Top 10 Safest Colleges Campuses And Cities in the U.S
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No college campus is 100% safe from crimes. However, some colleges and universities in the US have better safety and security policies and initiatives that make them comparatively safer. College student safety includes evaluating the security measures of the college campus and college town. While there has been a recorded decrease in on-campus crimes, it still happens.
What is a safe college campus?
A college that actively seeks to improve campus safety through the implementation of policies such as ride-sharing programs, emergency blue light phones located throughout the campus, security cameras, security guards, mass notification systems, and even self-defense classes for students is considered to have a safe campus.
Parents can feel more at ease about sending their children off to college when there are more campus safety initiatives in place, which also help students concentrate on their studies. After all, learning and getting ready for a better future are the main reasons students attend college.
What can students do to help ensure their own safety?
There are a few basic safety measures that all students should take to protect themselves, regardless of the safety rating of their particular school. They include things like owning pepper spray, always having a phone on them, being alert, knowing where to find an emergency booth, installing home security systems, and not going out alone, particularly at night. Escort services are available on the safest campuses so that students can feel more comfortable walking around campus at night.
Learn more: Top 20+ Most Dangerous College Campuses in the U.S
Top 10 Safest College Campuses & Cities in America
When determining the rankings, we took into account the general security infrastructure, crime prevention tactics, and safety programs offered by each college.
The following are some of the variables taken into account when ranking each college's safety:
The purpose of the Clery Act is to guarantee that staff members and students have access to correct information by establishing open communication about campus crime statistics and policy.
On college campuses, security personnel make sure that precautions are taken to keep students safe.
These emergency phones, which are usually located throughout campus, are designed to connect callers right away with emergency services.
Numerous of the safest universities offer their students escorts—veteran individuals who will escort students and staff from one location to another.
There is audio and video surveillance in place to monitor any suspicious activity and reduce the likelihood of crimes occurring on college campuses.
Instead of having to walk through potentially dangerous areas of the campus, shuttles for students allow them to be driven from one point to another.
Well-lit pathways and buildings at colleges are associated with fewer instances of
All of the safest American college campuses have low rates of crime.
Numerous universities offer mental health services to aid students in processing and recovering from traumatic experiences.
1. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN
Student Population: 39,170
Crime Rate Per 1000 Students: 1.60
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| Purdue University - West Lafayette |
Public land-grant research university Purdue has six campuses. The safest campus is in West Lafayette. West Lafayette has a higher-than-average property crime rate but a much lower violent crime rate.
This suggests that the city reduces serious crime, even property crime, making the city safer.
The Clery Act compliance and Safe Walk Program are key features of Purdue West Lafayette's campus. This program escorts students, teachers, and staff.
The school promotes community and personal safety with well-lit walkways, emergency call boxes, and surveillance systems to make students safer.
Alcohol and drug possession arrests account for most campus crime and safety incidents, followed by serious crimes and crimes against women.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Purdue University Student Health can help campus crime victims.
2. University of Idaho
Moscow, ID
Student Population: 11,849
Crime Rate Per 1000 Students: 1.93
The land-grant University of Idaho is known for its sustainability, research-based innovation, and campus and community safety. Moscow has much lower property and violent crime than the rest of Russia. Idaho University follows the Clery Act.
Students can protect themselves with the university's many safety programs and resources. All staff, including teachers, receive training on how to identify and assist struggling students.
The Campus Security Team works with Moscow's Fire Department, Paramedics, Facilities Department, and Building Services to address safety concerns. Together, they ensure campus safety and constantly learn new ways to protect students.
University of Idaho crime victims can schedule appointments at the Moscow Counseling and Mental Health Center. Actively addressing the mental health and physical safety of trauma survivors is shown.
3. Brigham Young University-Idaho
Rexburg, ID
Student Population: 23,318
Crime Rate Per 1000 Students: 2.09
Idaho's private Brigham Young University is known for its academics and campus safety. The university is in a low-crime state, making it ideal for learning and personal growth.
The city's violent crime index is 24, almost 11 times lower than the national average. This suggests violent crime is rare in this area.
Brigham Young University has implemented many campus safety services to improve student safety.
BYU-Idaho reported campus crime statistics and security measures to students and staff and took steps to prevent crime and protect visitors under the Clery Act. Recent data shows 17 criminal offenses, 13 of which were committed off campus, much lower than most campuses.
Several BYU-Idaho services ensure student safety. These methods teach students awareness. BYU's Annual Security And Fire Safety Report, Safety Classes, and Bicycle Regulations promote campus safety.
The BYU Idaho Counseling Center helps students cope with traumatic events on and off campus.
