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30 Graduate Schools With Beautiful Campuses

Written by Grad School Center Team We are a passionate team of experienced educators and advisors at GradSchoolCenter.com, dedicated to guiding students through their graduate education journey. Our experts, with advanced degrees across various disciplines, offer personalized advice, up-to-date program information, and practical insights into application processes.

Reviewed by David Krug David Krug is a seasoned expert with 20 years in educational technology (EdTech). His career spans the pivotal years of technology integration in education, where he has played a key role in advancing student-centric learning solutions. David's expertise lies in marrying technological innovation with pedagogical effectiveness, making him a valuable asset in transforming educational experiences. As an advisor for enrollment startups, David provides strategic guidance, helping these companies navigate the complexities of the education sector. His insights are crucial in developing impactful and sustainable enrollment strategies.

Updated: March 14, 2024, Reading time: 37 minutes

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Choosing a Beautiful Graduate School Campus

As you inch closer to completing your undergraduate studies, choose a grad school that’s conducive to learning. Academic reputation, educational value, and college culture usually come to mind. 

Beautiful US Grad School Campuses - fact

However, all these standards can be overwhelming when selecting the place to spend the most defining years of your academic life! It also pays to pick a beautiful campus because, in the long run, the aesthetics of your graduate school will substantially affect your daily experience. A stunning campus motivates and inspires!

US Graduate Schools with Beautiful Campuses

From coast to coast, the United States is bursting with picturesque graduate schools. Think breathtaking architecture and stunning landscapes! Here are some of the most beautiful graduate schools that stand out:

Princeton University

Princeton University

Princeton has gorgeous buildings magnified by its exquisite landscape. It is a 500-acre New Jersey campus of stunning Collegiate Gothic structures and immaculate greenery.

One of this prestigious institution’s most spectacular architectural features is Palatial Nassau Hall, which has remained a constant feature since 1756. This structure burned down in 1802 and 1855, and it is a standout Italian-Renaissance project by Scottish-American architect John Notman.

Princeton’s residential community is one of its defining characteristics. The Graduate College offers housing for graduate students in Gothic buildings, apartments near Lake Carnegie, and residential colleges where you can live alongside undergraduates as a resident graduate student.

The Graduate School houses most graduate students residing on campus. However, slots are usually prioritized for freshmen students. The Graduate College and Annexes provide dormitory housing for students without dependents, whereas the Lakeside apartment, townhouse complexes, and Lawrence apartments are available for graduate students with families. 

Graduate housing communities boast athletic courts, barbecue areas, coffee shops, studies spaces, exercise rooms, garden plots, parking, playground areas, and a private club (D-Bar) for over-21s. A Graduate Student Life Team plans intellectual, cultural, service, and social events. 

Another campus facility to fall in love with at Princeton is the Princeton University Art Museum. Known globally, this Art Museum houses a total of 92,000 ancient and modern art pieces. There is a seasonal rotation of exhibitions among the 26 galleries, with only 5% of the collections on display at any given time.

Stanford University

Stanford University

One of Stanford University’s most striking features is its entryway. The moment you go inside this university, you’ll automatically fall in love. The campus’s crown architectural jewel, Memorial Church, and its mosaic façade are located at the end of a mile-long Palm Drive and the expansive green oval Main Quad.

It is also home to one of the largest collections of Rodin bronzes beyond Paris, which is housed in the Cantor Arts Center. When the skies are clear, the Hoover Tower observation platform offers a clear view of campus and up to San Francisco.

More than 8,000 acres of Stanford’s campus make it one of the largest in the nation. This university is also called “the Farm” by locals. On Stanford’s campus, including the historic Main Quad, mission revival architecture dominates. In addition to Stanford’s nondenominational Memorial Church, Hoover Tower, Stanford’s tallest building, is one of its most iconic structures.

It is undeniable that Stanford is one of the best academic institutions globally, but that doesn’t stop students from enjoying themselves outside of their academic lives. Students can participate in active Greek life, enjoy a social scene on campus, and enjoy explorations throughout the surrounding Bay Area.

Williams College

Williams College

It is regarded as one of the Little Ivies due to its reputation and quality as a liberal arts college despite having only a few thousand students. In addition to consistently receiving high accolades from publishers, Williams is distinguished by a strong sense of community, loyalty, and nostalgia among students and alumni alike.

With a history dating back to 1793, Williams College is one of the oldest colleges in the United States. It has become one of the most beautiful campuses in the country over more than two centuries of service.

Famously beautiful, the Berkshires have been a tourist destination for generations. In the fall, the region is wonderful with the changing leaves. Many New Englanders visit the mountains for the foliage, and Williams College’s scenic campus is a popular place to see the changing leaves. 

