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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 1,571
Top Party Schools
1,571 results

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  1. Tulane University

    • 4 Year
    • New Orleans, LA
    • 1,521 reviews
    #1 Top Party Schools in America

    Freshman: I am beyond grateful that I chose this school. I can't imagine going anywhere else! In the college search process, I knew I wanted to live in a city but still have a campus to walk around. Tulane provides the perfect balance between the classic college campus vibe and the amazing city of New Orleans right outside the campus fence. Tulane in a word is: balanced. Everyone studies hard and cares a lot about their grades, but at the end of a long day of studying everyone loves to go out, whether at the fun frat parties or plethora of college bars. You'll never run out of things to do, on or off campus. The weather is great, the students are all happy and kind, and the place is always just full of good vibes. I have not met a single person who wishes they went somewhere else. If Tulane is right for you, you'll know because when you visit you'll feel the same passion for the school as every student. And if you don't feel passionate about Tulane, it's just not for you.
    Read 1,521 Reviews

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

  2. Howard University

    • 4 Year
    • Washington, DC
    • 3,658 reviews
    #2 Top Party Schools in America

    Freshman: Howard wasn’t my first choice, at all! But now that I am here and I am experiencing it. I’m glad that I decided to go here. Howard not only surpassed my expectations but also gave me a new insight into hbcu’s. Yes there’s certain areas Howard’s administration could approve on but for the amount of student here Howard is doing a pretty decent job. I am proud to be apart of this institute and can’t wait to be an alum. Class of 2023
    Read 3,658 Reviews

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

  3. University of Wisconsin

    • 4 Year
    • Madison, WI
    • 3,082 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 3,082 Reviews

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

  4. University of Georgia

    • 4 Year
    • Athens, GA
    • 5,260 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 5,260 Reviews

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

  5. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    • 4 Year
    • Champaign, IL
    • 4,462 reviews
    #5 Top Party Schools in America

    Freshman: I transferred here for the Spring 2020 semester and it is honestly an amazing school. The academics are great for a public university and it offers a lot of resources if you take rigorous courses. The campus itself is beautiful and provides a lot of space. I also love the social aspect of the school and making friends isn’t hard as there are very friendly people across campus. The food at the dining halls are alright it’s what you would expect, some offer better choices than others. Typically the rice at the union isn’t cooked properly but apart from that the food isn’t that bad. The party atmosphere is also huge, it’s a big part of the school’s culture and one I enjoy a lot. The area around campus is also relatively safe. Overall a great school!
    Read 4,462 Reviews

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

  6. West Virginia University

    • 4 Year
    • Morgantown, WV
    • 2,781 reviews
    #6 Top Party Schools in America

    Freshman: The moment I moved in, WVU became my home. Everyone involved in this compus was very welcoming and made me excited to further my education here. The professors truly care for their student's success and the classes are efficient. The campus is beautiful, and there is always something to do. The housing is clean, and feels like home from the start. Oh, and not to mention the football games! Sporting events really bring the mountaineer family together with a shared interest in sports. I can't see myself at any other college. Let's go mountaineers!
    Read 2,781 Reviews

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

  7. The University of Alabama

    • 4 Year
    • Tuscaloosa, AL
    • 4,340 reviews
    #7 Top Party Schools in America

    Freshman: I like the University of Alabama because it gives students a feel of diversity and security on campus. As a freshman, being comfortable with the professors and the classes are great! The student life here is amazing and there are plenty of opportunities for students to get involved in on campus. The social aspect is pretty fun too, being able to balance school and parties is something that can happen at UA and it's one of the reasons why I love this school.
    Read 4,340 Reviews

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

  8. Florida State University

    • 4 Year
    • Tallahassee, FL
    • 6,993 reviews
    #8 Top Party Schools in America

    Freshman: For anyone looking for a place they will immediately feel comfortable, FSU is the school for you. I have exponentially enjoyed my freshman year at FSU so far and am extremely excited for the next three years. There is something for everyone here and the university has so many different events, clubs, and organizations to make everyone feel comfortable. The social scene here is a blast and regardless of whether or not you're a partier, there will always be something fun to do on the weekends. Academically this school excels. We are currently ranked 18th best public university in the nation. Professors here really do care about their students and encourage heavily for students to get to know them and to take advantage of office hours. FSU cares about its students and wants them to succeed and provides so many resources to help us do so. Every day is a great day to be a Nole!
    Read 6,993 Reviews

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

  9. Syracuse University

    • 4 Year
    • Syracuse, NY
    • 3,281 reviews
    #9 Top Party Schools in America

