Most Beautiful College Campuses in the U.S.
From the hallowed halls of Ivy League schools in the Northeast to the breezy, sundrenched campuses out West, America’s colleges and universities aren’t just places of learning, they’re also places of beauty. So even if your GPA didn’t grant entrance into one of these beauties, kick back and enjoy views of some of the prettiest college campuses in the U.S.
In This Article
Most Beautiful College Campuses in the Northeast
The Northeast is often associated with beautiful “halls of knowledge” — likely because it is where some of the oldest colleges in the country are, as well as the location of the Ivy League schools. This region has earned its reputation for attractive campuses, and iconic schools abound there — think Hogwarts-style buildings, red brick and stone architecture, towers and dormer windows and ivy growing up the facades. The Northeast has the added advantage of having its campuses accented by fall colors this time of year and a coating of snow in the winter. Here are some of the standout campuses that are among the prettiest out there.
Dartmouth College
Hanover, NH
Sitting on the banks of the Connecticut River in Hanover, New Hampshire, is Dartmouth College — 269 acres of collegiate beauty. Dartmouth has such a pretty campus that it’s almost a given. People associated with the college have come to expect that their campus will rank among the finest; it makes every list. Why is that? For starters, Dartmouth offers a close connection to nature. The Appalachian Trail runs right through the center of campus, giving the college a backdrop of mountains. There’s also Mascoma Lake. The grassy field that forms the heart of the campus is known as the Green, offering trees, benches and several walking paths that dissect it. The Green is the scene of many student activities and events, from Winter Carnival to open-air concerts to a giant bonfire to graduation ceremonies. There are plenty of beautiful old buildings, and the campus feels as historic as it really is.
College of the Holy Cross
Worcester, MA
Built in 1847, the College of the Holy Cross has one of the most beautiful college campuses perched atop an emerald green hill in Worcester, Massachusetts, offering amazing views of the city below. The school is located in the heart of New England, which is already known for its picturesque landscapes and charming architecture. Follow the red brick pathways to more red brick — this time incorporated into the buildings. The gorgeous vine-covered Fenwick Hall is just one of many attractive buildings on campus. It’s known for its photo-worthy porch, where students often pose for selfies.
With its grassy lawns and lush foliage, Kimball Quad is the center of campus and the action. Colorful flowers line the walkways in the spring and summer, while bright colors overtake the trees in autumn. And there’s nothing prettier than New England in the fall — unless it’s New England in the winter, when it takes on the appearance of a Norman Rockwell painting or a snowglobe scene. St. Joseph’s Chapel has stained-glass windows to rival those of a cathedral.
Bard College
Annandale-On-Hudson, NY
Bard College is located 130 feet above the Hudson River in Annandale-on-Hudson, New York, with the scenic backdrop of the Catskill Mountains. The campus is all about nature, offering ample wide-open green space and plenty of trees. The residence halls surrounding the massive grassy quad are a mix of interesting architectural styles. The Reem Kayden Center is a sleek, modern, flashy building that not only has the latest labs and facilities, but also allows students to watch the sunset over the Hudson River from their classrooms’ floor-to-ceiling windows.
For the typical northeastern college look, Bard has Stone Row — old ivy-laced stone residence halls that date back to the early days of the campus, which was built in 1903. Griffiths Walk leads you through some of the rest of the old part of campus, with its tree-lined paths and brick dining hall, Warden’s Hall and library. The Center for Civic Engagement looks like an elegant old castle, and Ward Manor, a 1916 mansion, has a similar look and appeal. There’s even a hauntingly beautiful old cemetery on campus, perfect for the Halloween season. But if that’s not impressive enough, the 380-acre Montgomery Place is a country estate just off the central part of Bard College’s campus. It’s a historic landmark with lawns, gardens, a large mansion and views of the Hudson.
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA
One look at Lehigh University’s stunning campus, and there’s no doubt why it’s listed among the most beautiful college campuses in the Northeast. Located in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Lehigh’s 1,600 acres on three connected campuses look a lot like a piece of Old English countryside, complete with the palaces and churches and stone buildings you’d expect to see there. Lehigh’s historic, chateau-esque University Center is home to a lot of student activity and services, and it also has some of the most impressive architecture this side of the Atlantic.