The Berkshire coast is so central to campus life that Williams’ official alma mater is composed by 1859 graduate Washington Gladden, celebrating Berkshire’s beauty. Visitors attracted to Williams College by the fall foliage and football games, and its quaint New England inn can stay at the college’s inn during the fall.

There are thousands of colleges all over the United States, so deciding which college looks the best is difficult. Williams College, like other beautiful colleges, also has enough structures to boast, like its beautiful landscapes, lush gardens, bubbling fountains, and a scene that can take your breath away.

University of Notre Dame

University of Notre Dame

While the gold dome perches atop the Main Building at Notre Dame, it is one of many magnificent sights to be found on its 1,250-acre campus in Notre Dame, Indiana. It features a splendid bell tower, a soaringly high stained-glass window, and a stunning Neo-Gothic basilica of the Sacred Heart.

Often listed as one of the most impressive university churches in the United States, the structure was designed by Father Edward Sorin and Alexis Granger and dedicated in 1888. Notre Dame began as a preparatory school in 1842, and it gained its charter two years later.

One of the most appealing features of Notre Dame is its awe-inspiring beauty. This University has been ranked among America’s most beautiful campuses consistently for years. Tourists come to take countless photos on their campus.

Besides offering undergraduate, professional, and graduate students access to the institution’s unique scholarly culture, Notre Dame is a leading American research university. Throughout its history, the university has worked to bring knowledge into the service of justice, a place enriched by Catholic intellectual traditions.

Students pursuing professional degrees in Architecture, Business, or Law at Notre Dame are challenged by academic rigor, learn through new experiences in classrooms and studios, and interact with accomplished practitioners.

Graduate students at Notre Dame have access to a community of scholars, scientists, and artists who work together on many cross-disciplinary projects at the highest level. Some of these multidisciplinary collaborations receive crucial support from Notre Dame’s various centers and institutes.

Dartmouth College

Dartmouth College

This founding Ivy League institution is the smallest of the Colonial Colleges, established before the American Revolution.

The university is a hub for culture, politics, research, and leadership in New England and nationally, serving as America’s premier college. With historical buildings designed in the Georgian style dating back to the early 19th century, Dartmouth’s Hanover, CT campus is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful in the nation. At its campus in New Hampshire’s Upper Valley region, Dartmouth sits over the Connecticut River.

Dartmouth’s fall foliage makes it one of the most impressive displays of the state, as it is surrounded by more than 260 acres of forest. The spectacular fall foliage at Dartmouth draws many family members and alumni, particularly those in New England. Dartmouth Night and Homecoming events, outdoor adventures, recreation, and entertainment are also popular.

As an Ivy League school and small liberal arts college, Dartmouth’s combination of prestige and community makes it possible for the Dartmouth spirit to create exceptionally dedicated alumni. 

Dartmouth College, located in the deep green Upper Connecticut River Valley, is frequently ranked among the most beautiful colleges in the country, thanks to its panoramic mountain views, towering pines, and pastoral setting in the Abenaki homelands.

The natural beauty adds a great deal to the campus’ distinctive character, but it’s just one factor that creates such an uplifting atmosphere. Students, faculty, staff, and staff are enriched by the beauty of their daily treks across this grassy expanse, transforming dramatically as the seasons change. 

Mount Holyoke College

Mount Holyoke College

In 1837, Mount Holyoke College was founded and became the country’s first women’s college. It continues to be one of the few women-only colleges in history. Mount Holyoke is historically regarded as a sister institution to Dartmouth. However, it has earned all its achievements and academic excellence without the support of any other institutions.

If your concern is to attend a grad school that features a solid network pool, look no further. From culture and the arts to politics and business to doctors and lawyers, Mount Holyoke’s alumni list is filled with influential women from every field. It is also often considered to be one of the best colleges in the United States.

Mount Holyoke is a charming New England college with Gothic-influenced buildings, naturistic sceneries such as lakes, trails, waterfalls, and a botanical garden. Mount Holyoke is situated in the Pioneer Valley of western Massachusetts, a trendy tourist destination. Historic Gilded Age estates, rolling mountains, and beautiful fall foliage throughout New England attract tourists all year round. In mid-October, a parade of colors happens at Mount Holyoke.

Among the most beautiful campuses in the nation, the Princeton Review rated Mount Holyoke’s campus. Regardless of your reason for visiting, you’ll surely enjoy Mount Holyoke and feel welcomed and at ease. Hotel, motel, and bed and breakfast accommodations are located near campus.

There are plenty of dining choices and cultural and recreational activities both on campus and throughout South Hadley.

St. Olaf College

St. Olaf College

As one of Minnesota’s most beloved institutions and one of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges, St. Olaf College was founded in 1874 by Norwegian immigrants named after Norway’s patron saint. St. Olaf, a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, has served Northfield and throughout Minnesota for more than 80 years.

