2017 Top Party Schools in America

1,518 results

Tulane University
4 Year
New Orleans, LA
1,429
1 Top Party Schools in America
Sophomore: Tulane is an incredibly amazing place. It takes a certain person to fall in love with it. Everyone here seems to do everything- acing a test, going to an internship, working on a nonprofit project, then spending the entire night at a party or listening to music downtown, only to wake up early the next morning to run in the park or play on a sports team. You have to be excited and motivated by this high-speed lifestyle, as opposed to stressed or overwhelmed. People do it all- and well. It is a happy and dynamic student body, who is certainly going places. Most importantly, they are interested and passionate. The city is absolutely amazing... you can find anything there, especially when it comes to music! Academics are very strong, teachers, for the most part, push students very hard but positively reward hard work! Caliber differs by department for sure- with political science, English, and foreign language incredibly strong, and math less so. Unfortunately, Bruff (dining hall) sucks.
Read 1,429 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
31% Acceptance Rate
$32,075 Net Price
1240-1410 SAT Range
University of Georgia
4 Year
Athens, GA
4,815
2 Top Party Schools in America
Freshman: Overall, I really enjoyed my experience at the University of Georgia. As an undergraduate student majoring in Management Information Systems, the Terry College of Business provided multiple avenues and events to get connected to professionals in my field. In addition, the majority of my professors were very approachable and took an active interest in their students, not only in their classroom achievements, but also in their post-graduation success as well. The campus has tons of student organizations to get involved in for whatever your interests may be. There are also ample opportunities to work on campus whether it be in the dining halls, as a resident assistant, serving as a tour guide for UGA, or even as a bus driver. You read that right, students can drive the campus transit buses! For those who are big sports fans, watching the Dawgs play football on Saturday afternoons in Sanford Stadium is hard to beat. Go DAWGS!
Read 4,815 Reviews
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Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
53% Acceptance Rate
$13,280 Net Price
1150-1330 SAT Range
Miami University
4 Year
Oxford, OH
2,841
3 Top Party Schools in America
Sophomore: I have loved my experience at Miami University. The buildings, the professors, the activities and the friends I have made have made this the best experience of my life so far. The reason I did not give it five stars is becuase my counselor did not give me the best scheduling advise from the beginning. I knew at freshman orientation that I was going to be a Chemisty major with a dental concentration. By the end of sophomore year I was missing one Physics class that I will have to complete in the summer. Miami University does offer amazing studying abroad opportunities. I am looking forward to two weeks in Italy this summer studying Chemistry!
Read 2,841 Reviews
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Overall Niche Grade
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Party Scene
65% Acceptance Rate
$20,871 Net Price
1140-1340 SAT Range
- 2017 Colleges with the Best Student Life
- 2017 Best College Athletics
- 2017 Best Greek Life Colleges
West Virginia University
4 Year
Morgantown, WV
2,463
4 Top Party Schools in America
Sophomore: West Virginia University is a research institution focused on providing a world-class education to its students. The University is split up into 3 different campuses around the city of Morgantown and is connected by a Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) monorail system built in the 1970's. This makes access between the Evansdale medical and engineering campuses and the downtown main campus easy. Student housing and meal plans are overpriced and mandatory for incoming freshmen. Professors in all disciplines are engaged in some sort of research, and there are many research opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. The professors are very good at their jobs, and are always available for office hours and are welcoming of in-class discussion of topics. It is well known that our sports are competeting in the highest level, from football, to basketball, to soccer, and rifle shooting. Hail West Virginia!
Read 2,463 Reviews
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Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
86% Acceptance Rate
$10,405 Net Price
930-1140 SAT Range
Florida State University
4 Year
Tallahassee, FL
6,567
5 Top Party Schools in America
Niche User: When I visited over the summer, I absolutely fell in love with the place. The tour guides were very knowledgeable, the campus was beautiful, and the weather was great. The visit was absolutely perfect and I would not have changed a thing!

