Top U.S. Party Schools in 2025: Is A Good Education Possible?

College life offers more than just education. It's also a chance to enjoy a vibrant campus culture where you can enjoy a social life alongside your academic pursuits. While you may want to prioritize academics, you can still seek a healthy balance between work and play. 

Despite the negative connotation, attending a "party school" can appeal to students who want a lively atmosphere. This article showcases the top party schools in America that can also provide an excellent education. Whether you aim to study hard, party hard, or both, read on.

Top 10 party schools in the U.S.

In this list, we'll look at the top party colleges in the US that also offer a great education for students. These schools have a reputation for throwing some of the best parties around. Still, they also have top-ranked academic programs and a strong commitment to providing their students with a well-rounded education. 

Let's dive in and look at our top party school picks.

University of California Santa Barbara

The University of California - Santa Barbara (UCSB) is a prestigious American public research university in the lovely seaside city of Santa Barbara, California. UCSB's coastal location and sunny California weather make it an obvious choice for year-round fun. 

Two major annual events, Deltopia and Isla Vista Halloween bash, offer students a chance to let off some steam and meet party-goers from all around Southern California. Not only is this one of the best party schools in the country, UCSB also offers strong academic programs in economics, engineering, social sciences, and experimental psychology.  

The basics: 

• 23,091 undergrad students
• 29% admission rate
• $14,417 average tuition

Tulane University

Tulane University, situated in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana, is a distinguished private research university. It is known for its strong business, law, and medicine programs and commitment to public service and community engagement. Tulane students are in the right city if they are looking for party culture. 

In addition to Mardi Gras, New Orleans offers tons of off-campus entertainment for students to enjoy. To balance out the party scene, you'll have to be a good student to get into Tulane: only 10% of applicants are accepted each year. 

The basics: 

• 8,700 undergrad students
• 10% admission rate
• $60,814 average tuition

University of Alabama

The University of Alabama (UA) is a public research university in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. UA students start the year out with a lively Weeks of Welcome program that includes many events, including music, food, and other festivities for students to enjoy. UA also has an active Greek community, offering frequent college parties at frat and sorority houses. 

Crimson Tide athletic events also offer lots of opportunities to tailgate and gather to celebrate with other students. The town of Tuscaloosa offers off-campus bars frequented by UA students. Academically, it is known for its strong programs in business, engineering, and law.

The basics: 

• 31,685 undergrad students
• 79% admission rate
• $11,620 average in-state tuition
• $31,090 average out-of-state tuition

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) is a public research university in Champaign, Illinois. One unique party fact is that the legal age to enter a bar in Champaign is 19 years old. 

Each fall, UIUC hosts Quad Day, which allows new students to find their party and scholastic niche. Big Ten sporting events also bring out many students ready to socialize. Academically, UIUC is known for its strong programs in engineering, computer science, and business, as well as its commitment to research and innovation. 

The basics: 

• 34,779 undergrad students
• 60% admission rate
• $15,442 average in-state tuition
• $32,892 average out-of-state tuition

West Virginia University

West Virginia University (WVU) is a public research university in Morgantown, West Virginia. WVU students start the year with the FallFest celebration, which is a week-long event featuring food, music, and socializing. In the past, FallFest has even included big-name artists, like the Chainsmokers and the Avett Brothers. 

Morgantown also offers lots of off-campus party options for students to enjoy. Mountaineer Week is an annual fall event that provides opportunities to socialize. Academically, WVU is known for its strong programs in engineering, health sciences, and business.

The basics: 

• 19,599 undergrad students
• 90% admission rate
• $8,976 average in-state tuition
• $25,320 average out-of-state tuition

Florida State University

Florida State University (FSU) is a public research university in Tallahassee, Florida. FSU is a large university with hundreds of student clubs and organizations that offer students a vibrant social scene. There is also an active Greek community that hosts parties throughout the year. 

FSU Seminoles football games command a large student presence for tailgating and celebrating at local bars. Florida's warm weather allows the party to go on all year long. The relatively low cost of admission for in-state students also offers something to celebrate. 

