Some colleges have a reputation for academics, and others have a reputation for being party schools. But the two things aren’t mutually exclusive, and it’s entirely possible to choose a college where you can get a quality education and have fun at the same time. We’ve put together this list of the best colleges that are known for having a fun atmosphere and lively party scene to keep you busy outside of class.
- Endicott College
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- West Virginia University
- Florida State University
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- University of Texas at Austin
- Tulane University
- The University of Alabama
- University of Georgia
- Syracuse University
- Pennsylvania State University
- University of Dayton
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- University of Iowa
- Miami University Ohio
- Ohio University
- University of Mississippi
- University of Delaware
- University of Colorado-Boulder
- Arizona State University
Why This Matters
For a lot of students, going to college is their first time leaving home and is a chance to meet new people, try new things, and have classic college experiences like joining a fraternity or sorority. Going to a party school can make it easier to find those opportunities because of the number of on-campus students and the frequency of parties.
The best party schools are large, including many public universities. They may be less academically-rigorous than other colleges, so students can spend less time studying and focus more on fraternity and sorority life and extracurricular activities.
Some parties are unofficial and are not endorsed by the college or university, but other activities, like sporting events, may also be part of the party culture. For those looking for fun, there’s usually something to do every night of the week.
Our Ranking Criteria
Party schools can be found in every part of the country, but differ widely in terms of size, tuition, and the academic programs offered. We reviewed more than 80 colleges in the U.S. to arrive at this list of the 20 best party schools. We primarily relied on information available on each school’s website, and we made sure that each school is accredited by a reputable association and will confer a nationally-recognized degree.
The 20 Best Party Schools
Endicott College
Endicott College is located in Beverly, MA, less than an hour north of Boston. Although it’s one of the smallest schools on our list, Endicott College has an active party scene, with a seaside campus and three private beaches. Endicott focuses on “experiential learning,” and requires students to take on three internships over the course of their degree. Popular majors include Business, Marketing, and Nursing.
- Location: Beverly, MA
- Intelligent Score: 98.1
- Average Tuition: $35,764 per year
- Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education
- Student Enrollment: 2,854
University of Wisconsin-Madison
With over 37,000 students and more than 9,000 courses to choose from, the University of Wisconsin strikes the right balance between nightlife and academic life. Students can catch a film at the Lakeside Cinema, enjoy live music at the Memorial Union Terrace, or or watch Badgers games at the beer hall. Other options include an active fraternity and sorority scene and annual events like the Mifflin Street Block Party and Brat Fest.
- Location: Madison, WI
- Intelligent Score: 96.6
- Average Tuition: In-State: $10,766 per year; Out-of-State: $38,654 per year
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Student Enrollment: 37,046
West Virginia University
West Virginia University has over 22,000 undergraduates, around half of whom live on campus, giving Morgantown an active party life. WVU kicks off the year with FallFest, a multi-day event that has featured major musical acts like Kanye West and Maroon 5. The party scene revolves around football and basketball games, as well as traditions like Mountaineer Week, with a craft fair, singing competition, and square dances.
- Location: Morgantown, WV
- Intelligent Score: 95.68
- Average Tuition: In-State: $8,976 per year; Out-of-State: $25,320 per year
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Student Enrollment: 25,425
Florida State University
Florida State University is known for its tailgating parties, including the Garnet & Gold Tailgate, which is hosted by the Division of Student Affairs. With over 50 fraternities and sororities and a prime Tallahassee location, students can find something to do every night of the week. Plus, FSU is a well-known research university, so you don’t have to choose between an active social life and a rigorous academic program.
- Location: Tallahassee, FL
- Intelligent Score: 95.41
- Average Tuition: In-State: $6,516 per year; Out-of-State: $21,683 per year
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 43,953
University of California, Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara’s coastal location and pleasant year-round weather make it an attractive option for many college students. True to its progressive nature, the school maintains a Community Relations Committee to stay on good terms with year-round residents, as well as a “Life of the Party” organization that promotes safe partying habits. There’s no football team and only a small Greek life scene, so expect relaxed West Coast vibes ranging from house parties to dodgeball tournaments.
- Location: Santa Barbara, CA
- Intelligent Score: 94.93
- Average Tuition: In-State: $11,442 per year; Out-of-State: $29,754 per year
- Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 25,450
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX, is known for its vibrant music scene, and that’s a big part of life at UT-Austin, with pedestrian-only parties on Sixth Street, and an annual Round Up festival. Students can also perform at open mic nights, attend football games, and participate in fraternity and sorority life. With nearly 50,000 students, UT-Austin offers on-campus residents a fast-paced urban lifestyle with easy access to the great outdoors.