Also, the staff at the Office of Admissions is very helpful. I have been speaking to them often about re-evaluating my application and every single time, they answer all my questions and give me the best possible solutions for everything! This is a world-class institution and nothing would make me happier than to one day be a student here!
Read 6,567 Reviews
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Party Scene
56% Acceptance Rate
$16,708 Net Price
1120-1280 SAT Range
University of Texas - Austin
4 Year
Austin, TX
5,412
6 Top Party Schools in America
Junior: I love being a student at the University of Texas. It is one of the most renowned public education institutions in the world, and has plenty of activities to be involved in outside of academia. There are countless clubs and organizations on campus, and the surrounding city of Austin is one the best places in the country. However, be warned: it may not be for everyone. With around 50,000+ students, the size can be intimidating to some. I personally enjoy the incredible amount of people I can meet and study with, and the size gives me a nice perspective. There is always something going on on campus; whether it's a basketball game, club fair, jam session, food stand, party - you name it - there is always something close to keep you occupied. Being a musician, living in Ausin and attending UT is the best college experience I could've asked for. Come to UT. Hook 'em Horns!
Read 5,412 Reviews
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Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
39% Acceptance Rate
$17,366 Net Price
1170-1410 SAT Range
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University of Iowa
4 Year
Iowa City, IA
3,022
7 Top Party Schools in America
Sophomore: My experience at the University of Iowa has been outstanding. I thoroughly enjoy the campus, student life, and all that surrounds the University of Iowa. The University strives to create a diverse environment and I feel that they have done as exceptional job thus far. I love that the University offers many student employment positions. As a student who works within Residence Education I feel that the University accommodates my needs not only as an employee, but also as a student. One of my favorite activities to do in Iowa City is attending sporting events to cheer on my fellow Hawkeyes! I like attending the events because the University does an excellent job creating a safe and welcoming environment for students and community members to come together. I'm more than excited to spend the next few years of my life attending this institution. I wouldn't trade my time at the University of Iowa for anything!
Read 3,022 Reviews
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Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
81% Acceptance Rate
$14,558 Net Price
1000-1320 SAT Range
Indiana University - Bloomington
4 Year
Bloomington, IN
4,082
8 Top Party Schools in America
Junior: Bloomington, sometimes referred to as the most beautiful campus in the world, is an overall excellent university. They offer almost any major one could imagine, and if not there is a program where you can create your own! The athletics are one of a kind, with one of the most invested fan bases in the US. Bloomington is one of the best college towns, offering a wide variety of restaurants and bars near campus. Dorms and housing are similar to any campus, there are pricy options with hotel status housing, and economic housing that's much more affordable. Whatever option you choose, you are sure to become a family and make friends. Overall, this campus ranks high on all levels, from academics to athletics.
Read 4,082 Reviews
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Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
78% Acceptance Rate
$13,289 Net Price
1060-1290 SAT Range
Southern Methodist University
4 Year
Dallas, TX
1,361
9 Top Party Schools in America
Freshman: SMU is not perfect, nor is any school, but I am so thrilled to be a part of the amazing community here. The campus is beautiful, the professors are world-class, and everyone actually wants to see each student succeed. I am a science student (which SMU is not known for) but I still find myself learning and being challenged as much as my friends at big STEM schools. The Cox business school is unparalleled, the Meadows art school is highly regarded, and a degree from SMU sets you up for a bright future. There is nothing like being so connected to campus through boulevarding (tailgating before football games, a very SMU-experience), being in the MOB (basketball student section), and having access to everything the school has to offer its students. I love SMU and am looking forward to another three amazing years here!
Read 1,361 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
49% Acceptance Rate
$36,602 Net Price
1220-1410 SAT Range
University of Wisconsin
4 Year
Madison, WI
2,837
10 Top Party Schools in America
