If you plan to apply to a college in the US, you may be curious about the most dangerous college campuses in the country. Campus safety is a pressing concern for students, parents, and faculties alike. More and more students are becoming victims of violent crimes on college campuses, and it’s essential to understand what makes specific campuses more dangerous than others. Whether you’re a prospective student, current student, or concerned parent, understanding the risks associated with college campuses is crucial to ensuring a positive and safe college experience. The top 10 most dangerous universities in the US share several commonalities, from high crime rates to inadequate security measures. In this article, we’ll explore the factors contributing to campus danger and provide tips on protecting yourself in the worst colleges in America.
10 Most Dangerous College Campuses in the US
Wondering which campuses have the highest crime rates? This ranking is based on the official data schools report under the Clery Act.
- Ranking Results: Texas A&M University’s College Station campus was ranked as the most dangerous college campus overall.
- Crime Rates and Population: Florida Institute of Technology had the highest crime rate (17.6 per 1,000 students), followed by Stanford University (16.6) and UC Berkeley (14.4).
- Dangerous College Towns: A 2025 study identified Gainesville, Florida; Yale University, Connecticut; and Tempe, Arizona as high-risk college towns.
Texas A&M University - College Station
The campus’s overall crime rate is considered low relative to its large student population of nearly 79,000. However, the latest 2024 Annual Security Report highlights specific trends: reports of stalking on campus increased significantly, from 222 in 2022 to 372 in 2023. Police attribute this rise primarily to improved reporting and information sharing between university departments, noting that the federal Clery Act defines stalking more broadly than state penal code. There was also a notable increase in motor vehicle theft, largely involving personal electric scooters and skateboards. University police encourage reporting all incidents and emphasize that vigilance with personal property can help prevent theft
Florida Institute of Technology
Official crime statistics for Florida Tech were not found in the search results. According to its Security Department’s mission statement, the university partners with students and staff to provide a safe environment and collaborates closely with local emergency services. Specifically, the City of Melbourne police serve as the primary emergency responders for the campus. The department is also a member of professional associations like the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA). For detailed and comparable crime statistics, prospective students should consult the university’s official Annual Security Report (Clery Report) or use the U.S. Department of Education’s Campus Safety and Security data tool.
Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Central Danville Campus
Geisinger is a complete, integrated healthcare system with hospitals, clinics, medical and health professions, nursing education and health insurance. Central Campus is at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, the heart of the system, where more than 2,000 healthcare professionals deliver care. It has the highest number of violent crimes on campus per 1,000 students. About 8.7% of incidents were arrested for major crimes. Acts of violence against women accounted for 1.3% of incidents.
Xavier University
Xavier University is a private Jesuit university founded in 1831 the United States. It has one of the highest crime rates in the United States. About 7.0% of incidents were arrested for major crimes. Acts of violence against women accounted for 1.4% of incidents. These student-involved incidents occurred at or near campus or on other properties affiliated with the school. Most criminal incidents occur in student dormitories.
Ohio State University
Ohio State is a safe place, but college campuses are not immune to crime or active threats. DegreeChoices.com released a new national report that found OSU to be the second most dangerous campus in the United States, based on data from the US Department of Education on violent crimes committed and reported in 2019-2021.
University of Iowa
According to American School Search, the University of Iowa is a very dangerous place to be in. Many students feel unsafe factors on campus, including violence and theft. There are the usual drunken fights in the bar area, but as long as you do not get involved and walk away, you will be fine.
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor was founded in 1817 as the Catholepistemiad or University of Michigania by the territorial government of Michigan. Michigan’s crime rate remains high, and the safety of the campus is also a concern. Ann Arbor is very safe when considering violent crime, but sexual assault is, unfortunately, a common problem.
University of New Mexico
One recent survey ranked UNM’s campus as one of the most dangerous in the US. During the day, thousands of UNM students are out and about on campus. However, students’ safety concerns go up once the sun goes down. Recent years have seen an increase in aggravated assault and hate crimes.
UC Berkeley
Since August 2022, there has been a significant increase in violent crime in and around UC Berkeley, including shootings and robberies. Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin describes crime around UC Berkeley as “extremely concerning and troubling.” Students even voice their concerns to the media, saying UC Berkeley is “definitely less safe than other campuses.”
Stanford University
The crime rate at Stanford is considerably higher than the national average across all communities in America. Students concluded that Stanford University’s campus was generally safe, but about half of them had experienced moments when they felt unsafe, mostly unsafe at night. According to statistical data, the school experienced multiple severe attacks, burglaries, and robberies in 2022.