St. Olaf has just 3000 students but is nationally known for its close-knit community, its dining hall, and the commitment that the college makes to the rural region surrounding it.

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year in the area, so it’s the best time to give St. Olaf College a visit. This university has been widely cited as having one of the most beautiful campus landscapes in the United States. The rustic surrounding farmland and scenic forests of St. Olaf’s 300-acre campus complement the university’s historic buildings. 

They host several annual events on campus that showcase the vibrant musical community, including the yearly St. Olaf Christmas festival, which features five choirs, and the St. Olaf Orchestra. Traditions are one thing that makes the university stand out more than the rest, from tremendous alumni and concert-goers to the King of the Hill competition and football game during Homecoming week.

Aside from Scandinavian studies and music-related studies, this educational institution is also famous for offering quality study-abroad programs. They also enjoy celebrating many diverse events and traditions. So if these are your cups of tea, then feel free to enroll at St. Olaf College. 

St. Lawrence University

St. Lawrence University

St. Lawrence University was established by the Universalist Church in 1856 as a seminary for ministry training. St. Lawrence Seminary ended in 1965 when the Universalist Church merged with the Unitarian Church. Still, it remained faithful to the fundamental values of the church, the most progressive denomination in America at the time (and still is).

St. Lawrence’s life has always been rooted in community, responsibility, service, and justice. St. Lawrence University is also a national liberal arts powerhouse, a pioneer of living and learning communities (which makes it among the best college hostels in the country), and an academic leader.

Upon founding St. Lawrence College, the Universalist Church positioned it outside the village of Canton to avoid getting students distracted from their studies by too many distractions. Its rural location has earned it a place among the nation’s most beautiful colleges.

Many colleges in New England boast colorful foliage in the fall, including St. Lawrence, which boasts a breathtaking wooded campus with stunning fall foliage. As one of the prettiest regions of the country, St. Lawrence students can also test their abilities in one of the region’s best-known outdoor adventures.

Their natural surroundings, nestled in the shadow of the Adirondack mountains, have helped shape their adventurous spirit. From their campus buildings to dining to academic programming, they are committed to preserving and protecting their home. These teachings can be forwarded to students as they lead a sustainable life even after graduate school.

Sweet Briar College

Sweet Briar College

There are twenty-one buildings on the US National Registry of Historic Places owned by the College. There is no surprise why many of the buildings, which span 3,250 acres, were designed by Ralph Adams Cram, known for his aesthetic eye for perfection and symmetry. Students can ride horses amid scenic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, part of the 130-acre equestrian center.

The events they host are designed to help you better understand what it’s like to study at Sweet Briar College. There will be opportunities to socialize with current students, visit the Harriet Howell Rogers Riding Center, and dine in the dining hall. Students can develop and strengthen meaningful opportunities through the Office of Student Life, which works closely with the Academic Dean and staff.

Various campus activities, including outdoor programs, spiritual practices, and community activities, are what you can expect in your campus life at Sweet Briar College. People genuinely take care of one another and are always looking out for each other.

Everyone thrives and excels in this kind of collaborative community. You learn more outside of the classroom than inside a classroom during your time in college. During your time on campus, you know about yourself and have experiences you will remember for a lifetime.

Michigan State University

Michigan State University

The University of Michigan is one of the most prominent and recognizable universities in the nation, and some people often overlook them.

Since Michigan State was founded in 1855, it has been a pioneer in combining modern, applied science and agriculture with traditional liberal arts learning. With 20,000 acres of land, Michigan State is among the nation’s top public research universities, transforming American higher education and transforming the state.

In addition to its distinguished research profile, Michigan State University is known for its steadfast commitment to the state’s land, waters, and people. It is committed to connecting the people of Michigan with the land, including by offering unusual Extension programs centered around Michigan. 

You probably already know how beautiful Michigan State’s campus can be if you’ve ever walked around it. The trees change colors during the fall, and the flowing red cedar waters as students fill the sidewalks. Michigan State is consistently ranked one of the top universities in terms of beauty.

Michigan State’s campus is unlike any other, and its natural beauty is unrivaled! When tailgating in East Lansing next weekend, stop at the Beaumont Tower, see the Red Cedar, and walk by the Spartan statue. All these will make your experience at Michigan State University worth it!

University of Alabama

University of Alabama

The University was destroyed by fire in 1865; today, only four of the original buildings are left. The President’s Mansion is one of these four iconic structures. It was constructed using local bricks, in the Greek Revival style, with even Ionic columns. This is a definite stand-out and might be the first structure one can see when visiting the university.