The Linderman Library is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful college libraries out there. It has a gorgeous stained-glass rotunda in its center, and aesthetically speaking, it gives even the New York Public Library a run for its money. The residence halls bordering the nature-filled quad offer the best of both worlds: attractive, old historic buildings with all the modern conveniences. If a campus chock-full of Gothic spires and Medieval turrets and sandstone and brick is your happy place, Lehigh is your college.
Salve Regina University
Newport, RI
Moving up the East Coast from Pennsylvania, we have Salve Regina University in Newport, Rhode Island. If you’ve ever been to the quaint port town of Newport, you know that that alone is enough to put any college located there on the list of the most attractive. But Salve Regina also prides itself on offering a “tour of the great architectural works of the Gilded Age,” including an array of historic buildings dating back to the 19th and 20th centuries. Imagine living in a beautiful dorm that was built in the 1800s or attending class in the midst of 200 years of history. The campus sits on seven adjoining estates and covers 80 acres, and its oceanside location gives it another element of beauty that is rare among universities. It also provides plant and animal life that students are able to use in their studies.
From the minute you see the words “Salve Regina University” adorning the lovely wrought-iron fence that welcomes you to campus, just down the lane from the Ochre Court administrative building (formerly a private residence), you’ll know you’re on one of the prettiest college campuses in the region.
University of Vermont
Burlington, VT
Located in the scenic Burlington area, the University of Vermont has the perfect mix of nature, mountains, water, urban life and history. One of the campus’ biggest draws is undoubtedly its proximity to the gorgeous Lake Champlain, the sixth-largest freshwater lake in the U.S. This lake is considered one of the UVM classrooms, where students can learn about such things as aquatic species and water quality. There’s even a laboratory and research vessel lakeside. Students also have access to the lake’s beaches, a boathouse, marina, sailing center, parks, restaurants, museum, an 8-mile bike path and ample scenery and unmatched views.
The university offers abundant green spaces for nature lovers, with plenty of natural resources right in the middle of campus. Lounge on a rock, Vermont-style, or enjoy the shade of one of the grounds’ many trees. UVM has an excellent program for studying sustainability and the environment, and students get plenty of hands-on opportunities on campus and throughout Vermont. The mountains provide a beautiful setting, which is even prettier in the fall and winter. And if city life is more your speed, nearby Burlington is a cute town that has plenty of its own charm to offer.
Most Beautiful College Campuses in the Southeast
Welcome to college in the South. Southern hospitality and beauty are truly at their finest on campuses all around the region. From the brick to the boulevards to the bell towers, many of these schools have a lot to offer in the way of good ol’ Southern appeal. Grab a sweet tea, sit back (maybe on a porch somewhere) and read about nine of the most charming campuses in the Southeast, y’all!
University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, AL
The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa has more going for it than just its championship Crimson Tide football team. From Greek Revival architecture to white picket fences to the red brick “Crimson Promenade,” the campus has beauty at every turn.
Some of the prettiest old buildings cluster around the Science and Engineering Quad and the Woods Quad — which has so much installation artwork that it’s now referred to as the Sculpture Garden. For outdoorsy types, The Park at Manderson Landing is an 8-acre park set along the Black Warrior River with woods and walking trails. It also serves as the home base for the paddleboard club, crew club and rowing team. And if you are a football fan, you might find the Bryant-Denny Stadium to be among the most beautiful places on campus, especially after its $92.5 million renovation. Besides, it’s where the magic happens. Roll Tide!
Flagler College
St. Augustine, FL
With its location in St. Augustine, Florida, one of the oldest cities in the country, Flagler College already has a lot of history and character. Its red stuccoed architecture, mosaic tiles, fountains and tropical vegetation give it the appearance of an old Spanish town, which is historically its primary influence. The Ponce de Leon Hall is a massive and stately building, used mainly as a residence hall and featuring the world’s most extensive collection of Tiffany stained glass. Everywhere on campus is meticulously landscaped, and Spanish-style plazas and courtyards adorn the grounds. The West Lawn has green space where students often hang a hammock or join organized outdoor activities, and the central location right in the old part of downtown provides easy access to shops, restaurants and St. Augustine charm. As if it couldn’t get better, the beach is also nearby.
