Alumni of universities across the country show their pride through bumper stickers, coffee mugs and making monetary donations. So what really makes a school loved by students?
Academic freedom to pursue a combination of majors and customize a curriculum is one aspect that can impact how students feel about their school. Campus life is important to students, such as offering a variety of social clubs, access to entertainment, shops, and restaurants close to campus.
The schools on the list all share a proximity to urban areas, national parks and cultural festivals to keep students exploring the world around them.
The Princeton Review assembled the top ten list of most loved schools by asking students whether they agreed or disagreed with one simple statement, “I am satisfied with my school.”
These are the top 10 most loved colleges, as ranked and quoted in the Princeton Review:
10. Emory University
Located just outside of Atlanta, Emory takes students out daily to experience what the city has to offer on “experience shuttles.” The campus culture has a diverse student body coming “from all over the United States and from around the globe,” as stated in the ranking.
9. University of Wisconsin-Madison
With 32,196 students enrolled, the city of Madison offers many shops, restaurants and bars for entertainment activities.The Wisconsin Badgers play Division I football, baketball and ice hockey. One student said, “There’s a sense of pride instilled in every UW-Madison student. I don’t know of one person who regrets choosing to go to school here.”
8. University of Dayton
The small Ohio catholic school fosters a student body that is “very friendly and welcoming to others.” Students have access to over 250 clubs on campus, plus proximity to the city of Dayton for culture, food and a “vibrant arts scene.”
7. Brown University
Located in Providence, R.I., the Ivy League school has 6,988 students enrolled. “Brown is generally a very happy place with many activities and events going on all the time,” says a student. The school “has a way of molding people into their best selves.”
6. Vanderbilt University
The campus is located on a 330-acre park-like campus within the city of Nashville. Students have the opportunity for internships in Nashville’s busy entertainment, business and medical industries.
5. Colby College
Located in Waterville, Maine, near Acadia National Park, students have access to a wide range of outdoor activities all year long. Students have many outlets of support, including student-led peer groups and free counseling services at the health center.
4. Tulane University
Located in New Orleans, students can take a break from their studies to attend live music and art events, plus Mardi Gras. One student said, “These kids are some of the most sympathetic, hard-working people I know and I wouldn’t trade this community for the world.”
3. Virginia Tech
The campus is located on 2,600 acres and has its own airport. Shops and restaurants are found on the College Avenue Promenade in the town of Blacksburg. Outside magazine named the campus town one of the top 10 places to live in the U.S. Students rally for their Division I Hokies in football and basketball.
2. College of William and Mary
Student at the nation’s second-oldest college boast some prestigious alumni, or “tribe,” like Thomas Jefferson and Jon Stewart. With 450 clubs on campus, some options include “the Quidditch team" or the "Exotic Cheese club.” Half of the students study abroad at some point during their collegiate career.
1. Clemson University
Clemson’s campus is located between Atlanta, Ga., and Charlotte, N.C., bordering on the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Students are encouraged to participate in a study-abroad program during their Clemson studies. Partnership programs are available on six continents for all interests and studies. The Divison I Clemson Tigers football and basketball teams help boost the school's recognition and team spirit.
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