The Top 10 Colleges for Partying, According to Students

Most folks go to college to learn the skills that will give them a good career. But some students — even those driven to succeed — can’t help but party a little.

For better or for worse, partying is a staple of college life. Recently, the Wall Street Journal asked more than 60,000 students about various aspects of their college experience. One question asked them to rank their college’s party scene on a scale of 1 to 5.

Based on the students’ answers, the following are the top colleges for partying, according to the WSJ.

10. Alcorn State University

Main location: Claiborne County, Mississippi

Institution type: Public

Founded in 1871, Alcorn State University is the nation’s first public, historically Black, land-grant institution. A land-grant college or university receives several levels of federal support as designated in the Morrill Acts of 1862, 1890 and 1994.

The student body has grown from 179 students to more than 3,200.

9. University of Dayton

Main location: Dayton, Ohio

Institution type: Private

The University of Dayton began life as St. Mary’s School for Boys in 1850.

The Catholic university has a strong reputation for its engineering research and development and STEM research and development programs. The University of Dayton has eliminated fees to try to make education more affordable.

8. Washington and Lee University

Main location: Lexington, Virginia

Institution type: Private

Washington and Lee — also known as W&L — was founded in 1749 and is the ninth-oldest college in the U.S. It has nationally accredited programs in business and journalism, as well as a graduate school of law.

7. Tulane University

Main location: New Orleans

Institution type: Private

Tulane University was founded in 1834. At the time, it was known as the Medical College of Louisiana and played an important role in training local doctors to treat and prevent yellow fever and cholera.

Today, Tulane is considered a top research institution.

6. Savannah State University

Main location: Savannah, Georgia

Institution type: Public

Savannah State University’s beginnings trace back to 1890, when it became the first public historically Black college or university in Georgia.

The school is also known for its picturesque campus that features oak trees covered in moss and a large marsh.

5. Tarleton State University

Main location: Stephenville, Texas

Institution type: Public

Tarleton State University opened its doors in 1899 and has a strong reputation for its agriculture and education programs.

The school says it “offers the value of a Texas A&M University System degree with its own brand of personal attention, individual opportunities, history, tradition and community.”

4. James Madison University

Main location: Harrisonburg, Virginia

Institution type: Public

James Madison University was founded in 1908 and offers more than 130 programs of study. The school is nestled in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley.

3. Birmingham-Southern College

Main location: Birmingham, Alabama

Institution type: Private

Opened in 1859, Birmingham-Southern College began as Southern University with just 52 students. In 1918, the school merged with Birmingham College.

More than 90% of students live on campus, and the average class size remains small, at just 13.

2. Texas Christian University

Main location: Fort Worth, Texas

Institution type: Private

Texas Christian University — better known as TCU — has roots that stretch back to 1873. It is a leading research university that offers 116 undergraduate programs and over 100 graduate programs.

1. Indiana University of Pennsylvania — Main Campus

Main location: Indiana, Pennsylvania

Institution type: Public

Founded in 1875, Indiana University of Pennsylvania is another leading research university. Originally, all of the university’s activity took place in John Sutton Hall. Today, the building remains standing and is on the National Register of Historic Places.