Furman University
Greenville, SC
South Carolina’s Furman University is conveniently situated minutes from both downtown Greenville and Travelers Rest and just an hour from the wildly popular city of Asheville, North Carolina. But its prime location is not even its best asset.
The stunning campus has beauty in so many forms: the lake, gardens, a charming old bell tower, wooden bridges and endless fountains everywhere. There are plenty of outdoor spaces to enjoy fresh air and scenery, whether it’s a lawn on the quad, a patio or terrace outside a building or the Swamp Rabbit Trail where students walk, hike or bike. The countless trees put on their colorful attire this time of year, and the campus takes on a whole new dimension, making it one of the prettiest campuses in the Southeast.
Duke University
Durham, NC
Located in the highly-educated city of Durham, Duke University has a campus full of character. Next to its stellar educational opportunities, Duke is also known for its amazingly beautiful architecture, including Collegiate Gothic and Georgian styles. Take, for instance, the magnificent Duke Chapel, which is more cathedral than church, or the wooden-beamed ceiling and lancet windows of the Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library’s Gothic Reading Room. The several Duke libraries on campus together hold almost 7 million books.
On Abele Quad, Flagstone pathways diverge among emerald green lawns, connecting castle-like Gothic stone buildings. Duke even has its own special namesake stone that is used to construct its gorgeous buildings. Drawn from local quarries, Duke Stone has a rare mix of colors (blue, gray, tan, rust) not seen in architecture elsewhere. Beyond campus, students can check out the town of Durham, which often ranks as one of the best places to live in the U.S., at their front door or spend some time in nature at a nearby state park.
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, VA
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello home is located in Charlottesville — as is the University of Virginia, a beautiful college that Jefferson himself founded in 1819. Therefore, it is no surprise that UVA has a bit of a Monticello aesthetic and a classic Virginia feel, visible in the many “Jeffersonian” buildings on campus. Jefferson definitely had a look that he was going for. The iconic Rotunda building, the domed heart of the campus, was allegedly built with the Greek Pantheon in mind. Along with the red brick and white columns seen in the architecture throughout campus, UVA’s attractiveness comes from the many green spaces, the brick walkways and plazas, the 13 lovely libraries, the many sculptures and the Greek-style Amphitheater right in the center of campus. This stunning campus is just one of the many historical sites you must visit during a trip to Central Virginia.
Sewanee
Sewanee, TN
The first thing you’ll see at this college, even from a distance, is the pointed spires of Gothic stone buildings jutting out above the countless trees on the campus of Sewanee: The University of the South. Sewanee, the university, is located in the small, cozy Southern town with its same namesake — Sewanee. The lush quad is surrounded by more of this architecture — tan-colored stone and pointed arches in buildings resemble gorgeous palaces, cathedrals and citadels. The building interiors are equally impressive, with their atriums, rotundas and stained glass.
Sewanee’s campus has almost nothing but historic, European-style architecture. Even the newest buildings are built in this style, and all the cutting-edge facilities and modern amenities are incorporated seamlessly so that this classic beauty remains unbroken. If you’re craving nature, Sewanee has a 13,000-acre “Domain,” or undeveloped land, to explore, with a program designed to help students get outside and take advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings. Even if college is not in your future, a trip to one of the South’s prettiest college campuses is a right of passage for those living in the Southeast.
University of Mississippi
Oxford, MS
The University of Mississippi, frequently referred to as Ole Miss, is located in the stunning city of Oxford. Like many of the schools on this list, it has a blend of the several elements that give a campus pizazz: It has some very pretty old buildings — such as the Greek Revival-style Lyceum — and some quite attractive newer ones as well. Its grounds are the proper mix of green space and quads, scenic walkways, trees and flowers, all held together through eye-catching landscaping and an extraordinary design and layout. An example of this is The Circle, a unique round arrangement of university buildings, with pathways connecting them to an interior center point like the spokes of a wheel. There are statues and art pieces that provide character as well as inspiration, including the James Meredith statue.
