Best College Campuses in the US (2023 Rankings)

Ready to take the leap into college life? Well, hold onto your graduation caps, because (in no particular order) we've lined up the ultimate guide - a list of the most beautiful college campuses in America this year - so you can scope out where your next big adventure begins.

Berry College, Georgia

Nestled in Mount Berry, Georgia, Berry College is a 27,000-acre campus of green spaces, making the southern campus one of the largest campuses in the world. 

This setting provides their 2,000 undergraduate students with ample opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to exploring the natural beauty that surrounds them.

Berry College offers a variety of degrees that provide hands-on experiences at the college's expansive campus, like the Bachelor of Science in Animal Science program. 

The college's commitment to service is further highlighted by its "LifeWorks" program, which integrates work experience, service, and academics to prepare students for meaningful careers and lives of purpose.

Flagler College, Florida

Flagler College is located in historic St. Augustine, Florida, where the tree-lined streets are home to the state's famous palm trees.

Housed in the former Ponce de Leon Hotel, a National Historic Landmark, the campus features Spanish architecture and provides its 2,700 undergraduate students with a truly one-of-a-kind environment for their college journey.

Flagler College offers a selection of environmentally-focused degrees, including the Bachelor of Science in Coastal Environmental Science program that combines rigorous scientific study with field experiences.

The college also has a range of extracurriculars including the Flagler Enactus team, which engages in entrepreneurial projects that address social issues and foster leadership and business skills. 

Yale University, Connecticut

Yale University's campus, located in New Haven, Connecticut, blends tradition with innovation, creating an environment that's both intellectually stimulating and visually captivating for their 4,700 undergraduates.

Yale's campus features Gothic-style libraries to the Georgian-style Connecticut Hall  to modern research centers. The Marsh Botanical Garden and arboretum is listed as one of the best in the nation. Even the Commons Dining Hall is an architectural sight to behold. 

Yale University offers a range of degrees that span various disciplines, like the BFA in Drama program at the Yale School of Drama, which offers intensive training for aspiring performers.

University of Virginia

The University of Virginia, located in Charlottesville, Virginia, is not only a historic institution founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson but also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Jefferson's Greek architectural vision shapes the campus with the iconic Rotunda at its heart. 

The Lawn, a famous quadrangle, and its surrounding main buildings are examples of the Palladian and Neoclassical architecture that Jefferson loved to use. 

The University of Virginia offers a range of distinguished degrees for its 17,000 undergraduate students, like the renowned Bachelor of Science in Commerce program. 

The University of Virginia's Cavalier Marching Band provides a dynamic outlet for musical talents, while the Madison House connects students with volunteer opportunities to serve the local community. 

Kenyon College, Ohio

Kenyon College, located in Gambier, Ohio, has a campus that is adorned with Gothic-style architecture and beautiful outdoor spaces and greenery. The centerpiece is the Middle Path, a walkway that stretches through the campus and serves as a gathering place for students. Kenyon's campus is one of the many colleges on this list that appear on the National Register of Historic Places.

Kenyon College offers a range of degree programs to its small undergrad population of less than 2,000. The Bachelor of Arts in English program emphasizes literary analysis, creative writing, and critical thinking, preparing students for careers in writing, publishing, and academia. 

Extracurricular activities like the Kenyon Review magazine provides a prestigious platform for aspiring writers to publish their literary works and read and engage with prominent authors. 

University of Washington

The University of Washington's campus is a hub of academic achievement and innovation situated in the heart of Seattle, Washington, and it's only three hours from Portland, Oregon. 

As one of the largest universities in the United States, the University of Washington offers its 32,000 undergraduate students a campus that boasts a mix of modern and historic architecture with the iconic cherry blossom-lined Quad being a standout feature. 

The University of Washington excels in a wide range of degree programs, like the Computer Science program, which equips students with coding skills and computer science fundamentals. 

The college offers many student programs, including the Pipeline Project, which connects students with local schools for tutoring and mentorship, promoting community engagement and education advocacy.

