleMiss does an amazing job of keeping the campus beautiful and clean. Not only does OleMiss strive to better students education, it one of the best schools in the sec. OleMiss does a phenomenal job of connecting students in on campus and helping us create lifelong relationships. I am so grateful I chose OleMiss to be my home. Hotty Toddy!... Read 2,152 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $13,540

• SAT range 1010-1230

• Austin, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  6,417 reviews

Sophomore: The University of Texas at Austin was a great place for me to begin my college career! I really found that my professors genuinely cared about my and other students' academic and professional journeys. I also appreciated the diversity in the student body and faculty members. Outside of academics, there was a variety of organizations to meet new people. Personally, I did struggle to meet people with similar interests, but joining an organization that shared some of my values allowed me to build friendships that I'm thankful for. I also was able to adjust to campus life through the various resources that are offered, from housing and dining to mental health and mentor services.... Read 6,417 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 32%

• Net price $16,892

• SAT range 1210-1470

• East Lansing, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  5,865 reviews

Senior: Best University academically and athletically! MSU is rated among the 100 Best Global Universities, according to Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings, 2021. The university has some of the best freshman retention and graduate placement rates across the country. Support services are available to students to help every step of the way. No matter where students take their MSU journey, they will have a strong support network that is invested in their success. MSU has 37 undergraduate and graduate programs ranked in the top 25 nationally (U.S. News & World Report, 2021), including nine No.1-ranked program The MSU campus is situated in East Lansing, regarded as one of America’s friendliest cities, whilst being near the capital of Michigan. On their doorstep, students can enjoy stunning nature and vibrant arts and culture, or cheer on the legendary MSU football team.... Read 5,865 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $16,655

• SAT range 1100-1300

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  5,154 reviews

Alum: I truly enjoyed attending SDSU and would recommend it as a nice university to attend. There are tons of clubs and organizations on campus that are great for meeting people and sharing interests, but you have to seek them out. I was a Biology major with the Honors Minor and I believe the quality of the my education was excellent. As a Black woman in STEM, however, I'd love to see more BIPOC faculty and more targeted support/resources for students of color. I was often the only or one of a few students of color in my classes and felt alienated sometimes. Additionally, although many of my STEM professors were extremely knowledgeable in their field, they relied heavily on students self-studying to learn concepts and used lecture as an overview/summary/specific topic rather than teach all of the information that we were responsible for knowing--so prepare for that. Overall, state helped me grow as an individual and equipped me for my career, so I am very glad I spent my undergrad here!... Read 5,154 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 37%

• Net price $13,192

• SAT range 1090-1300

• Newark, DE•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  3,482 reviews

Senior: Personally, I really enjoyed university of Delaware! I found University of Delaware to be a perfect University for both social people and introverts alike. For those who are more outgoing, there are plenty of restaurants and things to do on Main Street, so one can never run out of things to do. The party life and greek life is very huge as well. For introverts, the library is a gem. There’s many floors one can go to depending on their interests, and it’s nice and quiet for reading a book or working on some homework for classes. The classes themselves are great with professors passionate about learning. Overall, I love going to University of Delaware. It is a beautiful campus with plenty to do.... Read 3,482 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $19,747

• SAT range 1150-1330

• Dallas, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  1,526 reviews

Alum: When I arrived freshman year, I did not know ANYONE- I was the only person from my hometown and 1:15 from my entire state! I had a brief transition month where I was trying to find my way but overall, I felt everyone was warm and welcoming, eager to make new friends. Because SMU is so small, you start to see that people clique up into small groups based on their sorority/fraternity/club/major/activities. But by senior year, those walls got broken down. Even though cliques and small groups exist, it is not a closed membership experience- everyone is welcoming and seeing people on campus or at a bar is exciting and engaging. Of course, you have the people who think they are superior and will be stand-offish and rude... but that is every college. AND those people are the social-climbers who are insecure. SparkNotes version of this post: I had a huge group of true and amazing friends, excellent relationships with my professors, and a driven, work hard/play hard environment. GO HERE!... Read 1,526 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 53%

• Net price $41,444

• SAT range 1250-1450

• Columbus, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  5,598 reviews

Sophomore: I love THE Ohio State University. I fit in there all around. There are so many things that students can get involved in, from going to sporting events to volunteering your time to train dogs. The athletics at Ohio State are always fun to watch. I love watching volleyball and wrestling. There is something for everyone. I enjoyed my job at the coffee shop on campus, and really enjoyed my classes. My roommate and I really enjoyed the football games and getting to know everyone in our hall. My classes and professors that I have had are all great. I have learned so much, especially about myself already. The TA's are all very helpful and understanding, and usually always available. I have found different ways to study, and study groups have been successful. I have made lifelong friends at Ohio State. I knew that I could not go wrong with my choice. And I know after graduation, I will have a fraternity of Ohio State graduates supporting me around the world. Go Bucks!... Read 5,598 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $18,884

• SAT range 1210-1430

• Boulder, CO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  2,979 reviews

Sophomore: I love CU! I love being in the city of Boulder. I love going to CU. I love being apart of CMCI, the College of Media Communication and Information. Being in the city of Boulder, there is so much to do. Whether hiking the flat irons, grabbing a bite to eat on the Hill, browsing on Pearl, or taking the bus to go ski there is something for everyone. CU has so many ways to succeed with its many study areas, fun sporting events, extracurriculars, and pretty campus. CMCI is the best! You learn so much from staff that really care about you and your future.... Read 2,979 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 84%

• Net price $21,198

• SAT range 1130-1350

• Coral Gables, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  2,950 reviews

Senior: Miami has been a great place the past few years for me. As a transfer student, coming in not knowing anyone, I have met many types of different students from hard working backgrounds. The professors are very much committed to getting to know everyone in their class, and not just going through the motions as a mundane robot you see at some larger schools. In my experience the average class size outside of your one or two 100 level class is between 5-30 students. The campus is beautiful. Everywhere you look is palm trees and clear skies (with the exception of your occasional rain shower) the university does a nice job maintaining the buildings and surrounding vegetation. Food wise the options aren’t the greatest. In the past few years there has been an attempt to bring in healthier options, but for the most part the dinning hall and food court include your average Starbucks, subway, panda, so on and forth. Safety campus is very safe Never had any issues. Overall a great school!... Read 2,950 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 33%

• Net price $31,726

• SAT range 1250-1420