But, the most well-known tradition on this stunning campus is game day in the Grove. Dubbed by College GameDay’s Kirk Herbstreit as the tailgating “Mecca,” The Grove features the best tailgating scene in the country. Others agree, as the 10-acre plot is often found at the top of the lists for must-see tailgating locations. And Ole Miss has easy access to the many perks of the town. Oxford is frequently ranked as Mississippi’s most beautiful city, with plenty of things to see and do, and Lamar Park is right near campus for students seeking outdoor activities.
University of Georgia
Athens, GA
Founded in 1785, the University of Georgia in Athens claims to be the birthplace of public higher education in the U.S. That means they’ve had a beautiful campus for a lot longer than most, so they’ve had ample time to get it right. Whether it’s the circular fountain in Herty Field, the Founders Memorial Garden, the chapel and its bell tower (which students ring in times of celebration or team spirit) or the miles of brick in buildings and promenades, there’s plenty on Georgia’s campus that looks good. The Bulldog Nation (aka Dawgs) loves the Bolton Dining Hall, and right across the street is the multi-winged masterpiece of architecture known as the Terry College of Business, along with the other beautiful red brick buildings of the Business Learning Community. The North Campus melds into the cute town of Athens, which is an added bonus.
Tulane University
New Orleans, LA
Nestled among gorgeous and historic mansions in Uptown New Orleans is Tulane University. Tulane is a serene oasis in the heart of a beautiful city — and amazing views of both are available from the upper floors of the Howard-Tilton Memorial Library. Among the green quads of campus is plenty of stunning old architecture and over 200 Spanish-moss-draped live oaks. For a different take on that same theme, the Mardi Gras tree, on which students hang thousands of strings of beads, is a Tulane icon. Bordering campus is Saint Charles Avenue — not only one of the liveliest thoroughfares in town but also one of the prettiest. Students can take the historic streetcar running along the avenue to get from campus to shops, restaurants or the French Quarter. Right across Saint Charles Avenue from Tulane is one of the biggest and most beautiful parks in all of New Orleans: Audubon Park, which has plenty of options for getting outdoors, exercising or connecting with nature.
Most Beautiful College Campuses in the Midwest
Geographically speaking, the Midwest is the center of the country — and it also happens to be a hub for some of the loveliest college campuses around. These colleges and universities have a lot to offer in the way of student life, excellent educational programs, labs and research programs and so much more, but they do it in a beautiful setting that makes learning that much more fun. Here are some of the prettiest campuses in the Midwest.
University of Notre Dame
South Bend, IN
The sheer diversity of interesting and beautiful places on the University of Notre Dame campus ranks it as one of the most attractive colleges. The focal point of the campus, located in South Bend, Indiana, is the iconic Golden Dome of the Main Building, on top of which a two-ton, 19-foot statue of the Virgin Mary stands. The Basilica of the Sacred Heart is a magnificent Gothic-style church filled with artwork and stained-glass windows — the most extensive collection of French stained glass anywhere.
The Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes is a mini replica of the original grotto in France. By day, the flowerbeds surrounding it stand out and add allure, while by night, it’s the soft glow of the candlelight coming from the candles of faithful Catholics paying homage. The quaint Log Chapel is a replica of the original, built in 1831 and destroyed by fire. Notre Dame also has all the typical assets that place it among the prettiest college campuses: grassy quads, intersecting walkways, trees and bushes that change with the seasons, water (two lakes), archways and old stone and brick buildings.
University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA
Right in the heart of downtown Iowa City, mixed into the urban fabric of the city, is the University of Iowa. Being a UI Hawkeye means being surrounded by a blend of flashy modern buildings and traditional historic architecture. The Neoclassical Capitol Building, with its golden dome, flagstone porch and stone banisters, overlooks the west side of campus. The cobblestones of the Pentacrest flank downtown on one side, and on the other, pathways fan out in three directions, leading toward three of the most eye-catching buildings on campus. On the more modern side, the Rec Center has 20,000 square feet of fitness opportunities, including a three-story climbing wall. The contemporary Art Building West and Visual Arts Building have won architectural awards for their design.