- Location: Austin, TX
- Intelligent Score: 92.63
- Average Tuition: In-State: $10,858 – $13,576 per year; Out-of-State: $38,650 – $46,498 per year
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 47,087
Tulane University
Tulane University is a private university in New Orleans, where students can participate in annual events such as Crawfest and, of course, Mardi Gras. With a high percentage of students taking part in Greek life, there are no shortage of parties to attend. That said, classes are hard and many students pursue double and even triple majors, so don’t expect to put the books away entirely.
- Location: New Orleans, LA
- Intelligent Score: 91.9
- Average Tuition: $56,684 per year
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 12,370
The University of Alabama
The University of Alabama greets new students with Weeks of Welcome, giving them a fun and festive introduction to life in Tuscaloosa. You’ll find plenty of college bars and an active football scene with tailgating parties and pre-game traditions. A third of students are involved in a fraternity or sorority, while the SOURCE (the Division of Student Life) makes it easy to form your own organization or host an on-campus event.
- Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
- Intelligent Score: 91.33
- Average Tuition: In-State: $10,780 per year; Out-of-State: $30,250 per year
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 31,533
University of Georgia
The University of Georgia is based in Athens, and maintains a strong football rivalry with the University of Florida, providing plenty of opportunity for tailgating parties. One of the year’s biggest events is the Pajama Jam, a fundraising party thrown by Alpha Phi Alpha to benefit the March of Dimes. Students who aren’t into sports or Greek life will still find a lot to do in downtown Athens, where live music events take place every night.
- Location: Athens, GA
- Intelligent Score: 91.07
- Average Tuition: In-State: $9,790 per year; Out-of-State: $28,830 per year
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 37,565
Syracuse University
While many party schools focus on the football scene, Syracuse University is home to a successful basketball team and epic March Madness parties. Regular events include an outdoor concert called Juice Jam, a spring party called Mayfest, and dozens of fraternity and sorority parties throughout the year. Local bars also offer happy hours and beer tours that cater to Syracuse students who are old enough to buy a drink.
- Location: Syracuse, NY
- Intelligent Score: 88.5
- Average Tuition: $54,270 per year
- Student Enrollment: 19,214
Pennsylvania State University
Penn State has over 275 majors and 20 academic colleges, making it a well-respected research institution in addition to its reputation as a party school. Although it has several campuses located throughout the state, the University Park campus is the largest, with up to 40,000 undergraduates living there during the school year. Activities include frat parties, tailgating parties, live music, and pub trivia nights at local college bars.
- Location: University Park, PA
- Intelligent Score: 88.35
- Average Tuition: In-State: $17,920 per year; Out-of-State: $34,984 per year
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Student Enrollment: 44,704
University of Dayton
The University of Dayton offers 80 undergraduate programs and over 100 minors, as well as 50 graduate degrees. Outside of class, students attend sporting events, house parties, comedy nights, and other activities led by student groups. The biggest party takes place on St. Patrick’s Day, but there’s also an annual Celebration of the Arts, which gives students the opportunity to explore Dayton’s thriving cultural scene.
- Location: Dayton, OH
- Intelligent Score: 87.41
- Average Tuition: $44,890 per year
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Student Enrollment: 8,322
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Students who aren’t old enough to drink can still enter bars in Champaign and Urbana, making it easier to participate in the nightlife than at some other colleges. With almost 100 fraternities and sororities, a Big Ten football team, and an annual fair called Quad Day, the U of I has earned its spot as one of the top party schools. Students can also join Illini Pride for the chance to cheer on athletes at home and away games.
- Location: Urbana, IL
- Intelligent Score: 87.35
- Average Tuition: In-State: $16,866 – $21,960 per year; Out-of-State: $34,316 – $39,410 per year
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Student Enrollment: 41,763
University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is famous for its Creative Writing program, but it’s also one of the country’s top party schools, with Big Ten sports teams and an active tailgating tradition. Kinnick Field plays host to a wide range of activities throughout the year, ranging from carnival games and bounce houses to free food and music. Students can also explore the downtown pedestrian mall and attend the annual Taste of Iowa City food festival.
- Location: Iowa City, IA
- Intelligent Score: 85.82
- Average Tuition: In-State: $9,830 per year; Out-of-State: $31,793 per year
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Student Enrollment: 28,035
Miami University Ohio
Miami University in Oxford, OH, offers a wide range of academic options including an honors program and several study-abroad opportunities. It also has an active fraternity scene with over 23 chapters and a big focus on varsity sports, including football and basketball. One of its most famous traditions is Green Beer Day, which has been around since 1952 and involves drinking beer that’s been dyed green.
- Location: Oxford, OH
- Intelligent Score: 85.27
- Average Tuition: In-State: $16,224 per year; Out-of-State: $36,650 per year
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Student Enrollment: 17,024
Ohio University
Located in Athens, OH, this party school is known for its beautiful riverside setting and its annual Halloween festivities. Football games take place at the 28,000-seat Peden Stadium, while the 13,000-seat Convocation Center hosts basketball games and live music events. Other events include Fest Season, Homecoming, and Green Beer Day. Students can also head down to Court Street for pub crawls and other nightlife.