Shelby Hall, built in a more classical style, is home to many research teams, resource centers, and the chemistry department at the University of Alabama. This is another campus facility that attracts incoming students.

UA’s campus is consistently rated among the nation’s best. The spring is a spectacular time to visit the tulips, and the fall is a more dramatic time to see the golden leaves. By cultivating an inclusive campus culture, Student Life provides students with the opportunity to gain a better understanding of how they can maximize their University of Alabama education.

Keeping you safe and well is one of the school’s highest priorities. UA invests significantly in activities and initiatives designed to make you feel secure and enhance your capacity for making responsible decisions.

Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington

Public Ivy Indiana University Bloomington is one of the most influential colleges and universities in the Midwest and a flagship institution for Indiana public research. Indiana University was established in 1820, shortly after Indiana joined the Union, and contributed significantly to turning the frontier into a center of government, business, and education.

Alumni and faculty who have been associated with Indiana University for nearly two centuries include Nobel Laureates, society contributors, and business leaders. The University of Indiana has a broad impact on Indiana’s professional life, with a global reach including business, law, medicine, and nursing.

However, the Indiana University campus is also one of the most picturesque in the United States and in Bloomington, IN. Many consider it to be one of the top college towns in America. Indiana University’s Bloomington campus is home to some of Indiana’s oldest and most beautiful buildings, as well as magical aged trees, luscious greeneries, and centuries-old brick walks. 

IU Bloomington’s campus is surrounded by the hills of southern Indiana, giving it the appeal of an old-fashioned college campus. While walking the grounds, you’ll encounter buildings from the Victorian era as well as Romanesque, Gothic, and Collegiate Gothic styles, Art Deco, Modern, and postmodern ones of the past 200 years.

IU Bloomington’s original 10 acres were located south of downtown and have grown to nearly 2,000 acres in Northeast Bloomington. Stroll through the Fine Arts Plaza and Dunn’s Woods, which are its two iconic landmarks.

On the Campus River, you can enjoy a picnic, while the Indiana Memorial Union’s Commemorative Garden offers a moment of Zen. There sure is a lot to love at Indiana University Bloomington.

Emory College

Emory College

Its 100-acre preserve designated for preserving the South is one of Emory University’s most remarkable features. A variety of water features and hiking trails can be found here. On campus, near the mentioned preserve, is the Lullwater House. This beautiful mansion contains elements from the Tudor and Gothic styles.

This Atlanta-based campus is marked by the beautiful Haygood-Hopkins gate, which opens to 600 acres of green space and Italian Renaissance architecture. You can find beautiful spots around campus for study breaks, jogs, and even lawn sports, such as the bustling new Student Center and the stunning marbled buildings surrounding the Quad.

They also prepared community events that engage students, both undergraduates and graduates, to participate. They have Tuesday Farmers Markets at Cox Hall, Wonderful Wednesdays, and James Weldon Johnson Institute Colloquiums.

Near the Lullwater Preserve, their Clairmont campus hosts junior, senior, and graduate students. The campus houses some of the most popular amenities, such as the Student Activity and Academic Center (SAAC), an Olympic swimming pool, and a fitness center.

They have tennis, volleyball, and basketball courts, as well as an impressive student residential tower. From the undergraduate residential building, you can enjoy city views, watch movies, and have fun at their SAAC and maximize your experience as an in-house student.

Oxford College, one of Emory’s two liberal arts colleges, is located on Emory’s original campus. It is a beautiful and vibrant place to socialize and study, with two of the university’s oldest academic buildings and a modern student center.

Several events are held here, including the Oxford Olympics and the Pancake Breakfast in the evenings or the historic charms of nearby Covington, Georgia, less than an hour from the Atlanta campus.

Lewis & Clark College

Lewis & Clark College

With more than a century and a half of service in Oregon, Lewis & Clark College is widely regarded as one of the nation’s best liberal arts colleges. Lewis & Clark College was founded in 1858, long before Oregon became a state.

Presbyterian settlers, who learned a higher education would enable the advancement of their community, founded Lewis & Clark before Oregon became a state. The school continues to be deeply committed to the health of Oregonians and their environment today.

Lewis & Clark College serves as an outstanding addition to the many recognitions accorded to the Pacific Northwest. Its 137-acre campus, situated on the top of Palatine Hill, looks out over Portland. Its 600-acre Tryon Creek State Natural Area connects to it, allowing students to experience the area’s natural beauty.

A notable feature of Lewis & Clark’s campus is the lush greenery, but the dense foliage it produces in October is one of the most stunning in the Pacific Northwest. There are miles of trails for hikers and bicyclists to enjoy at Lewis & Clark College, making it a popular autumn activity.

