While you’re putting together your college list, you probably know to look at the academic offerings, geographic location, size, and housing options, but there may be something you’re missing: the friendly factor. How friendly a college (and the surrounding community) is can be a crucial piece of your experience as a student, especially if you’re someone who feeds off of good vibes.
We’ve pulled together ten of the friendliest colleges in the country — that also have strong academics and significant prestige — to inspire you to find a perfect fit school not just academically, but also socially.
Vanderbilt University – Nashville, Tennessee
Starting off the list with Vanderbilt is a no-brainer. This university in the south has been rated as having the happiest students in the country over and over again by the Princeton Review, in a study of nearly 400 colleges. Vanderbilt is an academic powerhouse with a social scene to match, and students love that they can blow off steam in a positive and friendly environment after putting hours in at the library.
Rice University – Houston, TX
Rice was named a Bicycle Friendly University by the League of American Bicyclists, and ranked number 12 in the country for happiest students by the Princeton Review in 2020. The community is known as friendly and supportive, and it’s a great place to challenge yourself among peers who want to see you succeed.
Tulane University – New Orleans, LA
Tulane is a service-focused university, so you know that your classmates and faculty are looking out for more than themselves. Rooted in one of the most celebratory cities in the world, Tulane is known for supporting students as they take risks and try new things. They are also known for allergy-conscious dining options, which is unique.
College of William and Mary – Williamsburg, VA
The College of William and Mary is friendly, in a quiet and soft-spoken way. This school is full of active students, but not a ‘jock’ or ‘sports’ community, and it’s known for being a place where studious and mellow students succeed. The college is ideal for students who aren’t looking for the stereotypical social college experience, but are intent on focusing on their academics and finding friends who share their interests.
Colby College — Waterville, ME
Colby College is small and tight-knit liberal arts college known for a student body who loves spending time together. Students band together for adventures on and off campus, including hiking, skiing, and biking.
Clemson University – Clemson, SC
Clemson University students are curious, and the school is known for its intellectually-engaged community. If you’re someone who studies best in a group, Clemson University may be right up your alley, as many students look for opportunities to collaborate and combine efforts.
University of California-Santa Barbara – Santa Barbara, CA
The University of California-Santa Barbara has a major leg up when it comes to friendly-factor — it’s based in California, after all. They don’t call it “California Cool” for nothing. This school has great academics that are nationally recognized paired with a chill vibe that is welcoming and community-oriented.
University of Vermont – Burlington, VT
The University of Vermont is a medium-sized school in a small city, and the vibe of the school permeates the community. Across the city, from the businesses to the music venues to the art galleries, there’s an air of approachability that welcomes in new arrivals. Burlington is a bike-friendly city, so enjoying UVM doesn’t require a car. It’s nestled between the great lakes and the mountains of Vermont, so whether you like skiing, mountain biking, canoe tripping, or a good hike, there’s an adventure waiting for you and new friends excited to come along.
University of Washington – Seattle, WA
The University of Washington is known for offering a big university experience in the heart of Seattle, Washington. Seattle is an interesting city for college students, as it combines the hustle of big tech with the scrappiness of entrepreneurship and the laid-back culture of the Pacific Northwest. Add in a dose of big university experience (think athletics, tailgating, and parties like you’ve seen in the movie), and you’ve got a pretty nice place to be an undergrad.
Tufts University – Medford, MA
Tufts University is one of many schools in the United States with a student center and/or administrative team dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA students, but it’s one of the few schools that has had these programs for nearly three decades. With inclusive housing options and access to legal name change resources, Tufts prioritizes giving everyone a friendly welcome.
If putting your college list together feels overwhelming, send us an email. We help students like you find their perfect fit.