Freshman: There is something for everyone! The University of Wisconsin-Madison boasts a lot of offerings, not only in academics but in all sorts of opportunities from amazing athletic programs to a myriad of clubs to get into. To the sports enthusiast, UW-Madison has athletic programs in football, ice hockey, and basketball which are renowned regionally, if not also nationally. To the grade-A active student, UW-Madison is also a mecca of infinite opportunities, it is even somewhat of a challenge for any student to navigate the "Org Fair" which displays the many student organizations that are available on campus. Organizations are available for students who are the soon-to-be titans of energy and even for the ones who are almost certainly going to be the consulting executives of the future. No matter what you want to get yourself into, there is always something for you in the land of the Badgers.
Read 2,837 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
58% Acceptance Rate
$16,060 Net Price
1190-1410 SAT Range
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
4 Year
Champaign, IL
4,076
11 Top Party Schools in America
Freshman: I love this university! It is one of the best universities in the world! This prestigious university will give you so many opportunities. You will meet so many people from so many backgrounds, learn so much in classes, and be inspired every day. Dorms and dining hall food is okay. Safety is okay. There are buses that take you everywhere so don't be afraid of people saying it is a huge campus and that you have to walk a lot! This school is perfect and you will not regret choosing it! ILL-INI !
Read 4,076 Reviews
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Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
66% Acceptance Rate
$16,841 Net Price
1270-1470 SAT Range
Lehigh University
4 Year
Bethlehem, PA
784
12 Top Party Schools in America
Junior: I really have been enjoying my time here at Lehigh. The campus is beautiful! I am in the engineering school here and I have really enjoyed my classes. Lehigh is a great school for research. In fact, in the engineering school every professor is carrying out some sort of research. The downside of all the research here at Lehigh is that some of the professors are not the greatest teachers.
Read 784 Reviews
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Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
26% Acceptance Rate
$27,715 Net Price
1230-1420 SAT Range
- 2017 Best College Food
- 2017 Best College Dorms
- 2017 Best College Campuses
Penn State
4 Year
University Park, PA
6,218
13 Top Party Schools in America
Junior: Penn State is a great place to learn at. Typically, students can choose to go the 2+2 route which allows them to start at another campus for two years and then transfer up to University Park campus for graduation. Penn state is well known as a research school and provides students with endless resources to further their education. The professors are all professional and are passionate about what they teach. Campus life is amazing as long as you put in the effort to get involved. There are plenty of resources to get you in the zone and allow you to socialize with others, and most importantly future employers. They offer many career fairs throughout the year that is great for getting interview experience, or even internships and employment after graduation. Great place to be! We are PENN STATE!
Read 6,218 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
51% Acceptance Rate
$24,992 Net Price
1090-1300 SAT Range
University of Alabama
4 Year
Tuscaloosa, AL
3,981
14 Top Party Schools in America
Freshman: I've been attending the University of Alabama for about two months now, and I absolutely love it! The campus is so beautiful, especially around fall. The quad is amazing during football games. You can see the sense of community during the school days and on the weekend during games. On school days you can see how hundreds of students from different backgrounds come together to study or socialize. On the weekends you can see how much all the students love our school by their support for the football team. You can also see the support through alumni who continue to come back to campus. Another thing i've started to realize is how blessed we are with some of the greatest teachers. The teachers I've met so far have been not only welcoming but seem to know exactly what they're talking about. They actually seem as if they enjoy teaching and enjoy their students. I've greatly enjoyed school here so far due to the beautiful campus, friendly people, and brilliant teachers.
Read 3,981 Reviews
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Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
54% Acceptance Rate
$18,814 Net Price
980-1210 SAT Range
University of Mississippi
4 Year
University, MS
1,858
15 Top Party Schools in America
Junior: Ole Miss is teeming with fantastic professors (although, like with most colleges, has room for improvement), and it's not difficult to find extra help when you need it, thanks to many opportunities for tutoring, the helpful professors, and the resources available. It's a bit pricey to attend, but the scholarships offered by the school take care of quite a bit of the tuition. The dining options are currently limited, due to renovations to the Student Union, but there are food options for every taste in the two cafeterias and the various mini-restaurants scattered around campus. Housing at the university is hit-or-miss: many of the dorms are traditional and in need of updates, however there are several new contemporary dorms. The parking situation for both on- and off- campus students is in serious need of improvements. And finally, athletics (particularly football) are a huge part of Ole Miss, and every fall weekend in the Grove is a massive party to show our love for our Rebs!