The Iowa River divides the campus in half, separating the East Campus from the West and offering the possibility of waterfront strolls and classrooms with a river view. The Iowa Memorial Union Footbridge traversing the river is perhaps the most scenic way to get from one side of campus to the other. And the Pentacrest Lawn offers green space, relaxation and fresh air. This campus is known for being an artistic hub for aspiring writers and has one of the most heartwarming traditions in college sports — the Hawkeye Wave.
Northwestern University
Evanston, IL
On the banks of Lake Michigan in Evanston, Illinois, just north of Chicago, is the pristine Northwestern University. From the minute you walk beneath the Weber Arch that welcomes you onto campus and head down the paved pathway lined by trees and bushes, you’ll know you’re on one of the most beautiful campuses in the Midwest. Straight ahead, you can see the Charles Deering Library, one of the oldest libraries on campus and definitely the most stunning. It was meant to replicate the chapel at England’s own King’s College in Cambridge, so it’s not surprising that it’s got a lot of old-world charm. In case you can’t picture it, imagine Harry Potter’s Great Hall, which was also designed with the chapel in mind.
The Northwestern Technological Institute is another attractive building if you appreciate contemporary architecture. It also has the claim to fame of being the second-largest low-rise building in the U.S., after the Pentagon. Students sometimes need the help of a “Tech Room Finder” app to navigate the building’s seven miles of hallways!
In addition to the appeal of the buildings, the Northwestern campus also offers cobblestoned walkways, a pond cleverly named “Fake Michigan” (as opposed to the real Lake Michigan, which is also nearby), a sailing center and on a clear day, views of the Chicago skyline down the lake’s shoreline.
University of North Dakota
Grand Forks, ND
Before long, the leaves will begin changing color in North Dakota, and the University of North Dakota campus in Grand Forks will take on the colors of fall and look even more beautiful than it does the rest of the year, which seems impossible. Then, in the winter, the campus takes on the look and feel of a Hallmark movie when it gets blanketed with snow, and students read or study by one of the fireplaces on campus.
The main university boulevard is the campus thoroughfare, and buildings, both old and new, run along both sides. Or take the high road and get from building to building from above by walking across the cool and panoramic overhead skyways. The “boulevard” also connects to the quad, considered the center of the UND. A great way to take advantage of all those trees, nature and the bright green grass is from a hammock — join the Hammock Appreciation Club, the largest student organization on campus. For even more outdoor decor, the scenic English Coulee waterway snakes its way through campus en route to the Red River, situated right nearby.
Kenyon College
Gambier, OH
No one will dispute why Kenyon College makes the list of most beautiful college campuses. Located in Gambier, Ohio, this small liberal arts school has all the collegiate charm and beauty typical of many small liberal arts colleges and then some. Located just an hour outside of Columbus, this charming city is full of historical appeal, with the Kenyon campus serving as its crown jewel. There is more green grass, lush trees, Gothic spires and stone walls in Kenyon’s approximately 1,000 acres than an entire English village.
Take a stroll down the Middle Path, for instance, and see it yourself. The Middle Path is a gravel walkway through campus and Kenyon’s main “artery” to get anywhere. You’ll walk beneath a canopy of old trees, past benches and greenery, statues and art. Past the ornately landscaped grounds surrounding you is the “castle on the hill,” as Kenyon describes it: Ascension Hall, one of Kenyon’s classroom buildings built in 1859 in the Victorian Gothic style.
Another historic and gorgeous building is Old Kenyon, which is just as it says: old. In fact, it dates back to between 1827 and 1829, is the oldest building on campus and today serves as a residence hall. Old Kenyon has four-foot stone walls in places and spires reaching toward the sky. The campus extends its appeal in its surroundings amidst rolling hills, farmland and the nearby Kokosing River.
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, WI
The location of the University of Wisconsin-Madison is enough to put this college on the list — it’s situated on an isthmus and surrounded by bright blue lakes. The campus is also right in the heart of downtown Madison, and the lively State Street — which leads to the State Capitol and has lots of restaurants and shops for students to frequent — prolongs the campus into the city. The Capitol somewhat mirrors UW-Madison’s old and stately Bascom Hall building with its white-columned front and attractive arches. The hall stands atop iconic Bascom Hill with its quads and lawns — one of the campus’s oldest, greenest and best-looking areas. The building is also guarded by the giant statue of Abraham Lincoln out front. His sculpted presence adds a touch of refinement to the hill, and it’s said that rubbing his toe brings good luck.
Buildings on campus range in size and style, from stone and staid to newfangled and glass-atriumed, and from small (less than 1,700 square feet) to massive (1,897,439 square feet, which is almost as big as Grand Central Station!). The university’s location in Madison, often ranked as one of the best places to live in America, makes it a prime spot for students to stay post-grad.
University of Michigan
Ann Arbor, MI
The vine-covered Student Union at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor sets the tone for this gorgeous campus. It may have ivy growing up its facades, but inside, it’s a polished, uber-modern, all-the-bells-and-whistles building that recently underwent a significant renovation. Like the rest of campus, the Student Union is a union of old and new coming together seamlessly — charm and history but with cutting-edge technology, top-notch facilities and all the amenities. Outside the Union is “The Cube,” a spinning art installation that’s supposed to bring students good luck.
Enjoy art? The U of M Museum of Art has 20,000+ pieces of artwork. Greenery, archways and the hustle and bustle of student activity surround the many walkways crisscrossing campus. U of M has a tremendous off-campus residency program, so the beauty of the campus extends into the charming town of Ann Arbor. The “Diag” is the center of campus and one of the prettiest parts, surrounded by green lawns, eclectic architecture and the beloved block M on the sidewalk. Go blue!
Most Beautiful College Campuses Out West
The western part of the U.S., from Colorado to California and from Hawaii to the Pacific Northwest, is known for many things: mountains, the Pacific Ocean, sun, palm trees and waves. Whether true or not, its people have a reputation for being laid back, healthy eaters, environmentally conscious nature-lovers, surfers and hikers. Maybe skiers. They love music and the arts, care about sustainability, spend a lot of time outdoors and probably drink oat milk and eat nut cheese. They most likely spend at least some of their spare time in a brewery and might even have a home brewing kit.
Suppose you add most of those elements together. In that case, mix in a taste of everything else this part of the country has going for it, throw in a good old-fashioned desire to learn and put it in a university setting, and you’ll end up with colleges and universities in the western region and the students who love them. Here’s a look at the top six most beautiful of those campuses.
Pepperdine University
Malibu, California
Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, has scenery galore — the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Canyon, the Pacific Ocean. The university is located near Los Angeles and Santa Monica with all the conveniences and entertainment options that that provides. A Christian University, Pepperdine also offers a charming chapel with beautiful stained-glass windows. And if students want even more than everything that the attractive campus offers — including the California-style patios of Joslyn Plaza — they can enjoy the miles of coastline and sandy beaches just steps away. Even the primary dining hall, aptly named Waves Cafe, offers panoramic views of the ocean from its large windows and expansive porch area. The palm tree-lined Eddy D. Field Baseball Stadium likewise overlooks the ocean, and the beautiful Alumni Park is oceanside as well, with green grass and trees and the water stretching beyond.
University of Colorado — Boulder
Boulder, CO
The University of Colorado Boulder is another college that’s located in the midst of the mountains, and this scenic background is just one of the reasons that the CU-Boulder campus is so beautiful. A great place to admire the mountains is from the Center for Academic Success and Engagement, a sparkly new building with modern charm, all the amenities and a fourth-floor terrace where you can take in the impressive views of the Flatirons. In addition, it’s a tradition at the college to hike these picturesque rock formations. Or how about enjoying those mountain views while playing some tennis on the rooftop tennis courts of the Rec Center?
The architecture on the campus has a Spanish or Mediterranean flair, mixed in amidst all the green spaces and pathways, along with a cute little pond. The photo-worthy Farrand Field is rumored to be the second most Instagrammed place in Colorado. Fun fact off the topic of how beautiful the campus is: One of CU’s dining halls was named after the only convicted cannibal in the state of Colorado.
The University of Hawaiʻi-Mānoa
Honolulu, HI
The University of Hawaiʻi-Mānoa is a tropical paradise in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. On or right near the campus, there are palm trees, bright blue waters, deep green tropical vegetation, colorful flowers, waterfalls and attractive buildings. The McCartney Mall is a long, tree-lined walkway cutting through the center of campus and is the route to many of the university’s classrooms. Painted murals on some of the walls decorate the campus and give it color and an artistic touch — and there’s plenty more art to be seen at the John Young Museum of Art. For some downtime outdoors, get a little Zen in the beautiful Japanese tea garden. UH Manoa has all the beauty of the islands with the education to match. Students swear that they can balance beach time while still keeping up on their studies.
University of Nevada — Reno
Reno, NV
Having just celebrated its 149th birthday on Oct. 12, 2023, the University of Nevada, Reno, is the first and oldest institute of higher learning in the state of Nevada. This college is an absolute haven for outdoors lovers. One of its biggest claims to fame is its proximity to the dazzling Lake Tahoe, just steps away from campus. Tahoe, the “Jewel of the Sierra,” and its surrounding area offer crystal clear waters, mountains, hills, bike paths, hiking trails, beaches, towering pine trees…
Back on campus, the beautiful 290-acre UNR grounds provide plenty of green lawns for running or reading, Frisbee or friends, and Manzanita Lake is right on site. The Reno area boasts 22 days of sun per month, but luckily, there’s also plenty of shade beneath the canopy of trees arching over the campus walkways.
If trees bring you joy, you’ll be happy to know that the entire campus is actually a Nevada state arboretum. But if you’re more of an urban soul, don’t worry; you’re not barking up the wrong tree at UNR. The city of Reno has all the perks of city life you need.
Lewis & Clark College
Portland, OR
Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, describes itself as a college that’s in both the woods and the city. It also has the mountains — Mt. Hood, to be exact. The campus really does look like something out of a travel brochure for the Pacific Northwest: water trickling down rocks, pink flowers growing beside stone walls, stone steps leading down to a reflecting pool, green lawns, white cherry blossoms on the trees, fountain statues, gardens… There are trails to hike, hills to climb, waters to swim in. The campus connects with 658 acres of Tryon State Park, which offers 10 miles of trails. Walk across the covered bridge straddling the Ravine, a wood-covered valley right in the middle of campus. Flanagan Chapel is pretty and also unique — it’s home to the only circular pipe organ in the world. And, of course, nearby Portland — just 15 minutes from the Lewis & Clark campus — has plenty to offer, from food to fun. The city is constantly making the ranks of best places to live and most popular travel destinations.
University of Washington
Seattle, WA
Way up north in Seattle sits the University of Washington. Its gorgeous campus is sprinkled with Gothic architecture, including the Suzzallo Library, which looks like someone took an ancient cathedral and filled it with books. Interspersed between the old historic buildings are flagstone walkways, cherry trees, the green lawns of the Quad, the Blocked Out art installation, the Sylvan Grove columns and the Red Square’s brick plaza. The magnificent Drumheller Fountain sits in an area of campus known as Rainier Vista, featuring trees and roses and the backdrop of Mount Rainier far behind. The lovely fountain, which seems like it belongs in a park in Europe, holds a million gallons of water — enough to fill two Olympic-sized swimming pools. It’s frequented not only by students but also by a regular population of ducks. Like the other campuses on this list, UW also offers plenty of nature, including 10,000 trees and Lake Washington. And beyond that, what better city for the great outdoors, entertainment, food and endless activities than Seattle? UW has it all.
Most Beautiful College Campuses in the Southwest
The southwestern part of the country has many college campuses that rank among the most beautiful in the U.S. They encompass the classic beauty usually associated with historic colleges and universities, mixed with endearing accents that you regularly find in the South, such as palm trees and Spanish moss. From Tempe to Texas, here’s a look at some of the prettiest college campuses in the Southwest.
