Colleges and Universities With Extra-Friendly Campus Communities

First Place

• Vanderbilt University (Nashville, TN): Private research university
  
  What students say: "I have heard a lot of good things about it; both the university and the city/Nashville attract diversity."
  
  "The students take initiative and positively impact their community. There is a strong self of community."
  
  "They have many clubs that students can join and offer many activities to engage students and socialize."
  
  "Tennesse has the southern charm some other colleges don't have. It's a rigorous school with people who care."
  Yes, connect me!

Second Place

• University of California, San Diego (La Jolla, CA): Public comprehensive research university
  
  What students say: "There's a friendly and diverse culture."
  
  "Every person in any building or club always has people that you would like to meet again."
  
  "UC San Diego is beautifully diverse, which allows for the mingling of many cultures coming together."

Other Top Picks

• Iowa State University (Ames, IA): Public land-grant research university
  
  What students say: "Iowa is nice, and most [students] come from agricultural backgrounds, which is the farmer way."
  
  "I have never had a negative experience regarding campus or the ISU community."
• Southern Connecticut State University (New Haven, CT): Public comprehensive university
  
  What students say: "It’s the friendliest community I have come to see and visit, and I’ve never had a problem with anyone ever on campus."
  
  What students say: "A friendly community is a vibe, and that is the vibe I got from Southern."
  Yes, connect me!
• The University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington, TX): Public comprehensive research university
  
  What students say: "They are very diverse and they have lots of events."
  
  "Everyone is very welcoming and helps out when you ask. The school's helpful atmosphere is really nice. The professors want to help you succeed, and it shows."
• University of Colorado Boulder (Boulder, CO): Public comprehensive research university
  
  What students say: "There are many clubs for people to join and get to know each other, creating a familiar environment."
  
  "Out of all the colleges I visited, CU Boulder had the most welcoming vibe and encouraging staff."
  Yes, connect me!
• University of Oregon (Eugene, OR): Public comprehensive liberal arts university
  
  What students say: "U of O has a very diverse group of students and is very accepting of all students."
  
  "Everyone is super kind and helpful and willing to connect with you and answer questions."
• University of Wisconsin—Green Bay (Green Bay, WI): Public comprehensive university
  
  "This campus has the most welcoming atmosphere. They also go out of their way to foster personal connections between prospective students and faculty, which make students feel valued before they even step on the campus."
  
  What students say: "There are only Packers fans there, and Packers fans are great people."

Super-Friendly Students & Staff

• Arkansas State University (Jonesboro, AR): Public comprehensive university
  
  What students say: "In my experience, the staff are more inviting and friendly compared to other places I've been to."
• Bluefield University (Bluefield, VA): Private Baptist liberal arts university
  
  What students say: "Bluefield University has the friendliest community because its foundation was built on the love of God. Faculty, staff, leaders, and professors all exhibit this and positively impact students to do the same."
• Dordt University (Sioux Center, IA): Private Christian liberal arts university
  
  What students say: "The students are kind and welcoming. Professors will invite you over for dinner."
• Hope College (Holland, MI): Private Reformist undergraduate liberal arts university
  
  What students say: "Students and faculty are so welcoming and friendly."
• Middle Tennessee State University (Murfreesboro, TN): Public comprehensive university
  
  What students say: "Everyone is super friendly and always willing to talk to you."
• Northeastern University (Boston, MA): Private research university
  
  What students say: "Everyone is super helpful and friendly if you need any help. The community is very strong."
  Yes, connect me!
• Southwestern University (Georgetown, TX): Private Methodist liberal arts and sciences university
  
  What students say: "Everyone is kind and encouraging."
  Yes, connect me!
• University of Central Arkansas (Conway, AR): Public comprehensive university
  
  What students say: "Because I am there! Nah, we are all very friendly!"
• University of Massachusetts Amherst (Amherst, MA): Public comprehensive research university
  
  What students say: "Super inviting and friendly people."
• Walters State Community College (Morristown, TN): Public two-year community college
  
  What students say: "Everyone is friendly and helpful to each other."
• Whitman College (Walla Walla, WA): Private liberal arts college
  
  What students say: "Literally everyone at Whitman is here to help and support students, including other students and faculty."

Fast Friends

• Appalachian State University (Boone, NC): Public comprehensive university
  
  What students say: "The school encourages socializing and finding your roots with others, whether they be like-minded or not."
  Yes, connect me!
• Bellarmine University (Louisville, KY): Private comprehensive university
  
  What students say: "Nobody knows a stranger; the campus is small enough that when you say hello to anyone, that person will return the greeting."
• California Baptist University (Riverside, CA): Private Christian liberal arts university
  
  What students say: "Everyone says hi, and it's easy to make friends."
  Yes, connect me!
• ERAU—Daytona Beach (Daytona Beach, FL): Private specialized aviation institution
  
  What students say: "Students will talk to each other without hesitation and will not bully or pick on one another."
  Yes, connect me!
• University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY): Public land-grant research university
  
  What students say: "Everyone on campus was so nice. I met so many friends while I was here."