Learn more: Top 10+ Most Beautiful University Campuses Around the World
4. Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater, MA
Student Population: 8,116
Crime Rate Per 1000 Students: 2.09
One of the safest college campuses in the US is Bridgewater State University, a public school. This is mostly because of its small size and location. Bridgewater has a crime rate of 22.7 for violent crimes and 35.4 for property crimes over a year. Because of this, the university community at Bridgewater is safer than most other schools in the state.
It is true that Bridgewater State University follows the Clery Act. The school has a dedicated police department with 23 full-time officers and support staff who work to keep the campus safe. The university encourages people to be aware of possible crimes and take steps to stop them.
The university's Counseling Services help students who are having mental health issues for free. Bridgewater State University doesn't have as many crimes as some other schools, but the school wants to help and care for its students in any way they need.
 Top 15 Oldest University Campuses in the United States |
5. University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA
Student Population: 24,391
Crime Rate Per 1000 Students: 2.09
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| University of Massachusetts Amherst |
The well-known public University of Massachusetts conducts research in many fields. As one of the safest colleges in the US, UMass Amherst is popular. Property and violent crime are lower in Amherst, Massachusetts than in similar cities.
UMass Amherst has a Blue Light System and other safety measures to keep students safe as required by the Clery Act. This project allows UMass Police to assist threatened students via a network of security alarms on blue posts on buildings and campus grounds.
UMass offers a free walking companion service to help students avoid nighttime walks alone. The PVTA bus system makes campus travel safer for students. Cities and schools nearby are served directly by the system.
Residential Life also prioritizes campus safety. There are automated alarms for closed doors and a monitoring system that alerts residents when main doors open.
Crime on the UMass Amherst campus dropped from 51 to 43 between 2021 and 2022. This was possible because the campus implemented security measures and the security team could adapt and improve when needed.
Many Center for Counseling and Psychological Health programs help students with mental and emotional health. Any campus or off-campus crime victim can seek help at the center.
6. Utah State University
Logan, UT
Student Population: 28,063
Crime Rate Per 1000 Students: 4.46
Logan, Utah, home to Salt Lake City's main campus, has a 10.9 violent crime rate and 26.1 property crime rate. Logan is a safe place for residents and students due to its low crime rates. The low violent and property crime rate makes USU Logan students feel safer.
Our school follows the Clery Act. Utah State has several programs to keep students safe.
The USU Department of Public Safety safeguards campus. Their safety programs include the RAD program for women, which teaches them to avoid rape and violence.
The Armed Aggressor program prepares campus residents for armed threats. Other crime-prevention programs teach safety and injury prevention.
Campus police are crucial for catching criminals. Extra services include fingerprinting and sexual assault assistance. The department wants campus residents to be more safety-conscious.
Most campus crimes resulted in possession arrests.
Student counseling and psychological services at USU can help victims and offenders of minor crimes. USU has partnered with Thriving Campus to help Cache Valley and state students find intensive or long-term mental health care outside campus.
7. Oakland University
Rochester, MI
Student Population: 12,841
Crime Rate Per 1000 Students: 5.05
Oakland University is Michigan's safest large public research university. One of the safest in the US. Rochester, Michigan has a much lower violent and property crime rate than the nation. Rochester's violent crime rate is 12.2%, below the national average.
Despite the safety of campus and town, the university knows crime can happen. Because of this, OU Police work hard to keep in touch with college students and teach them campus safety to reduce crime.
Oakland University police patrol campus buildings, walkways, roads, and parking lots. Oakland's Director of Student Life enforces security rules and works with housing and resident assistants to keep dorms safe for college students.
Oakland University has very low crime rates:.61 violent crimes per 10,000 people and 3.67 property crimes per 10,000 people.
Students with anxiety and situational depression receive free counseling at SEHS. These issues often arise after students commit crimes.
8. California State University
San Marcos, CA
Student Population: 16,000
Crime Rate Per 1000 Students: 6.98
California State University ranks high among US public research universities. CSU San Marcos is reportedly the safest California State University campus. Its violent crime rates are 15.8% and property crime 22.9 percent, below the national average.
CSU San Marcos follows the Clery Act to provide accurate campus safety information to current and prospective students.
The University Police Department deters crime 24/7 through Cougar Watch and Commuter Services. Students can call the Emergency Operations Center and Emergency Management Team in emergencies.
The Women's Center offers gender violence and sexual assault workshops, and the Safety, Health & Sustainability office offers environmental and occupational safety advice.
Party school CSUSM is famous. Over 11% of campus safety and crime incidents involved possession arrests. This is much lower than college campuses, and the security staff is well-trained.