Top 10 Universities with the Most Criminal Offenses
Next, we will uncover the top 10 most dangerous colleges with the most criminal offenses. This table uses 2023 calendar year data, reflecting the total volume of serious crimes such as robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, and sexual assault.
| Ranking | University Name | 2023 Student Population | Criminal Offenses in 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of California, Berkeley | 45,699 | 656 |
| 2 | Grand Canyon University | 107,563 | 606 |
| 3 | The Ohio State University, Columbus | 60,046 | 599 |
| 4 | University of California, San Diego | 42,376 | 556 |
| 5 | University of California, Los Angeles | 46,678 | 492 |
| 6 | University of Southern California | 47,147 | 338 |
| 7 | Texas A&M University, College Station | 76,633 | 336 |
| 8 | University of California, Davis | 39,707 | 295 |
| 9 | University of Washington | 55,620 | 274 |
| 10 | University of Utah | 35,260 | 260 |
Top 10 Universities with the Most Hate Crimes
Curious about the top 10 most unsafe college campuses with the most hate crimes? According to 2023 data in this table, the University of Colorado, Boulder, reported the highest number of hate crimes.
| Ranking | University Name | 2023 Student Population | Hate Crimes in 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Colorado, Boulder | 41,432 | 68 |
| 2 | University of Wisconsin, Madison | 49,605 | 28 |
| 3 | University of Maryland | 40,813 | 16 |
| 4 | University of California, Berkeley | 45,699 | 14 |
| 5 | The Ohio State University, Columbus | 60,046 | 14 |
| 6 | Indiana University, Bloomington | 47,527 | 12 |
| 7 | University of California, Los Angeles | 46,678 | 12 |
| 8 | University of Washington | 55,620 | 12 |
| 9 | University of Southern California | 47,147 | 12 |
Analysis of The Clery Act 2025
The assessment of campus safety for higher education institutions in the United States is primarily governed by the federal Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act (the Clery Act), which mandates the publication of the Annual Security Report (ASR) by October 1st of each year. The Clery Act is a federal consumer protection law that requires all universities receiving federal financial aid to publicly disclose campus crime statistics, safety policies, and support victims of violence. It aims to provide transparency and ensure students and employees have access to accurate information about campus security and risks. The review of the 2024 Clery reported data reveals several critical trends and regulatory focal points:
- The Paradox of Surging VAWA Reports: Reports for crimes covered under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) remain high at numerous universities. However, this fluctuation often reflects the institution’s success in enhancing transparency, improving victim advocacy, and aggregating historical or complex cases into the current reporting cycle.
- Expansion of Property Crime Definition: Due to the Clery Act’s requirement to classify micro-mobility devices like e-scooters and e-bikes as motor vehicle theft, reported cases in this category surged, for example, increasing fivefold at the University of Utah.
- The Economic Cost of Regulatory Accountability: In March 2024, the U.S. Department of Education issued a record-breaking $14 million fine against Liberty University for systemic Clery Act violations. This sets a new benchmark for high-cost federal oversight concerning data accuracy and victim support mechanisms.
- Law Enforcement Staffing Crisis: The 2025 Campus Safety Salary and Benefits Benchmark Survey found that a significant 81% of campus safety departments report a shortage of sworn officers, and 78% lack sufficient non-sworn staff, straining operational capacity amidst rising regulatory demands.
Year-Over-Year Key Findings
- Crime Rate Reversal: Campus crime rates reversed a decade-long decline, with reported criminal offenses increasing from 31,369 in 2021 to 38,309 in 2022—a 22% spike.
- Sexual Assault Dominance: Sexual assault remains the most reported crime on campus, accounting for 44% of all incidents in 2021.
- Hate Crime Rise: Hate crimes increased significantly, with 456 reported across large institutions in 2023, a 26% increase from 362 in 2022.
- 2024 Institutional Data Trends (2023 vs. 2024):
| University | Crime Category | 2023 Reports | 2024 Reports | Change/Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stanford | Domestic Violence | 13 | 54 | +315% (Includes long-term historical reports) |
| U of Utah | Aggravated Assault | 7 | 21 | Tripled (14 incidents in healthcare settings) |
| U of Utah | Motor Vehicle Theft | 7 (Two years ago) | 35 | Increased fivefold (22 were micro-mobility devices) |
| UC Santa Barbara | Rape | 28 | 43 | 53% |
| GWU | Rape | 8 | 17 | More than doubled (Mostly in campus residences) |
| GWU | Hate Crimes | 1 | 5 | Increased fivefold (Based on national origin/religion bias) |
| Yale | Burglary | 29 | 50 | 72.40% |
| Yale | Stalking | 44 | 55 | 25% |
Detailed Analysis of VAWA Offenses 2024
Case Aggregation Effects in Rape and Fondling Statistics
The University of Utah reported 146 rape cases in 2024. Crucially, 110 of these cases stemmed from a single survivor reporting multiple instances of rape that occurred during a months-long period of interpersonal violence (IPV). This single case accounts for over 75% of the total 2024 reported rapes, illustrating how raw numbers in the ASR can swell dramatically when institutions successfully collect complex, long-term assault histories.