Good Campus Vibes

• Augustana College (Rock Island, IL): Private Lutheran liberal arts college
  
  What students say: "Everything they do is personalized, there is a low crime rate, and everyone there is so friendly and kind."
• Brown University (Providence, RI): Private Ivy League research university
  
  What students say: "Everyone is so welcoming!"
  Yes, connect me!
• Eastern Maine Community College (Bangor, ME): Public two-year community college
  
  What students say: "They help you feel a part of the school."
• Elmira College (Elmira, NY): Private liberal arts college
  
  What students say: "750 students! Everyone knows everyone!"
• Georgetown University (Washington, DC): Private Catholic research and liberal arts university
  
  What students say: "So many kids have a commitment to service and love to help."
• Kansas State University (Manhattan, KS): Public land-grant research university
  
  What students say: "Kansas State University is intentional about putting students first and offering a positive student experience both in and out of the classroom."
• Misericordia University (Dallas, PA): Private Catholic liberal arts university
  
  What students say: "Small campus; everyone gets along and is friendly."
• Morehouse College (Atlanta, GA): Private Historically Black liberal arts college for men
  
  What students say: "Everyone gathers a lot for community cleanups and cookouts."
• Southeastern University (Lakeland, FL): Private Christian liberal arts university
  
  What students say: "Christ-based learning, small class sizes, and one-on-ones with peers."
• Sweet Briar College (Sweet Briar, VA): Private women's liberal arts college
  
  What students say: "As an all-female equestrian school, Sweet Briar houses students that share hobbies, interests, and ethos. Their similarities are such that the campus is harmonious."
• University of Central Florida (Orlando, FL): Public comprehensive research university
  
  What students say: "UCF has the friendliest community because it offers a variety of parties and get-togethers to go to. At the same time, I mingled with other UCF students on campus."
• University of Georgia (Athens, GA): Public comprehensive research university
  
  What students say: "Students are from all over the country, seeking knowledge, lifelong friendships, and experiences."
  Yes, connect me!
• University of Hawai'i at Hilo (Hilo, HI): Public comprehensive university
  
  What students say: "It's more like a family than a school."
• University of Mississippi (University, MS): Public comprehensive research university
  
  What students say: "U.S. News & World Report as well as Southern Living and Campus Security Today have ranked them as one of the friendliest college communities in the nation."
  Yes, connect me!
• University of New Hampshire (Durham, NH): Public comprehensive research university
  
  What students say: "Very welcoming and homey environment."
• University of Northern Iowa (Cedar Falls, IA): Public comprehensive university
  
  What students say: "I have never not felt welcomed there!"
  Yes, connect me!
• University of Oxford (Oxford, UK): Public international research university
  
  What students say: "We live together with many students from all countries."
• Wellesley College (Wellesley, MA): Private liberal arts college for women
  
  What students say: "Very tight-knit and small and no men."

Especially Inclusive

• Chadron State College (Chadron, NE): Public comprehensive college
  
  What students say: "Everyone is very inclusive and treats you how they want to be treated."
• Compton College (Compton, CA): Public two-year community college
  
  What students say: "Very multiracial; ages vary as well."
• Indiana University Bloomington (Bloomington, IN): Public comprehensive research university
  
  What students say: "Everyone is inclusive and willing to help anyone who may need it."
• New England Institute of Technology (East Greenwich, RI): Private technical university
  
  What students say: "Very LGBTQ friendly."
  Yes, connect me!
• Old Dominion University (Norfolk, VA): Public comprehensive university
  
  What students say: "It’s very diverse and welcoming."
• Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey—New Brunswick (New Brunswick, NJ): Public research university
  
  What students say: "Rutgers has a very progressive community and many clubs you can join based around your identity or interests."
  Yes, connect me!
• The University of Utah (Salt Lake City, UT): Public research university
  
  What students say: "They help make sure that there is a community for everyone."
• University of Tennessee at Knoxville (Knoxville, TN): Public land-grant research university
  
  What students say: "They are accepting and joyful people, it truly is an amazing community."
• University of Vermont (Burlington, VT): Public land-grant research university
  
  What students say: "This school is one of the most accepting schools out there! There are also a bunch of activities around the campus that keep the students happy and occupied during their free time."
  Yes, connect me!

Great First Impressions

• DeSales University (Center Valley, PA): Private Catholic liberal arts university
  
  What students say: "The students greeted me and opened and held the doors for visitors."
  Yes, connect me!
• University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, AR): Public land-grant research university
  
  What students say: "During my tour and [throughout our] communication, they were very helpful and welcoming."
• University of Missouri—Columbia (Columbia, MO): Public comprehensive land-grant research university
  
  What students say: "Many helpful tour guides."
  Yes, connect me!
• University of Wisconsin—La Crosse (La Crosse, WI): Public comprehensive university
  
  What students say: "Their chancellor even stopped our tour to talk to us."

Strong Town-Gown Relations

• Oklahoma State University (Stillwater, OK): Public comprehensive research university
  
  What students say: "It sits in the heart of America's Friendliest College Town of Stillwater, Oklahoma. Students and employees are encouraged to take advantage of the numerous programs designed to improve their quality of life while on campus."
  Yes, connect me!
• University of California, Davis (Davis, CA): Public comprehensive research university
  
  What students say: "People at Davis are generally very accepting and friendly, and the administration works to highlight and promote these values. People from all backgrounds can find community and support. The city itself is also very integrated with the campus, making the whole of Davis feel like home."
• University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA): Public research university
  
  What students say: "People from Iowa are very friendly and try to make everyone safe."
• University of Kansas (Lawrence, KS): Public comprehensive research and teaching university
  
  What students say: "The community is pretty tight-knit, and overall, Wichita is friendly—the vibe of the college town seems great."
• University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC): Public comprehensive research university
  
  What students say: "The campus is in the heart of the city, there’s so much to do, and people are welcoming of students."