Read 1,858 Reviews
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Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
79% Acceptance Rate
$14,918 Net Price
990-1200 SAT Range
Ohio University
4 Year
Athens, OH
3,224
16 Top Party Schools in America
College Student: This is my first semester at Ohio University and so far I've enjoyed every second of school. I love my professors and my classmates are friendly and they make me feel welcome. The walks in between classes are a breeze thanks to the beautiful scenery here on campus. I've taken full advantage of the student study sessions in math and they are really helping. Diverse is probably the best word to describe the students here at OU. Not only can you notice a difference in ethnicity but also in interest and age. If I could change anything, I would have started school here in the Fall of 2014 after finishing high school instead of waiting this long to experience such an amazing school!
Read 3,224 Reviews
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Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
74% Acceptance Rate
$20,560 Net Price
990-1210 SAT Range
Syracuse University
4 Year
Syracuse, NY
3,114
17 Top Party Schools in America
Junior: Syracuse Architecture is a truly exemplary program and my overall experience with Syracuse University has been a positive one. The breadth of subject areas allowed me to take a diverse course load and dabble in interesting topics outside of my major. The School of Architecture itself has a great mix of professors with varying interests, giving a dynamic learning experience from semester to semester as their personal research goals drive various distinct studios and improve the overall experience within the program. I feel progressively closer to becoming successful in the professional world upon graduation.
Read 3,114 Reviews
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Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
48% Acceptance Rate
$30,727 Net Price
1090-1290 SAT Range
University of Southern California
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
3,339
18 Top Party Schools in America
Sophomore: I love attending the University of Southern California! The school has high caliber academics, a competitive yet fun environment for students of all majors, and a gorgeous campus. USC is a bit expensive however, hardworking students can come in with large scholarships to defray this cost. I definitely think that this experience is worth the cost of living and expenses out here and will truly pay off in the end. I have definitely met life long friends and have made unforgettable memories throughout my time here!
Read 3,339 Reviews
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Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
17% Acceptance Rate
$31,384 Net Price
1270-1500 SAT Range
Howard University
4 Year
Washington, DC
3,408
19 Top Party Schools in America
Junior: I love the academics and the black excellence that exist at my university. But like most HBCU's it is very hard to receive money from this school if you don't qualify for a scholarship as a freshmen coming in. I would love to see more scholarships set up for all class levels, and a better, more concerned financial aid department. Basically your typical HBCU problems, but I love Howard!
Read 3,408 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
49% Acceptance Rate
$20,429 Net Price
990-1220 SAT Range
University of California - Santa Barbara
4 Year
Santa Barbara, CA
4,091
20 Top Party Schools in America
Freshman: This school is utterly fantastic. I came here out of state and it's almost everything I expected in terms of academics and student life. This school has great programs in econ, communications, engineering, and tons more and it's generally not too stressful to handle unless it's dead week. This is the kind of campus that you just feel great being here. IV is right next door and it has some pretty great food spots and I get great vibes from the housing and students living here (I'll be moving here next year as well). Weather is chillier than I thought but it's awesome being on the beach everyday and parties by the ocean have been unforgettable. The people here are cool and unique, so you will surly find your niche here in due time. There seem to always be parties/socials going on too if you're into that! I have much more to experience in my time here but UCSB has treated me very well and I encourage anybody to at least apply here. In conclusion,come to this school; you won't regret it.
Read 4,091 Reviews
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Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
33% Acceptance Rate
$16,211 Net Price
1090-1360 SAT Range
Providence College
4 Year
Providence, RI
736
21 Top Party Schools in America
