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2020 Top Party Schools in AmericaAbout this List

The 2020 Top Party Schools ranking is based on student reviews and nightlife statistics. Top party colleges have a vibrant and diverse party scene - they offer fun options both on and off campus and students rate their peers as being fun, friendly, and into partying. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 25 of 1,578
Top Party Schools
1,578 results

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  1. Tulane University

    • 4 Year
    • New Orleans, LA
    • 1,497 reviews
    #1 Top Party Schools in America

    Niche User: While visiting everyone was very friendly and made for an incredible stay. I think for people planning to apply, there is a good chance they will get a clear idea if they visit. My visit showed me a lot about the university and made it clear to me that this was the perfect fit for me! I am so excited to be attending the school, many of the people I have met that will be in my class are very friendly and incredibly intelligent. There is also a lot of girls which is so cool! I love the liberal and open environment of the campus!
    Read 1,497 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 21% Acceptance Rate
    • $33,886 Net Price
    • 1330-1490 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Howard University

    • 4 Year
    • Washington, DC
    • 3,609 reviews
    #2 Top Party Schools in America

    Sophomore: Attending Howard University has been a blessing. The atmosphere is incredible. You would be impressed by the excellence that is displayed all throughout campus. But what really makes Howard stay out is its outstanding drive for its students to be great being themselves. There are so many who have started their own school organizations or have just brought change through the city and nationwide. I've become so much more involved with political, environmental, and personal issues that I would usually just pass over. However, there are a few areas that Howard needs improvement, such as, freshman housing, admission/financial availability, and their disbursement of money. The experience would be even better if students weren't so stressed out due to the poor university to student relationship. Let's not talk down on them too much. I'm happy I choose to attend Howard University.
    Read 3,609 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 41% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,061 Net Price
    • 1090-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. University of Wisconsin

    • 4 Year
    • Madison, WI
    • 3,025 reviews
    #3 Top Party Schools in America

    Freshman: There are so many great things about UW-Madison. There is always something to do on and off campus. UW ensures that there is a place and event for everyone. The education and educators are top noche; I have never loved learning so much. The campus and facilities are amazing and well kept. In their School of Human Ecology, they had design students design their bathrooms, creating a mystical place to go when nature calls! My only complaint is their high tuition cost. As most people know, the cost of education increases every year and it has made it difficult for people to go to college without needing to worry about debt. As an out of state student, my I have to pay full tuition which adds on to the stress of getting an education. Although the university does their best to provide scholarships for people in need to financial aid, I feel as if they lack the scholarships for people who don't come from low income families, but are paying for their education independently.
    Read 3,025 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,910 Net Price
    • 1280-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  4. University of Georgia

    • 4 Year
    • Athens, GA
    • 5,166 reviews
    #4 Top Party Schools in America

    Freshman: The competitive intensity within the classroom, along with the rigor of each course are what makes Georgia such an elite school academically. Georgia has many amazing professors that clearly know the entire face of their preferred subject. Georgia offers an abundance of course types with different levels which helps students to increase the amount of rigor in their schedules. The school itself is very well-built and well-kept. All of the staff at Georgia works tremendously hard to keep the facility safe. Everyone loves coming out to watch Georgia football. The environment on gameday is insane! I love Georgia’s culture as it’s so easy to make friends as there are a multitude of people on campus at all times. Georgia is a place that will better students’ academic and social lives, and will teach them valuable life lessons along the way.
    Read 5,166 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,934 Net Price
    • 1200-1370 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    • 4 Year
    • Champaign, IL
    • 4,386 reviews
    #5 Top Party Schools in America

    Freshman: I will be an incoming freshman at this college. However, my dad, his siblings, and multiple friends of mine have attended this school so I visit quite a bit. I've been to parties with my friends, on strolls around the campus with my family, and on official college tours here. It's a great college town, and most people who I talk to who have come here say that there is always something to do, the academics are great and will land you a good job somewhere, and overall, they had a great college experience. I hope that I get accepted here so I can experience what it's really like to be a student!
    Read 4,386 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 62% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,638 Net Price
    • 1340-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. West Virginia University

    • 4 Year
    • Morgantown, WV
    • 2,704 reviews
    #6 Top Party Schools in America