Students, faculty, staff, and alumni at the Lewis & Clark Graduate School of Education and Counseling are deeply dedicated to serving others and passionate advocates for equity, social justice, and access.

Faculty members know their students personally and academically, providing opportunities for close relationships and engaging discussions on campus and throughout our community.

University of California, Santa Cruz

University of California Santa Cruz

As one of the most beautiful college campuses in the country, this campus is only minutes away from beaches, the boardwalk, and downtown Santa Cruz. There are redwood trees on campus, and you can see the beach and ocean from the campus.

“The Great Meadow” is a vast grassy meadow area that makes up a large part of the campus. Many creeks and footbridges grace the University of California, Santa Cruz campus, making for a scenic walk between classes.

They offer a unique combination of learning opportunities on each of our campuses. Any of the ten campuses offers professional networks, facilities, and resources to its students. As a university committed to building diverse academic communities, UC can attract the brightest minds across the globe.

Their society is made up of people who come from all backgrounds, cultures, and philosophies, who will challenge you to achieve more than you ever thought possible – and provide you with the support you need so you can achieve it.

Berry College

Berry College

With more than 27,000 acres of fields, lakes, forests, and mountains, this rural college in Mount Berry, Georgia, holds the lofty title, “the largest contiguous campus in the world.”

Henry Ford was the school’s largest benefactor, and he made the Ford Dining Hall, Ford Auditorium, and Mary Hall possible. Berry makes full use of its setting with multiple reflecting pools and fountains.

Discover one of the world’s largest college campuses. One hundred eighty-eight miles of trails allow visitors to explore the 27,000 acres, and many ecosystems are available for collaborative study.

Aside from the exceptional research and professional opportunities available to you, there is a range of possibilities for personal enjoyment, including managing livestock and helping run an entrepreneurial venture run by students.

With endless possibilities to grow intellectually, personally, and professionally, you can do what you love while enrolled in this college. The supportive network of mentors at Berry College will help you succeed. Upon graduation, you may be running your own small business engaged in one with your friends as business partners.

Elon University

Elon University

The campus of Elon University in Elon, North Carolina, has been designated as a botanic garden due to its natural abundance of blooms, foliage, and trees, giving it the air of a pleasant suburban park. Even so, the 525-acre campus has more to offer than its abundance of greenery. Its Johnston Hall was initially built in 1926 as an orphanage and now serves as an alumni center for the school.

The Alamance Building, erected in 1925, combines impressive architecture with attractive features such as the Fonville Fountain. From 1982, when the fountain was installed, until 1986, when the practice was finally prohibited, students were sometimes allowed to swim in Fonville Fountain. Originally known as Elon College, the university acquired its present name in 2001.

The Princeton Review college guide has also recognized its academic programs and campus as being among the best in the country. Most students and alumni agree about the visually stunning campus at Elon University, and it’s worth mentioning how focused and hands-on their learnings are.

A wide range of study abroad options and engaged learning opportunities are also available. Since classes are usually small, there will be more time for professors to engage with their students.

As the Princeton Review notes, Elon students are eager to become global citizens, so the coverage beyond the classroom is ideal. Study abroad options are prevalent for the semester, summer, or winter terms, while those staying in the country can participate in internships, research, service, and leadership programs.

Rice University

Rice University

Despite Rice’s urban Houston address, you’ll be surprised to see what awaits you inside this large campus. Thousands of elms, hickories, maples, and other trees line the perimeter of the campus – a harbinger of the 300 acres of lush landscaping to come.

Lovett Hall, one of the oldest buildings at UC Davis, has grand arched passageways with rose-colored bricks that stand out among the campus’s older buildings. 

Along with its dining halls, public rooms, and dorms, not to mention their personalities, Residential Colleges are the center of student life at Rice. The Rice campus is shaded, secluded, and full of cozy study areas behind its hedges. It might be situated in a city, but they have a lot of mysterious wonders to offer.

Cornell University

Cornell University

Cayuga Lake, the longest of the Finger Lakes, was chosen as the focal point of the campus quad at Cornell University. Due to an evolution of that original plan, the beautiful site is now home to both historic buildings such as McGraw Tower, and contemporary ones such as the IM Pei-designed Johnson Museum of Art and Rem Koolhaas Milstein Hall.

The eight waterfalls that descend from Cornell’s campus to downtown Ithaca make Cascadilla Gorge a popular attraction with prospective students and other tourists.

Cornell’s natural beauty is complemented by contemporary and historic structures, like the Museum of Art and the Milstein Hall. An Ivy League institution like Cornell is the epitome of beauty and class! It offers dozens of gorges (waterfalls) and, because the campus is so big, you can walk for a half-hour without arriving at your destination.