University of Colorado

The University of Colorado offers multiple campuses spread across the beautiful state of Colorado, including Boulder, Denver, and Colorado Springs.

The University of Colorado Boulder, with its backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, is home to the iconic Norlin Library. The Denver campus houses the state-of-the-art Anschutz Medical Campus, and Colorado Springs is home to the Air Force Academy. All three campuses showcase the diverse nature of the university's facilities.

The University of Colorado offers many specialized degrees, including one in Aerospace Engineering that prepares students for careers in the aerospace industry with cutting-edge research opportunities and hands-on experiences. 

University of Notre Dame, Indiana

The University of Notre Dame, located in South Bend, Indiana, is a renowned Catholic institution that offers almost 9,000 undergraduate students a unique blend of rigorous education and a strong sense of community.

The campus boasts gothic buildings, collegiate gothic style architecture, and beautiful outdoor spaces. The iconic Golden Dome and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart, which has beautiful stained glass windows, are central landmarks that represent the university's spiritual foundation. The Grotto, a replica of the Lourdes Grotto in France, offers a peaceful space for reflection and prayer.

The University of Notre Dame provides an array of degrees, like their Finance program that equips students with financial analysis skills and a solid understanding of global markets. 

The university's vibrant athletic culture, highlighted by the iconic Fighting Irish football team, brings students together in spirited camaraderie. 

Harvard University, Massachusetts

Harvard University's campus is located in the heart of Cambridge, Massachusetts. This prestigious American Ivy League institution, founded in 1636, is the oldest college in the U.S. and is home to almost 9,000 undergraduate students.

The campus itself is a blend of historic and modern architectural style with iconic landmarks like Harvard Yard and the Widener Library. The campus is full of historic red brick buildings and dorms and High Victorian Gothic architecture is on display at Memorial Hall. Situated near Boston, one of the United States' most historic and culturally rich cities, Harvard benefits from its urban setting.

Harvard University's notable degree programs span across various fields, including the Harvard Business School, offering a prestigious MBA program known for its case method approach and global perspective.

Princeton University, New Jersey

Princeton University's campus is located in the town of Princeton, New Jersey, not far from bustling New York and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and caters to 5,000 undergraduate students.

Notable landmarks include the iconic Nassau Hall, which dates back to 1756, and the exquisite University Chapel. 

One of Princeton's many notable programs, the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, offers a renowned Master in Public Affairs program, emphasizing policy analysis and leadership skills.

Honorable mentions

• Furman University, South Carolina. The campus features its own 13-acre lake with a six-story Florentine bell tower.
• Duke University, North Carolina. The Sarah P. Duke Gardens are an on-campus oasis.
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. The iconic Old Well, a symbol of the university, is a popular gathering spot. The "Carolina Covenant" initiative ensures that students from low-income families graduate debt-free, promoting accessibility to higher education.
• Stanford University, California. Stanford University's sprawling main campus is known for its innovation and Silicon Valley proximity. 
• University of California. The Berkeley campus is renowned for its historical significance and botanical garden, and the Los Angeles campus for its film and arts programs. The San Diego campus sits in the middle of a vibrant city boarding the Pacific Ocean, and the Irvine campus is close to the beautiful Newport Beach.
• Reed College, Oregon. The campus is home to the Reed Canyon, a natural preserve for ecological studies.
• Dartmouth, New Hampshire. Dartmouth College's distinctive quarter system allows for immersive learning experiences. 
• Williams College, Massachusetts. This liberal arts college boasts New England architecture set against the backdrop of the Berkshires. The college is recognized for its strong undergraduate focus and Oxford-style tutorials. 
• University of Vermont. The state university's connection to Vermont's natural beauty offers opportunities for outdoor recreation and research.

Your campus quest awaits! Join the exploration with College Rover

As you plan your higher education journey, remember that a college campus is a second home shaping your experiences and opportunities. 

Whether you're intrigued by historic architecture or cutting-edge facilities, make informed decisions with College Rover - your guide to exploring schools, programs, and everything in between.

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.