    Alum: During my time as a student, I worked at the NASA Space Grant office at the Engineering Campus. Yes, NASA, in West Virginia! WVU is one of the best colleges in the state, there are so many opportunities for every type of person! The state of West Virginia needs a lot of work, but West Virginia University is really the best thing about the state. They are bringing in jobs, educating people, and overall contributing to the betterment of the state. I actually went to a different college first and transferred here later, and I am so glad I did! My life has changed for the better because of my time at WVU!
    Read 2,704 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $11,486 Net Price
    • 1020-1210 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. The University of Alabama

    • 4 Year
    • Tuscaloosa, AL
    • 4,261 reviews
    #7 Top Party Schools in America

    Junior: My experience at The University has been amazing! The Proffesor's and staff are beyond exceptional , and are always available to help. I've only had issues with my advisor not getting back to me right away a few times, but when I do speak with her she treats me like I'm her only student. The campus is beautiful, safe and if you love sports this is the place for you...This school is filled with southern charm! The only change I would want to see for the University is for them to add more online majors in the near future. Roll Tide
    Read 4,261 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 53% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,993 Net Price
    • 1050-1280 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  8. Florida State University

    • 4 Year
    • Tallahassee, FL
    • 6,914 reviews
    #8 Top Party Schools in America

    Alum: I received a high quality education at FSU. I liked the newness of many of the classrooms (implementation of Smart, up-to-date technology) that somehow did not sacrifice the traditional, historical aesthetic to do so. I felt I received a Mona Lisa Smile experience at the in-state tuition price! There was huge versatility of choice in majors and program-specific internship opportunities. Most of all, I was serviced with fantastic one-on-one advisor attention throughout my entire bachelor's course (4 years). Excellent free help labs (economics, accounting) and tutoring services. Excellent gym.
    Read 6,914 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 49% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,450 Net Price
    • 1190-1330 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  9. Syracuse University

    • 4 Year
    • Syracuse, NY
    • 3,249 reviews
    #9 Top Party Schools in America

    Alum: I graduated from SU in 1988. I can't say enough good things about it. It has everything - a beautiful campus, excellent courses and devoted instructors, great Greek and sports life, if that is your preference, great dorms, tons of activities you can participate in. In addition, SU is a very generous school - it offers excellent financial aid for those who need it. I would HIGHLY recommend SU to you!
    Read 3,249 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 47% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,306 Net Price
    • 1160-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  12. Penn State

    • 4 Year
    • University Park, PA
    • 6,617 reviews
    #10 Top Party Schools in America

    Sophomore: Penn State is definitely the place to be! When searching for what college you would like to attend, Penn State checks all the necessary boxes; great academics, superb athletics, amazing student life. It 's the best of all three worlds. Penn State is big on diversity and there is something for everyone here on campus. Over a thousand different clubs, a multitude things to do on and around campus, but at the same time if you need to just get away and be in your own space whether it's to focus on your school work or you just need some alone time, there are plenty of people on campus who are in the same boat as you. It's guaranteed that, with 46,000 undergrad students here, there is at least one person who can relate to you and is doing the same thing you are. Penn State is amazing and I couldn't have chosen a better school to attend. WE ARE!
    Read 6,617 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 50% Acceptance Rate
    • $25,346 Net Price
    • 1160-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. Ohio University

    • 4 Year
    • Athens, OH
    • 3,440 reviews
    #11 Top Party Schools in America

    Junior: Ohio University is a beautiful campus that has plenty of opportunities and people to meet. The University is open to all walks of life and is continuing to grow in order to cater to all individuals. There are plenty of activities for visitors,staff, and students. OU's academics have assisted me in pursuing my career goals as well as introducing me to new topics that I never would have thought I would be interested in! The University will challenge you in various ways to help you grow as an individual.
    Read 3,440 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,607 Net Price
    • 1080-1260 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. University of Iowa

    • 4 Year
    • Iowa City, IA
    • 3,202 reviews
    #12 Top Party Schools in America

    Alum: I just graduated this semester after 4 years at the University of Iowa. I'm already missing my friends and Iowa City home. It's a big school but is also small and homey. In terms of finding a good college town, you can't beat it. The people are friendly and the beautiful downtown area is practically integrated with the campus. In academic terms, it's a very solid university with a huge array of programs and majors. It's definitely a big school for business and medical studies, but I would highly recommend it for arts and writing majors. Iowa City has a big artistic and literary scene, but also a great game day atmosphere on football Saturdays. I would say the biggest con is high tuition rates for out-of-state students. Be prepared to network, earn good grades, and make good use of university resources, and you should be able to land a job after graduation. I did, but I'm sure sad to leave!
    Read 3,202 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 86% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,845 Net Price
    • 1140-1370 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,582 reviews
    #13 Top Party Schools in America