Columbia University

Columbia University

While Columbia University is located in Manhattan’s Upper West Side, bordering Harlem, it lacks some of the charms of its rural counterparts. Even so, Morningside Heights, the Ivy League campus, compensates for this with the sheer beauty of its architecture, designed in a Beaux-Arts style by McKim, Mead & White.

Built in 1895, the Low Memorial Library exemplifies the neoclassical aesthetic and its close connection to Rome’s Pantheon.

The Butler Library, a historic building on Columbia’s 32-acre leading site designed by James Gamble Rogers and constructed in 1934, still stuns with its Ionic columns. King’s College was the original name of the university when it was founded in 1754.

After the Revolutionary War, the institution was named Columbia College, which later changed to Columbia University in 1896. During this time, the school also moved from Madison Avenue to Morningside Heights.

Columbia University has a classically beautiful college campus in New York City, a solid academic reputation, and a high price tag. In many ways, Columbia’s architecture demonstrates its commitment to liberal education. In addition to the University of Oregon’s Core Curriculum, which aims to develop students’ critical thinking skills, all students must have the opportunity to take six college courses.

From the mid-18th century to the early 19th century, the university operated as King’s College. It is still possible to see Columbia’s royalties in the crown logo on every gate and flag on campus.

College of the Holy Cross

College of the Holy Cross

Among the top-rated liberal arts colleges in the nation, the College of the Holy Cross is the oldest and is ranked as one of the best Catholic colleges in New England. Based on its Jesuit heritage, Holy Cross emphasizes responsibility, ethics, and good deeds to the community of Worcester, Massachusetts, as well as to the world.

Holy Cross’ commitment to social justice is reflected in both the institution and the students throughout the region, making it one of New England’s most admired colleges. 

Located on the side of Mount St. James on 175 acres, Holy Cross’s campus is a registered arboretum that allows Crusaders to study and work amid a beautiful forest. Its fall foliage, which peaks around mid-October, is one of the best in New England.

Holy Cross is known for its spectacular fall foliage, with colors as wide as gold, orange, and red. Its campus is full of stately historic buildings, award-winning landscaping, and one of its best dining halls. Not to mention, their dining halls are one reason why a student opts to reside in-house. 

Miami University

Miami University

Oxford, Ohio, is Miami University’s home city despite the school’s name – it has been located on campus since 1809 when the school was founded. The institution was significantly developed following the early 20th century, with most structures boasting a Georgian Revival architectural style, like Upham Hall. Currently, the university’s grounds cover 2,000 acres.

Miami University has several historically significant buildings, including some listed on the National Register of Historic Places, making it a beautiful and unique place to pursue higher education.

Langstroth Cottage, built in 1856, has long been regarded as one of the most alluring campus sights. Modern fixtures and systems were installed inside the cottage, but the home still retains the same charm as when Langstroth lived here.

It is a famous college town with its red brick buildings, beautiful trees, and small-town charm. It has been 200 years since Robert Frost said Miami University has the prettiest campus in the area, and it hasn’t been topped in the past 200 years.

Yale University

Yale University

Yale embraces architectural movements changing in the world, unlike some campuses. The collection encompasses various architectural styles, from the red-brick Connecticut Hall (built before the Revolutionary War) to the post-modernist Ingalls Rink by Eero Saarinen and the Norman Foster-designed Edward P. Evans Hall.

Located in a glass-enclosed tower, the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library displays volumes on translucent, grained Vermont marble panels. New Haven, Connecticut, is the home of Yale University, which is located 90 minutes from New York City.

You are welcome to explore the campus and community while there for an information session or simply join one of the events. Experience their scenic and historic Old Campus with a guided tour, a concert, or a stroll. These experiences will help you decide better to choose to study graduate at Yale University.

Furman University

Furman University

The American Society of Landscape Architects has named Furman University’s campus one of the nation’s most beautiful sites. It is easy to see why, as the 750-acre school’s grounds are scenically green, with elegant Georgian-inspired buildings dotting the landscape.

Generally, Furman students stay on campus until their senior year, but considering the area’s beauty, that could already be a given. In 1825, the Furman Academy and Theological Institution were founded. However, classes began only in 1958 at their current campus in Greenville, South Carolina.

Furman University students can enjoy the lush South Carolina landscapes across the school’s 750 acres of gardens, lakes, and trails. In 1958, a replica of the original bell tower, built in 1854, was erected. It was also recognized as one of the most beautiful college campuses in the United States by Travel + Leisure magazine. There are 13 miles of paved trails on the Furman campus that are open to the public. 

Furman’s famous bell tower is the centerpiece of a 1.5-mile loop around its 40-acre spring-fed lake, the trail’s most popular route. A lake loop offers views of Paris Mountain in the nearby area as well.