Furthermore, reports of fondling at the University of Utah increased significantly from 55 in 2023 to 83 in 2024, with 51 of those incidents occurring within the medical settings (U of U Health Hospitals & Clinics) that are part of the university’s Clery geography.
Surge in Domestic Violence and Dating Violence Reports
Stanford University’s domestic violence reports saw a 315% spike in 2024, rising from 13 to 54. University officials attributed this increase partly to two cases reporting an “extended history of abuse,” including some incidents dating back more than 25 years. The George Washington University (GWU) reported a doubling of rape reports, climbing from eight in 2023 to 17 in 2024, with most occurring in campus residences. UC Santa Barbara reported a 53% increase in rape reports, rising from 28 to 43.
Statistical Normalization of Stalking Behavior
Reports of stalking have continued to rise across several universities. Yale University reported 55 instances of stalking in 2024, up from 44 in 2023. Texas A&M University, College Station, reported an extremely high volume of 311 Clery stalking reports in 2024. This increase is attributed to enhanced information sharing among different university departments, leading to more complete reporting. The Clery Act’s definition of stalking (two or more acts causing fear or distress) is significantly broader than many state criminal codes.
Trends in Criminal and Property Offenses 2024
Surge in Aggravated Assault Cases and Environmental Concentration
The University of Utah reported a tripling of aggravated assault reports, from seven in 2023 to 21 in 2024. Notably, 14 of these cases occurred in the healthcare setting (U of U Health Hospitals & Clinics), indicating that university-controlled medical facilities are major points of concentration for this type of violent crime. This geographical concentration of risk necessitates that institutions implement geographically customized risk mitigation strategies. Stanford University also reported an increase in aggravated assaults, with 26 reports in 2024, up from 21 in 2023.
Changing Nature of Property Crime: The Impact of Micro-Mobility Devices
The surge in motor vehicle theft reports is the most significant trend in property crime for 2024. The University of Utah saw a fivefold increase in motor vehicle theft (from seven to 35), with 22 of those cases involving personal electric vehicles like e-scooters, e-bikes, and e-skateboards. The University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) reported 123 motor vehicle thefts in 2024, which contributes heavily to its high overall crime volume.
Here is the crime statistics of UC Berkeley 2024 by location for reference:
| Crime Category | On Campus | On-campus Student Housing | Off-campus Property | Public Property | 2024 Total Reports |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robbery | 12 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 24 |
| Aggravated Assault | 14 | 0 | 0 | 37 | 51 |
| Burglary | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 29 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 123 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 123 |
| Sexual Assault (VAWA) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Domestic Violence (VAWA) | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Dating Violence (VAWA) | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 3 |
| Stalking (VAWA) | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Hate Crimes and Bias-Motivated Incidents
Reports of hate crimes saw a sharp increase at The George Washington University (GWU), rising from one incident in 2023 to five in 2024. The five reported hate crimes in 2024 included three incidents of destruction of property and two incidents of simple assault, motivated by national origin, religion, or both. This aligns with national trends showing an increase in ethnic or religious bias incidents related to geopolitical conflicts.
Protect Yourself in the Worst Colleges of America
If you have unfortunately attended these most dangerous universities in America, here are some tips on how to protect yourself.
- Never get drunk outside your apartment or the apartment of a very close friend. Always keep an eye on your drink to ensure it is not “salted”.
- Avoid going to places you don’t know well or barely know. Do not walk alone after dark without knowing the area, and try to make sure other people are walking there. Do not open your door late at night for anyone you do not know well.
- If you see something wrong, call the police. Do not try to intervene on your own, as you don’t know what’s going on and are probably not equipped to handle things.
- Certain software and applications can help keep you safe. Unifyed is a software provider to higher education institutions and offers a campus safety app named Unifyed Student–Protect. This app notifies campus law enforcement and guardians in case of danger.
Find the Safe Student Housing in the US
If you are looking for safe student housing in the US, uhomes.com is a trustworthy website where you can find high-quality and cost-effective options. It covers many American cities, including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, etc. The apartments on this website all have complete facilities and security services, making them convenient, safe, and comfortable to live in.
FAQs about Most Dangerous College Campuses
What is the most common crime committed on college campuses?
The top 3 of the most common crimes committed on college campuses are forcible sexual assaults, burglaries and bullying.
What makes schools unsafe?
Lack of basic and advanced security procedures on and around campus.
Lack of actual campus safety officers who are trained appropriately and ready to respond to a myriad of incidents, disasters, and emergencies.
How many students feel unsafe on campus?
In recent years, concerns regarding safety on college campuses have evolved. 82% of college students are concerned about their personal safety and 97% consider their personal safety while on campus.