    Alum: Loved everything about Syracuse! My professors were all amazing and really cared about the success of their students. There are so many opportunities for involvement through Greek life, clubs, athletics, etc. The school spirit is also unmatched.
    Read 3,281 Reviews

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

  12. Penn State

    • 4 Year
    • University Park, PA
    • 6,752 reviews
    #10 Top Party Schools in America

    Junior: I love the friendly environment on campus and exciting downtown area. It is an eventful campus with many opportunities for success and expansion of ones self. No matter what career path you are on, Penn State offers many extraciricular programs that have meaningful networking purposes and ideal work experience in a multitude of ways. There are plenty jobs available on/off campus, but experience could come in many fashions. There are internships, study abroad options, research projects and many more ways to be involved in this school! We also have largest alumni network of all universities so that assists in these options. I have taken part in these as I am a research assistant through my Biobehavioral health department and also plan to travel abroad this summer. Penn State not only makes your college experience fun and exciting, but prepares you for life after this magical time.
    Read 6,752 Reviews

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

  13. Ohio University

    • 4 Year
    • Athens, OH
    • 3,509 reviews
    #11 Top Party Schools in America

    Freshman: Overall, my first year here at Ohio University has been exceptional! I've made new friends through my residence hall and through the clubs provided by the school. Though there was somewhat of a difficult transition in adulthood in moving here, it was very quickly remedied. Something I recommend to anyone who plans to attend Ohio University or any college, based on what I've learned in my time here, is that when the classes can be a little taxing, speak to the teachers, attend Supplemental Instruction, and work outside of class to better your understanding.
    Read 3,509 Reviews

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

  14. University of Iowa

    • 4 Year
    • Iowa City, IA
    • 3,258 reviews
    #12 Top Party Schools in America

    Freshman: As a freshman at the University of Iowa, I can say that I have already been enveloped into a welcoming and cultural community. I love the University of Iowa because it provides many opportunities for all of its students by providing hundreds of clubs, nice facilities, and programs that lead students in the right direction for their future. Not only is Iowa interested in creating a great academic life, they strive to make extracurricular activities a community ordeal. Game days never fail to fill the streets and stands with thousands of Hawkeye fans, making a Big 10 school feel like a smaller community. I will always be grateful that I chose the University of Iowa to study my major. Go Hawks!
    Read 3,258 Reviews

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

  15. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,632 reviews
    #13 Top Party Schools in America

    Junior: Being a student at the University of Southern California is like no other. The campus is beautiful and the academics are stellar. The whole school feels like one big family. The athletic programs are top notch and really bring all the students together. I love being able to attend countless games while seeing cheering fans who truly love where they go to school. The best part about the University of Southern California is the Trojan alumni. With over 425,000 Trojan alumni in the world, you are always connected to a Trojan. The wonderful Trojan alumni are there for you beyond your four years. They give opportunities to advance in your desired career field, as well as be there in a new environment. No other university is this connected between current students and alumni. I am proud to attend USC, where academics, athletics and alumni blend together making the ultimate college experience!
    Read 3,632 Reviews

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

  16. Southern Methodist University

    • 4 Year
    • Dallas, TX
    • 1,455 reviews
    #14 Top Party Schools in America

    Niche User: The campus is absolutely beautiful! The architecture of the building are very similar to those of Ancient Greek. The staff that was giving us a tour was nice and answered any question i had to ask. One of my favorite parts of the visit was that they have "therapy" dogs in the library, which is supposed to help students with stress that they get from school.
    Read 1,455 Reviews

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

  17. University of Texas - Austin

    • 4 Year
    • Austin, TX
    • 6,006 reviews
    #15 Top Party Schools in America

    Sophomore: Wonderful, engaged, and passionate professors separate this school from the rest! The workload is challenging at times but encourages young people to truly dive into their studies and gain a greater understanding of the subjects they learn instead of memorizing the material short-term for tests and then losing the knowledge soon after! The resources that the university provides are bountiful and purposeful. The location of campus is in the heart of Texas and surrounded by lots to see, do, and experience. The vast majority of people are warm and caring. Efforts made on campus and off to ensure the safety and prosperity of UT's students are evident and there are good feelings all around!
    Read 6,006 Reviews

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

  18. University of Mississippi

    • 4 Year
    • University, MS
    • 2,012 reviews
    #16 Top Party Schools in America

    Niche User: The summer before senior year ensued panic, as I still had no idea where to even begin the college application process. The first (and only) college tour I took was at the University of Mississippi, and all my worries were immediately eased as I explored the campus and surrounding town of Oxford. Hearing from students and heads of departments that I was interested in both helped me decide my career path and choose what had become my dream college. Ole Miss is the only school I applied to and I could not be more excited about my choice to become a Rebel in the fall!
    Read 2,012 Reviews

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

  19. Indiana University - Bloomington

    • 4 Year
    • Bloomington, IN
    • 4,455 reviews
    #17 Top Party Schools in America

    Alum: Indiana University has a lot to offer. You just have to go out, explore, and seek it. Every niche is available, so play to your strengths! If you want a learning community, you can live in a dorm that specializes in that. If you want to be away from campus, there are plenty of apartments. If you don't like the party scene, don't live in the Northwest neighborhood of campus, etc...It can be easy to feel alone on such a large campus, so finding a club, group, or people within your degree to connect with is critical, but IU has opportunity for that in abundance. As for academics, you get what you put in, as I would imagine for most universities. For my degree, I had plenty of opportunities for office hours, student tutoring at the library, and more.
    Read 4,455 Reviews

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

  22. San Diego State University

    • 4 Year
    • San Diego, CA
    • 4,843 reviews
    #18 Top Party Schools in America

    Junior: SDSU honestly is a very fun university. It is very inviting and a fun place to be around and to experience. I highly recommend that you get involved in something, whether it be a club or job, you will find people with similar interest and career path desires who will help you. Professors can be hit or miss. In my experience, I have had excellent professors, however, like any university, there may be some not so good ones depending on you like to learn. Getting used to university life may feel overwhelming at first, especially if you are not native to the county. However, SDSU honestly has PLENTY of resources for students, so be sure to look into them and get involved!
    Read 4,843 Reviews

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

  23. Miami University

    • 4 Year
    • Oxford, OH
    • 3,048 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 3,048 Reviews

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

  24. Vanderbilt University

    • 4 Year
    • Nashville, TN
    • 1,235 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 1,235 Reviews

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

  25. University of California - Santa Barbara

    • 4 Year
    • Santa Barbara, CA
    • 4,369 reviews
    #21 Top Party Schools in America

    Freshman: UCSB has this aura surrounding it that makes it enchanted. The skies are usually clear and the weather is splendid to the point that some people could get sick of the sunny weather, but not many do! Many professors express enthusiasm for their subject; however that does not include the math department. Those professors in humanities have passions for social justice primarily, but everyone on campus believes in improvement, hence the organized demonstrations that occur quarterly. We are a united, diverse campus that voices concerns in regard to any social reform. Just recently, we joined UCSC by standing in solidarity with the graduate students fighting for COLA. This campus may have difficult courses, but the resources available to its students has made it manageable to keep up with course material. The CLAS program is especially useful in my case for chemistry and math. The extra practice and one-on-one attention keeps me motivated and productive.
    Read 4,369 Reviews

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

  26. Michigan State University

    • 4 Year
    • East Lansing, MI
    • 5,442 reviews
    #22 Top Party Schools in America

    Freshman: I love MSU! I feel challenged my my classes but I still have enough time to partake in one of many clubs and organizations offered by the university. I have made so many friends because the dorms are super social. The food is really good, and the facilities are nice too. I’m a business major so I’ve been enjoying the new Minskoff Pavilion quite often. The campus is beautiful with the Red Cedar River running right through it, and gamedays in East Lansing are an awesome experience. Overall, I’ve never been happier than I am here at Michigan State!
    Read 5,442 Reviews

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

  29. Clark Atlanta University

    • 4 Year
    • Atlanta, GA
    • 1,933 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 1,933 Reviews

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

  30. University of South Carolina

    • 4 Year
    • Columbia, SC
    • 4,118 reviews
    #24 Top Party Schools in America

    Freshman: I live in a dorm on campus. This is my first year of college after graduating from high school in May of 2019. I was very apprehensive my first semester of college but it didn't take me long to realize I was going to be alright. I have met many people here on campus. My classes are all pretty close by to my dorm. So far I have done well in all my classes. All my professors have been great. I enjoy my classes. I always feel safe on campus. I also play in the orchestra. I absolutely love my orchestra teacher and enjoy learning from him. Overall, I would say my first year of college has been a great experience and I look forward to more here at USC!
    Read 4,118 Reviews

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

  31. University of Pennsylvania

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 1,205 reviews
    #25 Top Party Schools in America

    Sophomore: A true research institution, the University of Pennsylvania encourages all of its students to be curious about the world. Fund their research, it provides once in a lifetime opportunities with access to remarkable faculty, an international reach, and trail blazing peers. As a member of the Ivy League, it connects its study body to similar-minded students in a culture of alma matter pride, playful rivalry, and inter-school dependent programming. Whether it be an Ivy League conference on LatinX heritage, political science, or veganism, the University of Pennsylvania encourages curiosity at every seam of the institution’s fabric.
    Read 1,205 Reviews

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