Besides flowering plants, water features, and the first Japanese temple ever brought to America, the campus is home to the Place of Peace, an oasis for students, faculty, and staff.

Wesleyan University

Wesleyan University NE

The first Methodist college founded was Wesleyan University, founded in 1831. It was the first of many colleges named after Methodist founder John Wesley. Today, Wesleyan is a secular institution; however, its Methodist heritage is evident in its emphasis on academic excellence, community engagement, and ethical and social responsibility.

In addition to its prestigious status as one of the best colleges for black students, Wesleyan has also been rated as one of the best open-access colleges.

In addition to being one of the most beautiful colleges in the United States, Wesleyan is also part of a prestigious group of New England colleges. A large part of Wesleyan’s 360-acre campus and its historic buildings and landscaping are wooded, making it a wonderful place to enjoy the fall foliage.

In addition to the excellent education students receive at Middletown, CT, alumni are attracted to the rich autumn foliage in New England.

In this university, you’ll be a part of a diverse, energetic community of liberal arts professors who encourage critical thinking and practical idealism. There are approximately 3,000 undergraduates and 200 graduate students at their beautiful 316-acre campus in the heart of New England. They offer an intimate, collaborative learning environment that industry-leading facilities and unique research opportunities complement.

Wesleyan challenges students to explore new ideas and change the world by offering a rich scholar-teacher culture, innovative programming, and commitment to interdisciplinary learning. In addition to government, business, entertainment, and science, our graduates go on to lead and innovate within a wide array of industries.

Swarthmore College

Swarthmore College

The institution’s nationally registered Scott Arboretum, which displays thousands of ornamental plant species, is perhaps the best place at Swarthmore College to enjoy a day outdoors. Arboretums like the one at Swarthmore College make the already attractive 425-acre campus even more so, as they have a variety of flowers, trees, lilacs, and hydrangeas.

Likewise, the outdoor amphitheater is a stunning site: grass-covered stone tiers droop gently into the landscape, providing an excellent vantage point for watching natural phenomena. A striking architectural highlight on campus is Parrish Hall, which was once home to the college in its entirety after its establishment in 1864.

As a result of a fire in 1881, the original Parrish Hall, designed by Philadelphia architect Addison Hutton, unfortunately perished. Nevertheless, the great replacement is still home to residence halls and administrative offices, a post office, and The Phoenix, the student newspaper.

The arboretum campus combines world-famous gardens with untouched forests that will enchant you at first glance. Your biology seminar may require fieldwork in the Crum Woods, an environmental economics course may require that you explore how our system of green roofs reduces energy costs, and then there’s the Scott Amphitheater, which houses many theatrical plays and events.

You can get some fresh air by running through the woods or taking a nap on Parrish Beach’s sun-filled lawn. 

In addition to what Swarthmore offers, it also provides you with the tools to launch your career. You are all in the same boat when it comes to discovering yourselves. Swatties fine-tune their vision with help from friends, professors, coaches, mentors, and coaches.

You can connect to others with similar interests at Swarthmore or find yourself curious about something you don’t know much about. By joining the Tri-Co Consortium, you will be able to utilize the social capital and academic opportunities that Bryn Mawr and Haverford Colleges provide.

Wake Forest University

Wake Forest University

The university is often referred to as “the Southern Ivy League.” In 1834, WFU in Wake Forest, NC, became one of the country’s top undergraduates’ schools, and ten years later, moved from Wake Forest to Winston-Salem. As a result of Wake Forest’s proximity to the Appalachian foothills, the university is also among the best-looking colleges in America.

In addition to its neo-Gothic buildings and exquisite landscaping, Wake Forest University has an uncommonly beautiful campus. Its proximity to Old Salem has made Wake Forest a popular tourist destination, particularly in autumn and spring.

A 340-acre campus, Wake Forest’s campus features the most attractive fall foliage colors in North Carolina, peaking around late October and early November, with the milder climate in central North Carolina extending the color season.

The spring season also presents a beautiful view for all students, faculty, and alumni as they journey through their daily lives at WFU. 

Florida Southern College

Florida Southern College

It is perhaps the world’s most extensive collection of Frank Lloyd Wright buildings by a single institution. Florida Southern College is home to more than a dozen buildings designed by influential architects. In 2011 and 2012, The Princeton Review named the 100-acre campus of the college as the most beautiful in the country.

Florida Southern features some of Wright’s finest works, including the Annie Pfeiffer Chapel. Dedicated in 1941, this was the architect’s first structure built at the school – with help from students.

Colored glass is embedded in the geometric concrete façade of the church, which adds visual interest and lets light stream into the building. The college relocated several times following its foundation as South Florida Institute in 1856 before settling on the Lakeland campus in 1922.

