The Most Beautiful Campus in America, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the campus you think is the most beautiful!

Updated on May 5, 2024 06:17

Choosing the right educational institution is not only about academic excellence but also about the environment where you will spend several years of your life. A campus with beautiful surroundings can enhance the student experience, making everyday a visually stimulating journey. Hence, determining which campuses stand out in terms of beauty can help prospective students make an informed choice that nurtures both their academic ambitions and their appreciation for aesthetics. This site enables users to cast votes on what they consider to be the most beautiful campuses across America. By participating, voters contribute to a live ranking that reflects collective perceptions and preferences. Engaging with this list not only aids future students in their decision-making process but also spotlights institutions that invest in creating inspiring spaces. Every vote matters in painting a clearer picture of picturesque academic environments.

What Is the Most Beautiful Campus in America?

1

51
votes
King of Hearts · CC BY-SA 3.0

Stanford University

Leland Stanford

Located in the heart of Silicon Valley, the architecture of Stanford's campus blends old-world charm with modern innovation. The campus is home to stunning sights like the Hoover Tower, Memorial Church, and the Rodin Sculpture Garden.
Stanford University is a prestigious private research university located in Stanford, California. It is known for its strong academic reputation, cutting-edge research facilities, and vibrant campus life. Stanford offers a wide range of programs and degrees across various disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, engineering, medicine, and business.

Founded: 1885

Location: Stanford, California, USA

Type: Private

Academic Ranking: 5th globally

Campus Size: 8,180 acres
Stanford University in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most advanced school in the world
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36
votes
Magneticcarpet · CC BY-SA 3.0

Princeton University

Jonathan Dickinson

Nestled in the quaint town of Princeton, NJ, Princeton's campus boasts Gothic-style buildings, green spaces, and a breathtaking view of Lake Carnegie. The campus is also home to the world-renowned Princeton University Art Museum.
Princeton University is a prestigious Ivy League research institution located in Princeton, New Jersey. Founded in 1746, it has a rich history and is recognized as one of the most advanced colleges in the world.

Location: Princeton, New Jersey

Founding Year: 1746

Type: Private

Ranking: Consistently ranked among the top universities globally

Fields of Study: Wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs
Princeton University in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful Ivy League campus
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9
votes
Aaron Josephson; cropped by Ibn Battuta · Public domain

University of Virginia

Thomas Jefferson

Designed by Thomas Jefferson, the University of Virginia's campus is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The campus features Jeffersonian architecture, including the Rotunda, the Lawn, and the Academical Village.
The University of Virginia, also known as UVA, is a public research university located in Charlottesville, Virginia. It was founded by Thomas Jefferson in 1819 and is recognized as one of the most beautiful campuses in America.

Campus Size: 1,682 acres

Architecture: Designed in neoclassical style

The Rotunda: Iconic building inspired by the Pantheon in Rome

Lawn and Range: Academic village with historic dormitories

Landscaping: Extensive gardens and tree-lined walkways
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6
votes
University of California, Los Angeles

Known for its Mediterranean-style architecture, UCLA's campus offers stunning views of the mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The campus is also home to the impressive Royce Hall, the Powell Library, and the Franklin D. Murphy Sculpture Garden.
The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is a public research university located in the Westwood neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. It is considered one of the most beautiful campuses in America, known for its picturesque setting and stunning architecture.

Size: 419 acres

Year Founded: 1919

Number of Buildings: 163

Botanical Garden: 7.5-acre garden with over 5,000 plant species

Famous Landmarks: Royce Hall, Powell Library, Murphy Sculpture Garden
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20
votes
Michael Fernandes · CC BY-SA 3.0

University of Notre Dame

Father Edward Sorin, C.S.C.

Located in South Bend, Indiana, the University of Notre Dame's campus is known for its Gothic-style buildings, including the iconic Golden Dome and the Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The campus is also home to the stunning Grotto of Our Lady of Lourdes.
The University of Notre Dame is a private Catholic research university located in Notre Dame, Indiana. It is known for having one of the most beautiful campuses in America, with its picturesque surroundings and stunning architecture.

Location: Notre Dame, Indiana

Type: Private Catholic research university

Campus Size: 1,250 acres

Founding Year: 1842

Architectural Style: Gothic Revival
6

13
votes
Duke University

Julian Abele

Situated in Durham, North Carolina, Duke's campus features Georgian-style architecture, lush gardens, and a stunning view of the Duke Chapel. The campus is also home to the Nasher Museum of Art and the Sarah P. Duke Gardens.
Duke University is a stunningly beautiful campus located in Durham, North Carolina. Situated on 8,709 acres of land, it is known for its lush gardens, picturesque landscapes, and magnificent architecture.

Year Founded: 1838

Campus Size: 8,709 acres

Number of Buildings: 280+

Gardens and Arboretums: 7 gardens, Sarah P. Duke Gardens being the most notable

Architectural Styles: Gothic, Georgian, and Collegiate Gothic
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6
votes
MECU (MECU≈talk) · CC BY-SA 3.0

University of Colorado, Boulder

Surrounded by the Rocky Mountains, the University of Colorado, Boulder's campus offers breathtaking views and stunning natural scenery. The campus also features modernist-style buildings, including the impressive Norlin Library.
The University of Colorado, Boulder is a picturesque campus located at the foot of the stunning Rocky Mountains in Boulder, Colorado. It is known for its breathtaking natural surroundings that offer students and visitors a unique blend of outdoor adventure and academic excellence.