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ
Arizona State University has several different campuses, including one in downtown Phoenix and one at Lake Havasu. However, the one that stands out for its unique layout and attractiveness is the Tempe campus. This campus offers a variety of architecture and is a mix of classic collegiate charm and modern appeal. The red brick Old Main building is the oldest original building on campus — dating back to 1898 — and is on the National Register of Historic Places. At the other extreme are more contemporary buildings, including the Gammage Auditorium, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright; high-tech dorms; the latest research labs and facilities; and the Sun Devil Stadium. The campus is devoted to sustainability. The ASU Tempe campus features the famous School of Sustainability and the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Institute of Sustainability and is the most solar-powered college campus in the country. The campus grounds are transected by wide pedestrian malls and landscaped with palm trees and fountains.
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ
Located right in Tucson, the University of Arizona campus has all the allure of an Ivy League college. Red brick is everywhere, and virtually every one of the 179 campus buildings incorporates brick into its design. One of the campus’ most endearing assets is its Mall, which rivals the Washington, D.C. Mall in appearance and beauty. The grassy, palm tree-lined Mall serves as a central concourse, helping section off the campus into quadrants. It’s a main passage for students to hang out, get to class or get fresh air and participate in various activities.
Like ASU Tempe, the University of Arizona has a beautiful and historic “Old Main” building of its own — the oldest building on the campus (built in 1891) and likewise a registered historic building. Also on campus is the Arizona State Museum, devoted to studying and preserving Southwestern history. The Environment and Natural Resources 2 Building has its own unique style, including being built to look like a canyon. Throughout the approximately 380-acre campus, there are plenty of biking trails as well as a streetcar to get students around campus.
In addition to the brick architecture, strong academics and plenty of nature and greenery, the university also prides itself on being able to offer good weather as part of the draw of its campus — one of the prettiest college campuses in the Southwest.
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, OK
The Oklahoma State University website boasts of the many selling points of its gorgeous campus — how it was voted one of the most beautiful campuses in the region and features lovely Georgian architecture scattered across 700 acres.
The OSU campus in Stillwater, OK, is what you would think of when you imagine a beautiful college campus, complete with plenty of green space and nature, artwork and architecture — including old brick buildings, charming dorms and historic classrooms. If modern architecture is more your thing, there’s plenty of that too, such as the 124,000-square-foot Henry Bellmon Research Center’s innovative facilities and the cutting-edge Business Building.
Adding even more beauty to the campus is the duck-filled Theta Pond, which dates back to 1895, located within the equally picturesque Centennial Gardens.
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, TX
The lush green grass of the “Boulevard,” accented by bright red flowers in the warmer months, welcomes you to Southern Methodist University in Dallas. Every home game day during football season, students and fans come out to tailgate there — to celebrate their school and their team. Brick is everywhere on this campus as well, not only in the framework of the buildings but also in the paving stones of streets and walkways. The many archways and the quads add intrigue to the campus and give it that time-honored flair.
The stately domed Dallas Hall is the oldest building on campus and one of its centerpieces. It overlooks the carefully manicured and designed diamond-shaped lawns of the Boulevard. The large porch of the Laura Lee Blanton Student Services Building is shaded by columns and offers rocking chairs, providing a Southern feel. This building has many important offices, such as the registrar, financial aid and academic advising. The Fondren Library, one of seven libraries on campus, is another building that deserves mention for its attractiveness, and the floor-to-ceiling windows on the fourth floor open up to unmatched views of the Dallas skyline.
Baylor University
Waco, TX
Baylor University in Waco, Texas, may be located in the South, but it looks a lot like a town in Europe, with all the charm to go with it. The Founders Mall is a beautifully landscaped green space stretching away from the majestic federal-style Pat Neff Hall building. Along the stretch of lawn are bushes, trees, and flowers that beautify this area, and hedges that are shaped to form the word BAYLOR, which are both impressive and eye-catching.
The Burleson Quadrangle at the center of campus adjoins the lovely Burleson Building and Old Main, which, as with the other campuses mentioned here, is the oldest building at the university. It dates back to September 19, 1887, meaning the historic building is about to celebrate its 137th birthday. This area of campus looks like something off a postcard of Vienna.
Waco Creek, winding through the Baylor grounds, along with its walkways and bridges, adds yet another element of beauty to one of the prettiest college campuses in the Southeast.