Ohio Northern University

Ohio Northern University

In the lovely rural village of Ada, Ohio, Ohio Northern University is a small liberal arts college affiliated with the Methodist church – a town whose population is just a little more than the college itself, with 3000 students enrolled. Over the years, ONU has added programs such as pharmacy and law to meet the needs of the people in northern Ohio.

ONU was founded in 1871 as an institution to train teachers. ONU’s mission and priority have always been to provide for the people. Its efforts have led Ohio Northern to rank among the best regional colleges in the Midwest and be considered among the prettiest colleges in the country.

Ohio Northern Trains does a lot to add to the charm of Ada – a little town named for the original postmaster’s daughter. Ohio Northern University is committed to improving the environment and the local culture, whether that involves sustainability efforts (such as installing wind turbines and solar arrays that generate clean energy for the school) or promoting the local culture.

Ada and Ohio Northern are two destinations where you can appreciate nature and scenic views when the leaves change in the fall. The classic college look of Ohio Northern and its charming town make it a portrait of Midwest living.

Rollins College

Rollins College

Winter Park, Florida’s Rollins College campus, is just a few minutes away from stunning Lake Virginia. With an average high temperature of nearly 70° F throughout the year, the college grounds are packed with Spanish Mediterranean-style buildings, and the settings even include a swimming pool. Despite trends in architecture, Pinehurst Cottage stands out.

The wooden walls and rafters of the cottage, designed by Vermonter George D. Rand, add rustic splendor. After the college was founded a year earlier, Pinehurst was the second building on campus in 1886. The structure is now among the oldest still-standing structures at the college. Initially, it was a women-only dormitory, but now it is co-ed.

In 1960, Rollins began offering evening courses for returning World War II veterans after a mathematics professor offered adult education courses in the 1950s.

Achieving community needs for higher education for adults was the mission of the School of Continuing Studies then, and it was characterized as “the College that cares.” It was also possible to take academic courses in the evenings, as it is now. 

Beyond the Beauty: What Students Look For in a College or University

Graduate school is a time to take your skills to greater heights. With many of them making it to the national rankings, making a choice becomes even harder.

And while we laud a university campus’ aesthetics as a selection criterion, never compromise when it comes to the most fundamental attributes! Make it a worthwhile graduate study experience for you with these features:

Health And Wellness Facilities

Many students overeat in cafeterias and end up gaining weight because of the excessive amounts of high-calorie food. Thousands of students from all over the world congregate in the confined classrooms and dorms of a college campus, where some sicknesses and flu loom.

There is also a high rate of mental health problems in university environments. Therefore, when deciding which grad school to study at, prioritize their health and wellness facilities.

While a beautiful campus is pleasing to the eyes, it is more important to be with fellow healthy and beautiful students who are well taken care of by the institution.

Campus Safety

While most colleges generally have low crime rates, some do so more than others, and there are differences in their approaches to safety. This is another aspect you need to thoroughly delve into, aside from the campus’ physical environments.

There is a high rate of home invasions and thefts on college property regardless of school, and the rate of sexual assaults is exceptionally high when different kinds of young adults live together.

Next time you tour a college, ask about their safety and security measures. What is the crime rate? In that case, what are the procedures for handling them? Are there police or security forces at the college? Ensure that the campus is as peaceful as it looks in appearance.

Solid Alumni Support

Upon enrollment, you are immediately connected to every student who has been a product of that university. Even before students graduate, the alumni network can provide a valuable source of mentorship, career guidance, and employment opportunities. This is one factor you’d need to consider when choosing a grad school.

Alumni networks must provide internship and job opportunities for students, or their existence isn’t worth the effort. At the best schools, alumni tend to give back to their respective fields by volunteering their expertise.

Students’ experience at a school is primarily determined by how active the alumni network is. Choose a beautiful school with a solid alumni network that can benefit you in your lifetime.

Career Services

Career services at a graduate school can help you achieve your career goals. Many college students dream of working in their field after graduation. Students who receive help and guidance from a school while applying for internships, graduate studies, and jobs reflect highly on the quality of education they will receive.

When selecting a grad school, check other services offered, such as job fairs, mock interviews, resume development and creation support, networking opportunities, and academic advising from faculty and professors. Students may receive support from their colleges from the beginning of their careers to their degrees.

Internships Opportunities

When you are looking for jobs out of college, nothing stands out more than hands-on experience. Experience-based education is a vital attribute of a good graduate school.

Graduate colleges with outstanding reputations will provide you with opportunities for research assistance, meaningful and productive internships, and the chance to utilize the alumni network after graduation.

We’re certain of one thing—your search for more information on picking the best graduate degree or school landed you here. Let our experts help guide your through the decision making process with thoughtful content written by experts.