2023 Top Party Schools in America

• Santa Barbara, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  4,644 reviews

Alum: The campus is beautiful and full of life. The community is strong! Students are constantly holding protests for better treatment of workers, and change has come from these protests. The one thing I would like to see change is the attitude of some of the staff in the psychology department. I remember being a doe-eyed freshman walking into that building only to leave in tears after the front desk worker belittled me when I came to her looking for guidance. I changed my major after that; I couldn't bear the thought of having to deal with people like that for 4 years. It worked out in my favor though as I was welcomed with open arms at the English department. I wish all the staff shared that warmth that was shown to me in the English department. Many of my STEM friends have similar stories about their departments (biology, chemistry, etc.).... Read 4,644 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $17,333

• SAT range 1230-1460

• New Orleans, LA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  1,638 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 1,638 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 10%

• Net price $45,048

• SAT range 1360-1510

• Tallahassee, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  7,485 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 7,485 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 37%

• Net price $12,684

• SAT range 1180-1340

• Tuscaloosa, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  4,677 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 4,677 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $21,263

• SAT range 1070-1370

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.47 out of 5  3,929 reviews

Sophomore: I will say this to anyone considering attending Howard. College is truly what you make it. Reading a lot of the negative comments about Howard I feel like people really didn’t get the Howard experience they deserved. There ARE nice dorms on campus but it’s up to YOU to pick them. The party scene on campus is what YOU make it and what parties YOU choose to attend. The student life on campus is vibrant and there’s always something to do! The yard is always bursting with life.There’s a larger sense of unity and purpose when you walk through campus. Don’t listen to bad reviews left by students whose opinion is based on a singular experience. Don’t even listen to just my review. Take your time and really ask students on campus what the Howard experience is.Ask them about the good parts and the bad parts but don’t let them make you think that the bad things will always outweigh the good. As for the “elitist” student body, don’t fall for the facade because most of us are regular black kids.... Read 3,929 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 35%

• Net price $26,870

• SAT range 1080-1290

• Madison, WI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  3,371 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 3,371 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $13,484

• SAT range 1320-1500

• Athens, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  5,653 reviews

Senior: I have loved my experience at the University of Georgia. I have truly had the best four years of my life at this school. There are ample opportunities and I have been able to meet so many people from all around the world through greek life, club events, academic events and my study abroad to the University of Oxford. The social life at UGA is truly remarkable and I have been able to flourish and grow into a better person because of the experiences I have had through UGA, including the national championship football team! I have really valued my education at UGA and believe I will be an incredible asset to the working world as my degree in psychology has prepared me to make a difference in the lives of many people. I have had a few concerns with the size of UGA and the lack of staff they have for the number of students attending the school. While the professors are caring, you do not get individualized attention or care from faculty. While this has been challenging, I truly love UGA!... Read 5,653 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 40%

• Net price $16,902

• SAT range 1270-1450

• Syracuse, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  3,490 reviews

Senior: I loved my time at Syracuse University! The campus culture is awesome - you can tell students love being at Syracuse. Classes are rigorous but not too rigorous - you're able to have a solid work-life balance. Studying abroad through SU's London abroad program was amazing, as it really enhanced my overall learning experience. I'd totally recommend going Orange after high school, you won't regret it + will make some of the best friends of your life at Syracuse while learning a ton!... Read 3,490 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $43,545

• SAT range 1220-1400

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  3,941 reviews

Graduate Student: What I found while in attendance here in USC is that there are a plethora of resources available to the students given at every opportunity available. You are given an active role in making connections as well as forming new career opportunities during and after your attendance here. There is an emphasis to put yourself out there, however if communicating is not your strength, do not worry! There are plenty of events that aid students in beginning the path towards networking such as events for introverted students. There are additional concerns with the quality of hygiene here as certain public utilities are not the best to gain access of. The demographic population is also a concern as it is a predominantly white institution which can correlate to struggles for students of color. There have been advances in supporting our students of color, however they are fairly new so there is little expectations on the amount of support they may provide. Overall I would highly recommend attending... Read 3,941 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $26,021

• SAT range 1410-1540

• Urbana, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  4,861 reviews

Sophomore: I am so grateful for my experiences at Illinois. The campus is a perfect blend of the, "work hard, play hard" mindset. You are surrounded by people who are extremely dedicated, getting high GPA's while conducting research or securing competitive internships. Seeing this motivates everyone to be the best student they can be, and almost everyone I know is involved in multiple RSO's including professional ones. At the same time, everyone knows how to have fun- in or outside of greek life. There is something to do any night of the week, and people willing to go with you. As a psychology student I would warn that certain majors require careful planning- especially anyone on a pre-health track- as classes fill up quickly or are only offered certain semesters. Classes can be challenging, but they prepare you for upper level courses and are a big part of the reason the school has such a good reputation. As a Big 10 school with actual diversity, Illinois has it all. I-L-L!... Read 4,861 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 60%

• Net price $14,272

• SAT range 1320-1510

• Morgantown, WV•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  3,063 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 3,063 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $13,422

• SAT range 1030-1230

• University Park, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  7,370 reviews

Junior: I love that it’s such a big school! It’s hard to imagine not having such a large and beautiful campus to walk around during the day and all the space also allows for there to always be something going on. There are so many events and clubs and large Greek life. There’s also several Divine9 sororities and fraternities and multicultural Greek life as well. Even if Greek life isn’t for you, there are many clubs that make you feel like family. Education is so important and valued here. There’s also many networking opportunities and again, just so many helpful events and because it is a big school, they’re always prepared for many people to attend so it’s less of an overwhelming experience. The renovated dorms are very nice and since it’s a college town, there’s a lot of nice off campus living options. From the athletics, to one of our biggest events, THON (a student run philanthropy event to raise money for families of children with cancer), and the connections within major, PSU is home.... Read 7,370 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $26,151

• SAT range 1160-1360

• University , MS•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  2,196 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 2,196 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 90%

• Net price $13,528

• SAT range 1020-1230

• Athens, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.82 out of 5  3,808 reviews

Sophomore: As a senior in high school looking at colleges, Ohio University wasn’t even on my radar. When I stepped foot on campus for my visit, I knew this was where I’d spend my next four years. OU is a beautiful college with many majors, organizations, and activities that help students with their success. The professors and administration prioritize student’s safety and ensure academic goals are met. Although you’ll never have a dull moment on campus, there are several things to do in the surrounding region. It is located in the beginning foothills of Appalachia inside the eclectic town of Athens with Strouds Run State Park, Hocking Hills, Lake Hope, and many other places and things to enjoy nearby. I am proud to call myself a Bobcat!... Read 3,808 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $20,496

• SAT range 1070-1290

• Oxford, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.69 out of 5  3,337 reviews

Sophomore: I love Miami Ohio-Oxford! Beyond its reputation of being a "top-notch " university, and having a superior liberal arts curriculum, the University prepares you for the "real-world" by providing extensive career and internship opportunities. The campus has such an "Ivy League" air to it with beautiful brick and ivy covered buildings. Plenty of transportation to get you around the campus, but everything is pretty much walking distance to restaurants, grocery stores, and shopping. There are so many clubs, activities, and sports to join that you're bound to find at least 10-20 that fit your time at Miami OH-Oxford.... Read 3,337 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 89%

• Net price $24,616

• SAT range 1160-1370

• Bloomington, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  4,856 reviews

Alum: I had a positive experience at IU! The campus is gorgeous, safe, and has a great and historic variety of green spaces, buildings, recreation centers, and fountains. The school is large enough that there was always something different to do and students were commonly part of several social circles. In some ways, as an undergraduate student, I had wished for a smaller class size and more individualized attention from professors-in large introductory classes, even attending office hours wasn’t always the way to get one-on-one tutoring. As a large research university, there were many opportunities to pursue academic or professional projects, and the welcoming nature of Bloomington to students made it possible to have town-wide events like the world music festival, annual dance fundraiser for the local children’s hospital, and wide-scale environmental monitoring projects. The campus has undergone significant renovations and upgraded dining halls and dorms.... Read 4,856 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $13,386

• SAT range 1160-1380

• Iowa City, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  3,795 reviews

Sophomore: It's easy to navigate, there are plenty of resources and opportunities for help if needed, and the staff is nice. It was a warm welcoming and pleasant surprise to attend the college. The curriculum is refreshing and challenging as it pushes you to take the imitative and learn things on your own but with the guidance of course. They have excellent hands-on activities in the science courses. The school is booming with extracurricular activities so it's easy to find something fun to do or a club to join! The cost of tuition is a value price and you get your money's worth from what is offered.... Read 3,795 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 86%

