Studying in the safest colleges in America can ease students’ and their parents’ worries about their life and property security. A safe college campus often actively works to increase campus safety by implementing approaches like hiring well-trained campus police, installing emergency blue light phones around campus, and even setting self-defence classes for students. With a stable and peaceful environment, students can focus on learning knowledge and enjoying their wonderful campus life as much as possible. Besides, the safety of a college is also one of the factors being considered when students apply to universities.
10 Safest Colleges in the US
Academic Influence, a think tank in Denton, Texas, analyzed crime rates on all campuses in the United States, with at least 1,000 students attending and living on campus, using data from the National Center for Education Statistics. Here, we select the top 10 safest universities in America. Let’s see them together.
| Safety ranking | University | Location | Crime rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Purdue University | West Lafayette, Indiana | 1.60 |
| 2 | University of Idaho | Moscow, Idaho | 1.93 |
| 3 | Brigham Young University Idaho | Rexburg, Idaho | 2.09 |
| 4 | Bridgewater State University | Bridgewater, Massachusetts | 2.09 |
| 5 | University of Massachusetts | Amherst, Massachusetts | 2.09 |
| 6 | Utah State University | Logan, Utah | 4.46 |
| 7 | Oakland University | Rochester, Michigan | 5.05 |
| 8 | California State University | SAN Marcos, California | 6.98 |
| 9 | Northern Kentucky University | Highlands, Kentucky | 9.96 |
| 10 | Princeton University Princeton | Princeton, New Jersey | 15.56 |
The geographical distribution of these safest campuses in the US follows a certain law. Most of them concentrate in the Northeast and the West, especially in the Northeast region. Two universities are in Massachusetts. Furthermore, Virginia, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, and New Jersey are located in the Northeast.
The western states of California, Idaho and Utah also have colleges on the list. There are fewer in the Central and South regions, with only Michigan, Indiana and Kentucky having schools on the shortlist.
1. Purdue University
Purdue University stands out as one of the safest US universities due to its unwavering commitment to student safety and well-being. Purdue University has a special “Safe walking program.” The program provides escort services for students, faculty, and staff.
What’s more, Purdue University West Lafayette offers other safety and security services, including Bicycle registration, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT), building security, laptop registration, public records requests, student safety Patrol, campus lighting, Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) and Purdue University Student Health Services (PUSH).
2. University of Idaho
The University of Idaho is one of the safest campuses in the US. It implements various safety measures on campus to ensure the well-being of its students and staff. These measures include emergency alarm devices, safe evacuation signs, security access controls, and nighttime security patrols.
Additionally, the campus crime rate is low, with non-violent crimes being the most common. The school also provides security consulting services for students and issues regular safety alerts through various channels.
3. Brigham Young University – Idaho
Brigham Young University, Idaho, has a small student population of less than 44,000 and only one violent crime on campus in 2022. Furthermore, Rexburg, home to Brigham Young University Idaho, is the least-crime city in the USA. It also had the lowest annual violent crime rate, with only five incidents in 2022.
Byu Idaho registers the residence of all students under the age of 27, which means that even if they live in student housing near the university, no student will be far from the safety of the campus. The university also has a dedicated campus police unit, which is responsible for conducting continuous patrols on campus to avoid dangerous situations and can provide escorts at night.
4. Bridgewater State University
Bridgewater State University was founded as a Teacher’s College. Since 1960, it has gradually expanded its education programs to include the humanities, business, and aeronautical sciences. It is the largest university in the University of Massachusetts State College.
It has invested $100,000 in its campus security system, set up more than 50 Blue Light security stations on campus, and developed the Rave Guardian app, which monitors a user’s location and functions as an emergency call. Located in a safe college town, if you want more privacy and freedom in living, uhomes.com can help you find comfortable and suitable student apartments near your universities.
5. University of Massachusetts
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is the largest flagship campus in the University of Massachusetts system, excelling in business, computer science, health care and social science programs. It is also the largest public research university in New England.
The university has emergency call boxes on its campus and a safe ride program for students and teachers. UMass-Amherst has a violent crime rate of 2.09 per 1,000 people and a property crime rate of 4.35 per 10,000 people. Its hate crime and sexual assault rates totalled just 0.67, one of the safest colleges in the US.
6. Utah State University
Utah State University is one of the safest universities in America. It takes student safety very seriously. The school website’s campus safety page lists a lot of popular science information about campus safety knowledge and a variety of activities to help students improve their own safety awareness. In the event of an emergency, UU will notify students and faculty through USU’s Code Blue alert system.