Campus Size: Approximately 600 acres

Natural Beauty: Surrounded by mountains, including the iconic Flatirons

Architecture: Mix of traditional and modern styles

Landmarks: Norlin Library, Old Main, and Macky Auditorium

Outdoor Spaces: Expansive lawns, gardens, and a popular creek
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5
votes
Miami University

Miami University

Located in Oxford, Ohio, Miami University's campus is known for its Georgian-style architecture, red brick buildings, and lush green spaces. The campus is also home to the impressive Miami University Art Museum and the Hueston Woods State Park.
Miami University is a picturesque and historic campus located in Oxford, Ohio. Nestled among rolling hills and surrounded by green landscapes, the campus boasts a captivating blend of architectural styles and natural beauty. With an emphasis on Georgian architecture, the red-brick buildings are adorned with white columns, creating a timeless and elegant atmosphere. The campus is also known for its abundance of trees, spacious lawns, and tranquil pathways, providing a serene escape for students and visitors alike.

Established: 1809

Campus Size: 2,138 acres

Architectural Style: Georgian

Number of Buildings: 183

Tree Species: Over 150 varieties
9

5
votes
Wgreaves · Public domain

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

William Nichols

Known as "the Southern part of heaven," UNC's campus features stunning Georgian-style buildings, including the Old Well and the Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower. The campus is also home to the North Carolina Botanical Garden and the Ackland Art Museum.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a picturesque and historic campus nestled in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Known for its striking beauty, it offers a serene and idyllic atmosphere for students and visitors alike. The campus is characterized by its lush greenery, vibrant gardens, and charming red-brick buildings.

Campus Organizations: 800+ student organizations

Campus Size: 729 acres

Year Founded: 1789

Main Library: Louis Round Wilson Library

Historic Landmarks: Old Well, Davie Poplar tree
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9
votes
AndrewHorne · CC BY 3.0

University of Michigan

Henry Tappan

Located in Ann Arbor, Michigan, the University of Michigan's campus features Gothic-style buildings, green spaces, and a stunning view of the Huron River. The campus is also home to the impressive Museum of Art and the Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
The University of Michigan is a stunning campus located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It is renowned for its exceptional beauty and architectural grandeur, attracting visitors from all over the world. The campus seamlessly blends lush landscapes, majestic buildings, and state-of-the-art facilities, providing a captivating environment for learning, research, and recreation.

Established: 1817

Campus Size: 4,703 acres

Number of Buildings: 583

Gardens and Arboretums: 4 botanical gardens, 2 arboretums

Libraries: 19, including one of the largest academic libraries in the world

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Discussion

Ranking factors for beautiful campus

Architectural style and design

Consider the overall architectural style and design of the campus buildings. A beautiful campus should have a blend of both historic and modern architecture that complements each other and adds to the overall aesthetic appeal.
Landscape and green spaces

A beautiful campus should have well-maintained landscapes with plenty of green spaces, gardens, and tree-shaded areas where students can relax and enjoy nature.
Integration with the surrounding environment

A campus should blend seamlessly with its surrounding environment, preserving natural features such as lakes, forests, and hillsides, and incorporating them into the overall design of the campus layout.
Sustainability and eco-friendliness

A truly beautiful campus should be environmentally responsible and sustainable, with initiatives such as energy-efficient buildings, responsible water use, and adequate recycling facilities.
Campus layout and organization

The overall organization of the campus should be logical, easy to navigate, and thoughtfully planned, with a good balance of open spaces and intimate corners.
Art and sculptures

The presence of public art and sculptures on campus can add an extra layer of beauty and interest.
Vibrant community and student life

A beautiful campus should not only look great but also have a vibrant and active community of students, faculty, and staff, with plenty of events and activities that bring people together and foster a sense of belonging.
Cleanliness and maintenance

The overall cleanliness and maintenance of buildings, landscapes, and facilities are crucial to maintaining the beauty of a campus.
Recreational facilities

Beautiful campuses should offer a variety of recreational facilities, such as sports fields, gymnasiums, and swimming pools, which are well-maintained and visually appealing.
Views and scenery

The campus should be situated in a location that offers stunning views and scenery, creating a visually pleasing backdrop for students and visitors alike.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful campus in America. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or campus is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

1618 views
160 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each campus once every 24 hours. The rank of each campus is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

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More information on most beautiful campus in america

When it comes to choosing the perfect college, the campus itself can be a major factor in the decision-making process. A beautiful campus can inspire students and create a sense of community, making it a popular choice among prospective students. With so many stunning campuses across America, it can be difficult to determine which one truly stands out as the most beautiful. Factors such as architecture, landscaping, and location all play a role in creating a visually stunning campus. From the ivy-covered walls of the Ivy League to the palm trees of the West Coast, there's no shortage of contenders for the title of most beautiful campus in America. So, which one will come out on top? Let's explore some of the top contenders and see what makes each campus so special.