The basics: 

• 33,593 undergrad students
• 37% admission rate
• $5,656 average in-state tuition
• $18,786 average out-of-state tuition

University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin is a public research university located in Madison, Wisconsin, close to lakes for students to enjoy. The school has many student organizations which offer social opportunities. The campus also has an active Greek Life community offering yearly events and festivities. 

Some popular events include Madison's Brat Fest and Wisconsin Badgers football games. State Street is also a popular party destination for UW students. Academically, UW is one of the best on this list, boasting acclaimed academic programs in fields such as education, engineering, and business.

The basics: 

• 34,561 undergrad students
• 60% admission rate
• $10,720 average in-state tuition
• $38,608 average out-of-state tuition

Howard University

Howard University, a private research university and HBCU located in Washington, D.C., is another top academic school that offers a social atmosphere for students. The nation's capital has no shortage of places to party. 

Perhaps the biggest party season for Howard students is Homecoming. While not all Homecoming events are school-sanctioned, the event has earned a reputation for being a great party. Howard is academically known for its strong medical, law, and arts programs and commitment to social justice and civil rights. 

The basics: 

• 8,964 undergrad students
• 35% admission rate
• $28,916 average tuition

University of Georgia

The University of Georgia (UGA), nestled in Athens, Georgia, is a renowned public research university. UGA offers students an active Greek community with plenty of fraternities and sororities. Greek parties, like Pajama Jam, are among the year's biggest events. 

UGA Bulldog football games also draw students in for tailgating and socializing. The biggest football event, the rivalry with the Florida Gators, takes place in "neutral territory" in Jacksonville, Florida, and is a huge off-campus event for UGA students. Downtown Athens also has many popular spots for nightlife. Academically, the school is known for its strong business, law, and social sciences programs.

The basics: 

• 30,166 undergrad students
• 40% admission rate
• $12,068 average in-state tuition
• $31,108 average out-of-state tuition

Syracuse University

Syracuse University (SU), in Syracuse, New York, is a distinguished private research university known for its academic excellence and commitment to research. Syracuse students start each school year with the Juice Jam, which gives new and returning students an excuse to socialize. The celebration includes live music, often by popular artists. 

At the end of the year, Mayfest offers a chance to close out the year in style with free food, beverages, live entertainment, and other activities. SU is known for its diverse student body and strong programs in communications, engineering, journalism, and the arts. 

The basics: 

• 14,778 undergrad students
• 59% admission rate
• $57,591 average tuition

Honorable mentions

There are many other schools with active party scenes that didn't make our main list. They include: 

• University of Colorado (Boulder, Colorado)
• University of Texas (Austin, Texas)
• Ohio University (Athens, Ohio)
• Indiana University (Bloomington, Indiana)
• Michigan State University (East Lansing, Michigan)
• Penn State (University Park, Pennsylvania)
• University of Iowa (Iowa City, Iowa)
• Miami University (Oxford, Ohio)
• Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio)
• San Diego State University (San Diego, California)
• University of Southern California (Los Angeles, California)
• University of Dayton (Dayton, Ohio)

Can you get a good education at a top party school?

Although the colleges and universities listed above are known for their lively student body and campus culture, it is essential to note that they also offer top-tier academic programs and provide students with a world-class higher education. Many of these institutions have a long history of academic excellence and are home to renowned scholars, researchers, and experts in their respective fields.

These featured institutions attract top students and faculty worldwide and offer a rigorous and challenging academic experience that prepares students for success in their chosen careers.

Use College Rover to find the best school

Armed with this list of schools that balance academic excellence and social opportunities, you've got a head start on your search for the college experience of your dreams. Each of these schools excels in various fields and produces successful graduates with thriving careers. 

However, it's important to remember that while a fun college experience is desirable, it shouldn't overshadow the primary goal of obtaining a quality education. If you're a high school student seeking a tool to find your ideal college match, try College Rover. 

This powerful platform provides valuable resources for exploring schools, programs, scholarships, and more. College Rover can help you discover a school that balances your academic and social interests. Sign up today to begin your college search journey!

College Rover gets the majority of its data directly from the U.S. Department of Education (DOE). The DOE publishing schedule "lags" the most current data which some colleges post on their official websites. This may cause there to be a difference in the data you see on College Rover and an individual college website. College Rover's website is updated as the DOE data becomes available and is configured for the College Rover website.