College Senior: Providence College, located in Providence, Rhode Island is a relatively small campus with around 5,000 undergrad. What makes it special going to a school this size, is that you will always see a familiar face when you are walking on campus. Providence has so much to offer and has so many clubs and activities for students to get involved with! PC is also located only a few minutes from downtown Providence and Federal Hill, which are main attractions for this small state! Nightlife at PC is also fun, and there are plenty of bars to head too in the city and there is even a bar on campus!
Read 736 Reviews
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A+
Party Scene
57% Acceptance Rate
$34,836 Net Price
1050-1260 SAT Range
Vanderbilt University
4 Year
Nashville, TN
1,161
22 Top Party Schools in America
Sophomore: Vanderbilt is an excellent place to continue your education. It is easy to find your place at this school because the environment is amazingly friendly and welcoming. Greek life is huge here and many people get involved. The weather is usually mild and the faculty is great. The food is ranked in the country, and as a sophomore, I still enjoy it. Anchor Down! This school is not without flaws, however. The campus is pretty divided racially. There is no malice, but it is clear that intermingling between races only truly occurs in the classroom. That is one thing this school could improve.
Read 1,161 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
12% Acceptance Rate
$22,937 Net Price
1430-1590 SAT Range
Michigan State University
4 Year
East Lansing, MI
4,922
23 Top Party Schools in America
Junior: Michigan State is actually everything it's cracked up to be. Amazing school, outstanding faculty and so many opportunities to do what you love. There is never a time where you are not offered chanced to occupy your time, whether it be joining a club, or campus group, taking classes, or meeting new faces at campus events. The cafeterias are gourmet and filled with many options including gluten free, vegan, and vegetarian options. The off campus life is also always filled with fun activities from going to see a concert, or broadway show at the Wharton Theater, to going to a local bar and getting drinks with friends. You will have an excellent experience here, no matter what your interests may be!
Read 4,922 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
66% Acceptance Rate
$14,601 Net Price
980-1260 SAT Range
Louisiana State University
4 Year
Baton Rouge, LA
2,905
24 Top Party Schools in America
Freshman: What I love about LSU is all of the resources that are available to students in order for them to succeed. Whether you are having trouble picking classes, finding extracurricular activities to join, picking a major or minor, keeping your grades up, and more, LSU is bound to have some resource to help you out. There are career and academic centers full of friendly and knowledgeable people who are ready to help you. There are hundreds of clubs centered around various interests, so there is something for everyone. The student body and faculty are so diverse, and the Dean is always looking for ways to create a more inclusive, safe, and educational environment. On top of all of that, LSU is a powerhouse for sports. Even if you aren't athletic or have ever been interested in sports, you will find a home in some athletic event here at LSU. The student life is spectacular, and you will always have something to do and great people to do it with. Geaux Tigers!
Read 2,905 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
77% Acceptance Rate
$13,552 Net Price
1020-1260 SAT Range
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
4 Year
Ann Arbor, MI
3,804
25 Top Party Schools in America
Senior: The education that you receive here is definitely unbeatable. The campus is also a generally fun place to be. It is really competitive so that permeates the culture quite a bit, which I could do without. The university's commitment to diversity and inclusion is lacking, but they are making steps to change that going forward so I hope that there will be more positive steps in that area. You don't really get a sense of the local area because the campus is so large it really dominates the city of Ann Arbor. So, even when you venture out in the city a bit, it still feels like you're on campus. It's just very much a college town, so if you're into that, you'll love it!
Read 3,804 Reviews
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Overall Niche Grade
A+
Party Scene
26% Acceptance Rate
$15,757 Net Price
1290-1500 SAT Range

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2017 Top Party Schools in AmericaAbout this List

Best Programs

Students

Social Scene

Campus

Athletics

Tulane University

University of Georgia

Miami University

West Virginia University

Florida State University

University of Texas - Austin

University of Iowa

Indiana University - Bloomington

Southern Methodist University

University of Wisconsin

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Lehigh University

Penn State

University of Alabama

University of Mississippi

Ohio University

Syracuse University

University of Southern California

Howard University

University of California - Santa Barbara

Providence College

Vanderbilt University

Michigan State University

Louisiana State University

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor