Many of America’s colleges are nestled in between mountains, sitting atop rolling plains, and even minutes from sparkling beaches. From the architecture to the nature that surrounds it, we’ve combed the United States for the most scenic campuses.
- Texas Christian University (Fort Worth, Texas)
Characterized by its iconic brick color and deep red roofs, the campus blends traditional and modern buildings creating an inviting atmosphere. Gothic Revival architecture is on full display with the Robert Carr Chapel. - LSU (Baton Rouge, Louisiana)
Among the towering oak trees, you can find Tiger Stadium. The impressive architecture has allowed this stadium to hold over 102,000 people and is famous for their electrifying night games. - Baylor University (Waco, Texas)
Sitting on the banks of the Brazos River, Baylor offers serene views with inviting walking paths that enhance a peaceful ambience. - San Diego State University (San Diego, California)
Hepner Hall stands out among the rest. Serving as the original entrance, the grandiose white building showcases the campus’ Mediterranean architectural influence. - University of Miami (Miami, Florida)
Be transported to a tropical oasis with a plethora of green spaces. The stunning Lake Osceola has a connection with Biscayne Bay and other natural bodies of water where wildlife thrives. - Stanford University (Stanford, California)
The famed Hoover Tower and the Palm Drive create a striking entrance that foreshadows the strong Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The campus also features the Papua New Guinea Sculpture Garden and Arizona Garden that provide an earthy, historical escape. - University of Oregon (Eugene, Oregon)
Opening in 1937, Knight Library is a common gathering place on campus tours. The robust brick building is commonly referred to as a prime example of integrated art and architecture featuring some work done by students, professors, and graduates. - University of Notre Dame (Indiana)
The iconic “Golden Dome”, topped with a statue of Mary, serves as the focal point, while picturesque lakes and gardens enhance the campus’s serene environment. Surrounded by lush greenery, Basilica of the Sacred Heart reflects a rich tradition and deep history. - University of Washington (Seattle, Washington)
Set against the backdrop of the Cascade Mountains and Puget Sound, the campus features beautiful cherry blossoms that come alive in the spring. Building such as the Suzzallo Library enhance the aesthetic Gothic appeal. - University of South Carolina (Columbia, South Carolina)
The campus features 5 different architectural styles which provides a stunning blend of contemporary and historical. From the Brutalist Capstone House to the Neoclassical Longstreet Theatre. - Syracuse University (Syracuse, New York)
The iconic Hall of Languages, with its classic design, stands out among the diverse array of buildings. Adorned with vibrant gardens and a picturesque quad, seasonal changes enhance the campuses charm. - Penn State University (University Park, Pennsylvania)
This campus is home to the second largest stadium in the nation. After an expansion in 2020 added 12,000 seats bringing the official seating capacity to a staggering 106,572. - Duke University (Durham, North Carolina)
The Duke Chapel, with its towering spires and intricate stained glass, serves as a central landmark. You can also find the blooming Sarah P. Duke Gardens that offer beautiful floral displays. - Clemson University (Clemson, South Carolina)
The campus sits on the rolling foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains near the scenic Lake Hartwell. Home to Clemson Memorial Stadium, also know as “Death Valley”, it boasts recent upgrades making it an unforgettable stadium experience. - Auburn University (Auburn, Alabama)
The Donald E. Davis Arboretum sits on 13.5 acres in the heart of campus. As one of the oldest buildings in the SEC, it functions as a plant museum and an outdoor classroom. - University of Missouri (Columbia, Missouri)
Originally built with locally sourced limestone, The Columns have become a pilar of the campus. Destroyed by a fire in 1892, they were rebuilt and now symbolize collective strength while proving to be an alluring attraction. - University of Colorado-Boulder (Boulder, Colorado)
With its distinctive red-brick and breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, you’re overtaken with natural beauty. Buildings such as the Old Main have undergone renovations but maintain their original charm. - University of Georgia (Athens, Georgia)
The Arch serves as a key landmark on campus. Built in 1858, it’s the entrance to the North Campus. Crafted from brick and granite, the Arch symbolizes tradition as one student created a ripple effect to not pass under it until he received his diploma. - Airforce Academy (Colorado Springs)
One of the most recognizable buildings is the striking Cadet Chapel. Currently under renovation, the structure features 17 spires that reach 150-feet high. - University of Mississippi (Oxford, Mississippi)
Previously serving as a confederate hospital, the Lyceum is easily recognizable with its stunning white columns that stand in front of the deep, red brick building. It is also said to house the oldest academic bell in United States history. - Texas A&M University (Station, Texas)
Memorials and sculptures such as the Bonfire Memorial are placed throughout the lush campus signifying its connection to the community and to honor individuals who have served in the military. - Boise State University (Boise, Idaho)
Tucked along the Boise River, the campus provides calming landscapes that are ideal for appreciating nature. One of the university’s most distinctive features is its blue turf at Albertsons Stadium. - Indiana University (Bloomington, Indiana)
The Sidney and Lois Eskenazi Museum of Art stands on the campus showcasing a diverse collection of art and further embedding culture. The building stands out with its triangular shape and glass and concrete materials. - University of Florida (Gainesville, Florida)
Completed in 1953 and standing at 157 feet, the Century Tower emerges in stark contrast against the greenery featured in The Plaza of the Americas. - United States Military Academy (West Point, New York)
Boasting a rich military heritage, the campus was originally a fort during the American Revolutionary War. You can easily spot the architectural differences as it sits high overlooking The Hudson River. - Michigan State University (East Lansing, Michigan)
The Beaumont tower serves as a prominent memorial to the university’s first president, John A. Beaumont. Built in 1928 the building features Gothic architecture. - University of Utah (Salt Lake City, Utah)
Located on the campus, military installation Fort Douglas was established in 1862. Today it serves as a museum and community space nestled in the Wasatch Mountain Range. - University of Louisville (Louisville, Kentucky)
A leader in architectural diversity, the campus features Grawemeyer Hall which was modeled after Thomas Jefferson’s rotunda. It now houses administrative offices but still presents historical charm. - University of Arkansas (Fayetteville, Arkansas)
Nicknamed “The Hill”, the campus sits high overlooking the pristine Ozark Mountains. In 1875 the Old Main building was finished and, to this day, holds lore about the placement of the towers. - Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, Virginia)
The campus is known for its towering, stoic buildings that carry heavy collegiate gothic style architecture. Most notably, Solitude, a historic home believed to be built in the 1800s, sits on the ambient bank of the famed Duck Pond.