    Freshman: USC is an amazing school in terms of academics. There's definitely a higher standard and you have to work for your grades but you come out having learned a lot. Because it is a private school with lots of appeal in the heart of Los Angeles, it does attract a fair share of ignorant, privileged people. However, you can definitely find genuine people, just keep looking and being you! USC has so many perks and resources and I highly recommend getting involved whether it be sports or clubs! The professors are very experienced and amazing.
    Read 3,582 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,892 Net Price
    • 1300-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. Southern Methodist University

    • 4 Year
    • Dallas, TX
    • 1,429 reviews
    #14 Top Party Schools in America

    Junior: SMU has provided a unique establishment of community in order for all students to feel welcome! However, the diversity presented within the school is quite low. There are sparse percentages of Latinos, Hispanics, African Americans, and Asians. Even though this is the case, the gradual enrollment of multiple international students does decrease the evident ethnic gap among students. Additonally, many of the teachers and remainder of the faculty are friendly and supportive for all students to succeed. With constant reminders regarding the A-LEC center and its workshops, students are free to ask questions from a variety of multiple disciplines to tutors who are readily available! Without a doubt, the student life at SMU is the best!
    Read 1,429 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 49% Acceptance Rate
    • $36,458 Net Price
    • 1270-1440 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  17. University of Texas - Austin

    • 4 Year
    • Austin, TX
    • 5,894 reviews
    #15 Top Party Schools in America

    Freshman: The University of Texas at Austin has so much to offer to its students. There is never a dull moment on campus. Not only are students taught by world-renowned faculty, who want their students to succeed, but there are over a thousand student organizations, visits by famous world leaders, musical performances, and exciting athletic events year around. The University of Texas at Austin does a great job providing resources to fit every students' needs. No matter what your situation is there is a team of people eagerly waiting to help. The best part about the University of Texas at Austin is that its located in Austin, Texas. In Austin, you will never run out of things to do. If you have a more active lifestyle there are countless opportunities to go hiking, swimming, or rock climbing. If you like music, art, and film then head over to the 200 plus venues, museums, art galleries, and theaters located all across the city. Austin is my home away from home, and I hope it can be yours too!
    Read 5,894 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 36% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,356 Net Price
    • 1220-1460 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. University of Mississippi

    • 4 Year
    • University, MS
    • 1,986 reviews
    #16 Top Party Schools in America

    Junior: I love the University of Mississippi! It has one of the most beautiful campus, and you will, without a doubt, encounter a squirrel on your way to class (they are harmless, so there is nothing to be afraid of). Also, the university has a very welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The representatives are always willing to be of assistance to any new student, and the professors always want the best for their students. With the university being diverse, there are many organizations that you may join that can be tailored to your career interests or recreational hobbies. Another thing that I enjoyed is the tailgating that happens during the football season because the university becomes a colorful fest that you will enjoy.
    Read 1,986 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 84% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,259 Net Price
    • 1070-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Indiana University - Bloomington

    • 4 Year
    • Bloomington, IN
    • 4,381 reviews
    #17 Top Party Schools in America

    Freshman: Indiana University's Bloomington location is very beautiful. The limestone buildings and carefully curated landscapes set up a pretty picture to look at, especially when you're stressed from studying. With such a large campus, Indiana University is also very spacious and each class has few students which is so important for having an engaging learning environment. There are also many resources and facilities available for the students to utilize -- for free!
    Read 4,381 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,488 Net Price
    • 1140-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. San Diego State University

    • 4 Year
    • San Diego, CA
    • 4,713 reviews
    #18 Top Party Schools in America

    Senior: I have loved my experience at San Diego State University both educationally and socially! I have been able to get involved within multiple organizations that include but not limited to the SDSU Ambassadors, SDSU Rotaract, Dance Marathon at SDSU, Student Nutrition Organization! This university has allowed me to find my passion and really guide my plans that I have for myself as I moved forward in my educational journey. These plans could not have been fully executed without the help of the faculty and staff, as well as my mentors that I have had the opportunity to meet and have at SDSU.
    Read 4,713 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 35% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,363 Net Price
    • 1090-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  23. Miami University

    • 4 Year
    • Oxford, OH
    • 3,004 reviews
    #19 Top Party Schools in America

    Niche User: I'm really looking forward to attending Miami. I've heard many great things about the school from its professors and academics to its student organizations and campus life, not to mention the beauty of its campus! It is ranked 3rd best national university for undergraduate teaching by USNews, ahead of Dartmouth, Brown, and Stanford, etc. It is also one of the original eight Public Ivy schools, a group of publicly funded universities considered as providing a quality of education comparable to those of the Ivy League. In addition, the renowned poet Robert Frost called Miami's campus "The most beautiful campus that ever there was."
    Read 3,004 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 68% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,316 Net Price
    • 1190-1380 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  24. Vanderbilt University

    • 4 Year
    • Nashville, TN
    • 1,220 reviews
    #20 Top Party Schools in America

    Sophomore: What I love about Vanderbilt is the commitment to creating a meaningful & memorable experience. Ever since stepping foot on campus - when I was met by my freshman Head of House and the Move Crew - I've been supported and welcomed. I've been encouraged to pursue my interests in and outside of the classroom and attended countless events.

    Sometimes it feels like there are too many things to get involved in, especially with the weight of academics on our shoulders, but not everyone experiences this the same way. One of my favorite things is the identity centers like the Women's Center, Black Cultural Center and KC Potter (LGBTQ) Center who provide students with fun and informative programming and the comforts of home. Plus, can you ever go wrong living at an arboretum?

    I mean this honestly (but always a little ironically), Anchor Down!
    Read 1,220 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 11% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,295 Net Price
    • 1440-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. University of California - Santa Barbara

    • 4 Year
    • Santa Barbara, CA
    • 4,312 reviews
    #21 Top Party Schools in America

    Alum: UC Santa Barbara represents everything that is good in the world. Students are kind, outgoing, smart, curious, and eager to grow. They're booksmart, but they also know how to connect with people. The library is filled to the brim during the week, but the surrounding neighborhood of Isla Vista pulses with energy on the weekends. Work and play intermingle at UCSB and that's I think what makes the school turn out such well-rounded people who take the professional world by storm by being both highly intellectual and relatable. Professors have open door policies and genuinely want to see you succeed. They stay late after class to read your essay outlines, hold extra office hours before big exams, assist with putting study groups together. But, they're also human beings who are easy to connect with and who are always dispensing helpful post-graduation and life advice. The word "community" is very much alive and well at UCSB. Go Gauchos!
    Read 4,312 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 33% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,154 Net Price
    • 1190-1400 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. Michigan State University

    • 4 Year
    • East Lansing, MI
    • 5,325 reviews
    #22 Top Party Schools in America

    Junior: Great campus life, greek life is huge and a big part of the campus, amazing school spirit, good for sports, and respectable academics! Definitely an amazing school from the perspective of an out of school student. The weather isn't too bad, very much four seasons, and campus has a lot of resources available to everyone especially for international and out of state students.
    Read 5,325 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,684 Net Price
    • 1100-1320 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. Clark Atlanta University

    • 4 Year
    • Atlanta, GA
    • 1,916 reviews
    #23 Top Party Schools in America

    Sophomore: Great place to be! You will find a lot of opportunities, diversity, and there’s something or someone for everybody. The staff and workers ensure your safety on the campus while making campus-life unforgettable. You won’t want to leave!
    Read 1,916 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 58% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,809 Net Price
    • 910-1070 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  30. University of South Carolina

    • 4 Year
    • Columbia, SC
    • 4,062 reviews
    #24 Top Party Schools in America

    Graduate Student: Wonderful people, place and a first rate education!
    You will love the Southern Hospitality of your fellow classmates, teachers, and all who work in and around the campus!
    Bring your School Spirit, and all your tailgating equipment! The University of South Carolina takes School Spirit to a hole another level! Make sure you purchase at least a University of South Carolina t-shirt and sweatshirt. Everything your need is within walking distance. You will love the food on Gervais Street. You will enjoy your your whole experience at the University of South Carolina!
    Read 4,062 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,271 Net Price
    • 1170-1330 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  31. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,184 reviews
    #25 Top Party Schools in America

    Senior: I truly love the University of Pennsylvania. I had an amazing time here and look forward to getting my graduate degree here next year. The highly professional environment and competitive atmosphere pushes students to reach their highest potential and grow beyond it. Penn also encourages students to have balanced social lives, and provides the students with the necessary resources to have their interests be represented within campus and in student groups. However, I must admit that Penn's hyper-competitive environment does have drawbacks, especially on students' mental health. I think Penn could tackle this by changing their grading scheme, especially for underclassmen.
    Read 1,184 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Party Scene
    • 9% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,539 Net Price
    • 1420-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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