While beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, there are certain characteristics that contribute to the visual appeal of particular college campuses. U.S. News & World Report, known for its academic ranking of college campuses, recently considered the aesthetics and identified 25 colleges, all within the U.S., “known for beautiful campuses with attributes such as stunning architecture, picturesque settings, or spectacular landscaping.”
East coast schools that made the list include Princeton University in N.J. This Ivy League school is known for its architecture including American colonial-style buildings (one of which was home to Albert Einstein for two decades) and Gothic buildings reminiscent of those at University of Oxford and University of Cambridge in the United Kingdom.
Additional east coast schools known for their stunning college campuses are University of Vermont, Harvard University (MA), Salve Regina University (RI), Swarthmore College (PA), Villanova University (PA), University of Virginia, Duke University (NC), Flagler College (FL), and four schools in Georgia: Georgia Institute of Technology, Berry College, Mercer University, and Spelman College.
Not surprisingly, several California universities made the list for their beautiful campuses. Pepperdine University is located at the top of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, with buildings “designed to complement the ocean-side setting by using a modern interpretation of the Mediterranean Revival style.” San Diego State University features Mission-style buildings with white stucco facades, red tile roofs, and outdoor walkways lined with palm trees. Stanford University, in Palo Alto, credits its striking design to the work of the renowned landscape architect, Frederick Law Olmsted, who also designed Central Park in New York City.
Two Texas schools, noted for their impressive campuses, are Baylor University and Texas Christian University. Also on the list is the University of Colorado – Boulder, noted for its awe-inspiring views of the Rocky Mountains.
Not surprisingly, the University of Notre Dame in Indiana draws accolades for its buildings inspired by Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Like the iconic Cathedral, the University’s Main Building was destroyed by a fire before being rebuilt.
Rounding out the list of 25 beautiful college campuses are Aurora University (IL), Denison University (OH), Kenyon College (OH), Indiana University – Bloomington, and University of Washington.
Although there are many criteria to consider when choosing a place to call home for one’s impressionable college years, having a beautiful environment can only enhance the experience.
Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362
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