Student Health & Counseling Services provides short-term mental health counseling to university students.
9. Northern Kentucky University
Highland Heights, KY
Student Population: 15,827
Crime Rate Per 1000 Students: 9.96
Northern Kentucky University has a low crime rate for a large public university. The state has 8.9 violent and 16.6 property crime rates. Highland Heights, where the university is, has a lower crime rate than most U.S. cities. NKU follows the Clery Act.
For crime prevention, the state uses proactive and community-focused policing. Beyond traditional security measures, NKU's campus safety programs engage and educate students about safety issues and prevention.
NKU offers 24-hour foot and vehicle patrols, late-night transportation and escort services, 24/7 emergency phone service, well-lit walkways and pathways, and limited dormitory access. Students, instructors, and staff are safe and healthy on campus with these services. To educate the community about crime prevention and disaster preparedness, NKU hosts workshops and safety training.
Possession accounted for most NKU on-campus incidents and crimes, though still lower than most colleges. This is why NKU requires dry campuses. NKU empowers, encourages, and prepares students for academic success by addressing VAW and offering counseling.
10. Princeton University
Princeton, NJ
Student Population: 8,623
Crime Rate Per 1000 Students: 15.56
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| Princeton University |
Princeton University, a top Ivy League school, has worked hard to keep its students safe while promoting academic excellence. Princeton, NJ has 8.6% violent crime and 16.1% property crime.
University follows Clery Act.
Princeton understands the town's need for proactive and comprehensive campus security. Princeton's Public Safety Department has improved campus safety.
DPS officers help people, monitor crime-prevention programs, and share university information. The DPS has over 110 highly qualified officers who patrol the campus 24/7 to protect the rights, safety, and security of university residents and employees. DPS informs campus community groups about student safety and well-being.
Princeton has no Violence Against Women Act crimes, making it one of the safest schools for women. The most common crime on campus in October 2023 was theft, 16 cases.
Princeton Counseling and Psychological Services help students with all mental health issues.
Crimes on American College Campuses
Crimes involving physical force against victims are classified as violent crimes by the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI), whereas crimes involving property are classified as larceny-theft, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and arson. Offenses involving drugs or alcohol, robbery, sexual assault, and other similar crimes are the most prevalent on college campuses.
More than 10,000 college campuses reported 31,137 criminal acts, with 783 of those crimes being found to be unfounded, according to recent data. Data also shows that 12,966 violations of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) occurred throughout this time.
Because of this, university administrations should make every effort to ensure the safety of all students, not just those who identify with the campus's dominant demographic.
FAQs
Are College Campuses in the United States Safe?
The National Center for Education Statistics reports that college campuses are experiencing a decrease in crime. Crime rates, hate crimes, incidents of violence against women, disciplinary referrals, and arrests are all indicators of campus safety.
Colleges and universities are obligated to actively promote campus safety according to the Clery Act. So, how can educational institutions make their campuses safer for students?
Which college has the lowest crime rate?
Brigham Young University-Idaho has one of the lowest crime rates per 1,000 students, making it a shining example of safety among colleges and universities. There are 23,318 students at BYU-Idaho, but the crime rate is only 2.09, which is very low.
Which Ivy League school is the safest?
Safety is a relative concept that depends on a number of variables. Ivy League colleges prioritize campus safety and have strong security measures in place.
Nevertheless, they’re just like other prestigious universities. They do not have a 100% crime-free rate. Based on the data gathered, the safest Ivy League school is Princeton University.
How safe is the USA for international students?
The US attracts talented international students with its world-class facilities and educational institutions. Most US international students are safe. Here are more safety tips for international students.
However, the university's location, surrounding area, and individual circumstances can affect international students' safety in American colleges. Considering over 50 million students, 1,626 hate crimes at US colleges are low. Being a safe country, millions of international students study in the US without worry.
What is the most common crime committed on college campuses?
Forcible sex offenses, which made up 44% of all reported on-campus crimes (9,400 cases), are the most common type of crime, according to the National Center for Education Statistics.
Bottom Line
Keep in mind that there is no such thing as a completely crime-free college campus. There is no way for a school to ensure its students are completely safe from all types of crime, even though some do a better job than others.
Still, there are plenty of examples of campuses that have successfully instituted safety measures to lessen danger and make the campus a better place to learn.
Campus safety should be a top priority for families and prospective students when evaluating a school's academic programs, facilities, and teachers. Important factors to consider when evaluating a university include the frequency and severity of violent crimes, the availability of safety resources, and the effectiveness of the campus police.
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