Most people who attend a college do so to earn their degree. Every year, major publications end up compiling and sharing lists that discuss the top academic institutions in the world, giving incoming college students all of the information that they need to choose where they can get that education. Not everyone is going to a university for the schooling, though. Some people go to college so that they can party. In this article, I’ll be talking about the top ten best party schools in 2017. Keep in mind that this information is purely subjective, based upon annual surveys distributed to college students around the country. Maybe you’re reading this so that you can attend a party school, or maybe you’re reading it so that you can avoid them. We’re not here too judge. Either way, let’s take a closer look.
10. Ohio University (Athens, OH)
First on our list of the top ten party schools is Ohio University, a public university located in Athens, Ohio. Ohio University has a student population of around 23,000 undergraduate students, and they’re sort of selective, with a 74% acceptance rate. The school is actually one of the oldest universities in the country, and it is very proud of its history. Although the faculty is proud of their academics and rich history, the school is also well-known for its party scene. Court Street, which is nearby, is absolutely lined with different bars and clubs. Alcohol is in generous supply, and it is generally inexpensive. Halloween at this school is also almost famous. Halloween in Athens is an enormous block party full of booze and dancing, and it is actually one of the largest block parties in the country, second only to Mardi Gras.
9. Howard University (Washington, D.C.)
8. University of California – Santa Barbara (Santa Barbara, CA)
7. University of Wisconsin (Madison, WI)
When most people think of Wisconsin, they usually don’t think of wild and crazy parties. This public research university is the largest school that I’ve talked about so far, with over 43,000 students currently enrolled. Like University of California, Santa Barbara, the University of Wisconsin is another Public Ivy institution. This school consistently ranks in the top 50 in U.S. News’s university rankings. UW is really close to State Street, which is absolutely loaded with bars and clubs. Consequently, the party scene is active at this otherwise quiet university. Madison is a large city, but it is walkable enough that students are able to take advantage of every single opportunity in the area. There’s something to do in this campus (involving alcohol or otherwise) on almost every night of the week.
6. University of Texas – Austin (Austin, TX)
University of Texas, Austin is one of the most selective and substantial universities in Texas. (In fact, it has the seventh largest single-campus enrollment in the nation, with over 50,000 students) Academics in this university are impressive, but they’re also really well known for their athletics. The Longhorns have cultivated a winning culture in NCAA Division-1 football, baseball, and basketball. The student body has also seemed to cultivate a culture of hardcore partying. There is almost something to do on the weekends, both on and off campus. In recent years, local and campus police have really cracked down on underage drinking downtown, so most partying occurs in dorms or fraternity houses. (Most students at the University of Texas aren’t actually affiliated with a fraternity or sorority, but that doesn’t stop them from partying with them.)
5. University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA)
4. University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL)
The next school on our list takes us to the sunny beaches of South Florida. This private research college has around 17,000 enrolled student, and it isn’t all that easy to get into. In fall of 2014, University of Miami had an acceptance rate of around 38.2%, which is nothing to sneeze at. Although the school is technically located in Coral Gables, Miami is really, really close by. And if Miami is known for anything, it’s their ridiculous nightlife. The nearby South Beach is arguably one of the most famous nightlife spots in Miami (and in Florida, period), and students have been known to flock there during the weekends. Even if you don’t want to have to travel anywhere, the fraternities on campus also regularly host house parties.
3. West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV)
2. University of Georgia (Athena, GA)
The University of Georgia, also known as UGA, is thought to be one of the best public university in the world. The university hosts around 35,000 students, and the school itself is really busy. Georgia’s college football team is thought to be one of the best in the Southeastern Conference. The campus is only an hour away from Atlanta, which is one of the most populous cities in Georgia. Even if you aren’t willing to make the trek to the big city, Athens itself is a great college town, and it’s full of restaurants, bars, concerts, and clubs. Downtown Athens is also really close to the campus itself, which means that it isn’t that much of a hassle for students to turn up. The active sports scene also means that tailgating is always a convenient option for someone looking for a quick drink.
1. Tulane University (New Orleans, LA)
Tulane University is thought to be one of the finest academic institutions in the country. It regularly places in U.S. News’s top 50 university ranking lists, and its 37.1% acceptance rate is the lowest that we’ve seen on this list. Tulane is located directly in New Orleans, which is pretty much considered the partying capital of the United States. Countless bars and clubs are just in your backyard. Not to mention, considering the city, most bars will serve alcohol to anyone who is able to get through the door. Access to alcohol is almost a given for any Tulane student, and as you can imagine, parties are only a natural progression. Frat parties on campus are popular, but almost every student prefers to go off-campus to get their kicks.
So there it is, the top 10 party schools in 2017. If you think there’s a college or university that missed the list and should really be reconsidered let us know by leaving a comment.