• Net price $17,599

• SAT range 1130-1350

• San Diego, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  5,255 reviews

Sophomore: Overall, the college feels like a home outside of home for me. The campus is walkable, safe, and almost every spot is full of greenery, the student and teacher population is diverse, and despite "just being a local college", I feel and am inspired by countless students and educators passions! And, the amount of free stuff I've gotten that I actually use is over 70%. But, it's not all positive. First of all, safety. I feel safe, but it isn't the case for everyone, especially when it comes to female students and teachers. Due to being an open campus, people experiencing homelessness have and regularly caused trouble, and so far, little to no action has been taken to ensure security. Second, organization. In regards to clubs/organizations and social events, there's always something going on. Literally. But, not everyone knows how to find them. Speaking from experience, the school website is outdated, and the poster boards are swarming with, well, posters.... Read 5,255 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 38%

• Net price $6,867

• SAT range 1090-1300

• Tallahassee, FL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  2,660 reviews

Junior: I mostly thoroughly have enjoyed my time at Florida A&M University. The school offers a plethora of opportunities and displays a wide variety of education paths. FAMU is very inclusive and is filled with innumerable opportunities to gain real world experience in order to better prepare their students for their futures. Personally, as a business administration scholar, I am rewarded the opportunity to converse with some of the most profound leaders of some of the world's most successful corporations such as Wells Fargo, Capital One, Boehringer Ingelheim, and many more at our Weekly Forum meetings. This is one of my favorite perks, as it allows the students to gain first hand knowledge. Consequently, I believe that the school could improve on its overall service to students & parents. With heavy traffic, getting half from campus staff is not alway the smoothest process. Overall, the school's morale, culture, and opportunities are like none other!... Read 2,660 reviews

• grade B+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 35%

• Net price $12,539

• SAT range 1010-1150

• East Lansing, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.89 out of 5  6,046 reviews

Sophomore: Michigan State is a perfect balance between a city and environmental campus. East Lansing is full of beautiful scenery. In the fall, the leaves turn to the perfect colors that make the trees stand out, while the sun reflects and from the Red Cedar River. Since attending Michigan State, I have made a crazy number of new friends. In East Lansing, you'll be surrounded hard working and dedicated people 24/7. People at Michigan State, at least from my experiences, are driven and motivated to reach their full potential. While everyone is studying the books hard during the day, everyone also knows how to have fun once the sun goes down. The party life in East Lansing is quite literally second to none. You have bars, frat parties, darties, house parties, tailgates everywhere, it is truly insane. And finally, for the athletics. The football games are a blast! I was actually the kid holding up the flag with the Michigan fan posing as the surrendor cobra. The Izzone is electric as well!... Read 6,046 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 83%

• Net price $8,738

• SAT range 1100-1320

• Austin, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  6,569 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 6,569 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $16,589

• SAT range 1230-1500

• Columbus, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.91 out of 5  5,713 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 5,713 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 57%

• Net price $19,474

• SAT range 1250-1440

• Charlottesville, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  2,350 reviews

Sophomore: The University of Virginia is a great school! There is a beautiful campus containing many of the brightest, most optimistic, and welcoming minds in the world. After finishing up my first year "On-Grounds," as all Wahoos call it, I have left more impressed than I came in. Professors and students alike extend themselves as learning resources and don't mind the extra effort to help a student who seeks it. As an African-American student though, I would love to see the diversity rate continue to trend upwards as the semesters and school years go by. UVA has a welcoming campus but at times, I feel that the "Unite the Right Rally" tragedy from 2017 still scares away students of color and other minority groups due to the false idea that UVA "isn't a protected campus."... Read 2,350 reviews

• grade A+

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 21%

• Net price $20,401

• SAT range 1380-1500

• New Brunswick, NJ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.64 out of 5  5,954 reviews

Freshman: My first year at Rutgers was something I’ll never forget. I made a ton of friends, learned the ways of film, and got my first job. The university has taught me things that I wouldn’t have known otherwise. I like the diversity and the different campuses, what they have to offer and what major it’s best for. For example, cook/Doug campus has a lot of people who major in the arts, Busch house mostly Engineering majors, Livingston houses biology majors and so on. What I don’t like is the amount of buses that are available, more buses need to be prompt on picking up people. However, that’s a minor thing; if you’re thinking of attending Rutgers, just go for it!... Read 5,954 reviews

• grade A

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $11,803

• SAT range 1240-1470

• Boulder, CO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  3,051 reviews

Freshman: I was a part of Boulders Pre-Colligarte Program which involved Juniors in Highschool to come down to a university and experience the life of a college student. The academics were amazing and easy to follow, the food tasted great, something new every week! Since Colorado was in its heat wave era, the dorms were extremely hot, fans were needed since air conditioning was not provided. Overall very safe, amazing area to have fun and relax with friends. Plenty of security in the area doing sweeps, even at night, and overall nice people.... Read 3,051 reviews

• grade A minus

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $22,532

• SAT range 1170-1390