- Location: Athens, OH
- Intelligent Score: 84.53
- Average Tuition: In-State: $12,612 per year; Out-of-State: $34,268 per year
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Student Enrollment: 26,328
University of Mississippi
The University of Mississippi, known as Ole Miss, ranks highly as a party school, with its prominent Greek life and a competitive athletics scene. Students will find house parties, college bars, and other opportunities to socialize every night of the week. In addition to nightlife, the Ford Center for the Performing Arts hosts live music and theater events, and Ole Miss Outdoors offers outdoor recreational activities and adventure trips.
- Location: University, MI
- Intelligent Score: 83.88
- Average Tuition: In-State: $8,718 per year; Out-of-State: $24,990 per year
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- Student Enrollment: 16,502
University of Delaware
The University of Delaware is a research institution with several colleges, including the College of Arts and Sciences, and the College of Earth, Ocean, and Environment. The Newark campus has around 16,000 undergraduates, many of whom take part in Greek life. Its pedestrian-friendly location in Newark, DE, makes it easy to have a fun night out, or catch a train to nearby cities like New York and Philadelphia.
- Location: Newark, DE
- Intelligent Score: 81.46
- Average Tuition: In-State: $6,365 per semester; Out-of-State: $17,080 per semester
- Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
- Student Enrollment: 21,184
University of Colorado-Boulder
The University of Colorado in Boulder offers a good balance of fun and academics, with Greek life having a smaller presence than at many other party schools on this list. You’ll find a relaxed campus life in line with the state’s liberal drug policy, although it’s worth noting that both alcohol and marijuana sales are restricted to those 21 and over. This university is known for its house parties, street parties, and outdoor music fests.
- Location: Boulder, CO
- Intelligent Score: 81.06
- Average Tuition: In-State: $29,372 – $34,676 per year; Out-of-State: $55,190 – $58,586 per year
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Student Enrollment: 34,975
Arizona State University
Arizona State University has a massive student population, with over 66,000 students enrolled at its Tempe campus. Its warm temperatures and comparably low tuition rates make it a popular option for both in-state and out-of-state students. Alcohol is banned on campus, and only beer and wine are allowed at tailgating parties, but that hasn’t stopped it from developing a reputation as a party school. Other events include a homecoming parade and a lantern walk to the top of “A” Mountain.
- Location: Tempe, AZ
- Intelligent Score: 80.65
- Average Tuition: In-State: $10,710 per year; Out-of-State: $28,800 per year
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Student Enrollment: 66,409
What Are the Benefits of Attending A Party School?
One of the main benefits of attending a party school is the fun and camaraderie. But it’s not all about nightlife. Many party schools provide a wide range of social activities, from sporting events to art and music festivals. Here are a few other benefits of attending a party school:
- Athletics. Party schools often have competitive athletics programs and a strong sense of school spirit, with game day-traditions such as tailgating parties.
- Community. Many party schools are located in urban centers or college towns, so many of the people you’ll meet will be affiliated with the college in some way. This can be less isolating than attending a school with a small campus.
- Social life. If you’re thinking of joining a fraternity or sorority, you’ll have more options at a party school than at many other colleges.
- More free time. You still have to attend classes at a party school, but you may not have to do as much studying as you would at other institutions.
What Are the Disadvantages of Attending A Party School?
Going to a party school can distract you from focusing on your academic career, which can impact your grades and career prospects. While socializing is an important part of the college experience, partying can be hard on your health and your wallet.
Not all students at party schools choose to participate in party culture, but there may be more pressure to drink, do drugs, and hook up than at other schools. Living on-campus at a party school may make it harder to get a good night’s sleep, especially if you take part in a fraternity or a sorority. Party schools also have high rates of drug and alcohol use.
Ultimately, though, how frequently you choose to party is up to you. If you think a party school will be too distracting, then it may not be for you. Plenty of other colleges have a lively social scene where you can party occasionally, but not all the time.
Who Should Attend A Party School?
Party schools aren’t for everyone, and it can be challenging to find a balance between school and social life. Introverts may find campus life too overwhelming, and students who are enrolled in an academically-rigorous program such as pre-med may find that joining a fraternity or sorority doesn’t leave enough time for studying.
On the other hand, if you want to make the most of your college experience and you have enough self-control to stay on top of your studies, then attending a party school may be a good choice for you. It can be an opportunity to improve your social skills, build new relationships, and meet people from all over the world.
Just be sure to know your boundaries, keep an eye on your budget, and avoid letting the party scene get in the way of your coursework or your health.
Interested in a degree instead?
Learn more about online degrees, their start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.