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.
What Makes the Most Dangerous College Campuses
College campuses should be safe spaces for students to pursue their academic and personal goals, yet some campuses are considered more dangerous than others. Several factors contribute to the safety of a college campus. Crime is a significant concern on college campuses, with incidents ranging from theft and vandalism to assault and sexual violence.
- Campuses in urban areas tend to have higher crime rates than those in rural or suburban areas.
- Campuses with large student populations and inadequate security can be more dangerous.
- Poor lighting, lack of surveillance, and insufficient security personnel can make it easier for criminals to target students.
- Colleges with adequate safety measures tend to have lower crime rates than those with inadequate measures.
- Colleges with supportive and engaged communities are likelier to have lower crime rates.
10 Most Dangerous College Campuses in the US
| College | Crime per 1,000 Students |
|---|---|
| Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine, Central Danville Campus | 138.3 |
| Xavier University | 73.57 |
| Ohio State University | 59.93 |
| University of Iowa | 33.67 |
| University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | 30.13 |
| Vanderbilt University | 28.41 |
| University of New Mexico | 25.65 |
| UC Berkeley | 24.48 |
| Auburn University | 19.07 |
| Stanford University | 18.38 |
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.
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt is a private research university in Nashville, Tennessee. It is a prestigious and renowned school; however, public safety has become an issue over the past few years. Violent incidents often occur in surrounding areas, and there are sometimes crimes reported on campus, usually between students.
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.”
Auburn University
Auburn University is one of the South’s most prominent universities but not the safest. The safety ranking of the school is low, and some claim it is not a good choice for people of color. Among the criminal incidents reported by the school, violence against women accounted for 17.8%. It’s essential to remain vigilant and take your personal safety into account.
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.
Why is Campus Safety Important
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 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.
FAQ
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.