At the same time, there are 24 school police officers in and around the school, and they even provide mobile phone charging services for students. Utah State University also offers psychological counselling classes, health checks, real safety training, and other activities for students to strengthen safety awareness.
7. Oakland University
The University of Auckland is the only professional research public university in Oakland County. Violent crime is almost nonexistent and fairly rare at the university. It is located in Rochester, where the crime rate is extremely low, creating a very safe environment for university life. That is one of the reasons why the University of Auckland is one of the safest colleges in America.
The University of Auckland also directly displays a registry of sex offenders to the state on its official website, greatly reducing the probability that students will be assaulted. Besides installing safety facilities in classrooms and dormitories, The school has a 24/7 campus police service and a First Aid Support Team (FAST), as well as courses on school violence prevention.
8. California State University
California State University San Marcos is a university accredited by the American College of Education. It has three schools: the School of Humanities and Sciences, the School of Business, and the School of Education. The school offers 19 bachelor’s degrees and 8 master’s degrees, as well as 13 teaching credit certificates.
California State University San Marcos distinguished itself in the realm of campus safety, embodying a deep commitment to fostering an environment where students can thrive without fear. The university focuses on enhancing students’ legal awareness and prioritizes mental health resources, offering accessible counselling services and wellness programs that empower students to seek help when needed.
9. Northern Kentucky University
Northern Kentucky University is one of the safest campuses in the US. It has always prioritized creating a safe living, learning, and working environment for students and staff. The University Police Department staff is trained to patrol the campus every day and respond to all emergencies.
There are many emergency alarm boxes on the campus. In case of danger, students can quickly press the alarm bell on the alarm box. The school will notify all school personnel through emergency phone calls and SMS messages the first time after receiving the alarm. At the same time, the university updates the crime report in and around the school every year to remind students of common types of crime and to master the necessary self-defence measures.
10. Princeton University
Princeton University has authoritative academic achievements and status and also attaches great importance to the safety of teachers and students. Its DPS organization consists of more than 110 highly qualified personnel who patrol campus around the clock to uphold the rights, safety, and security of members of the University community.
No crimes related to the Violence Against Women Act have occurred on Princeton’s campus, so it has a reputation as one of the safest colleges in the US for women. In addition to a designated campus safety office, Princeton University also provides students with several ways to report crimes, including a tip line, anonymous email, and more.
The Safest Liberal Arts Colleges
Every year, Niche, a US information website, publishes a list of the “Safest College Campuses in America” by scoring 1,434 US colleges and universities based on campus and local data provided by the U.S. Department of Education on crime rates, drug and alcohol use, and student evaluations. It is found that most schools rated “A” for safety are liberal arts colleges. On the one hand, the elite education model of liberal arts colleges makes it easier for the school administration to manage and protect students’ personal and property safety. On the other hand, most liberal arts colleges don’t have fraternities and sororities, which greatly reduces the potential safety hazards. Combined with the 2025 U.S. News rankings, we have compiled a list of the 6 safest U.S. colleges among the Top 30 liberal arts colleges in Niche’s list.
| University | 2025 US News Ranking | Niche Safety Level |
|---|---|---|
| Hamilton College | 14 | A |
| Wellesley College | 7 | A |
| Macalester College | 26 | A- |
| Colgate University | 22 | A- |
| Barnard College | 14 | A- |
| Amherst College | 2 | A- |
Safest Colleges in America: On-campus vs. Off-campus Safety
On-campus safety is not the same as off-campus safety, which is of particular concern when it comes to the Safest Colleges in America. Students at U.S. universities are often engaged in more than just campus activities, with off-campus social, cultural, and recreational activities being just as varied. However, it is worth noting that the surrounding communities of many of the safest universities in the USA have a low safety index. To ensure students’ off-campus safety as much as possible, many universities also take security measures around the campus. The following are several of the safest universities in America, with the most obvious polarisation in safety indices both on and off campus.
The University of Texas at Austin
On-campus safety index: 4.5
Off-campus safety index: 0.5
The University of Texas at Austin is consistently ranked among the Safest Colleges in America. The university uses a three-dimensional system of protection. Firstly, it provides nighttime “Sure Walk” escort service covering the areas of off-campus student housing. Secondly, there are 50 smart alarm posts around campus that provide a one-button connection to campus police. Besides, the institution offers specially planned nighttime bus routes extending to the West Campus area, where the risk of law and order is higher.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
On-campus safety index: 4.5
Off-campus safety index: 0.5
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign bridges the gap between on-campus and off-campus safety through technological means. It has developed the Safer Illinois app, which not only provides real-time crime heat maps, but also innovatively introduces the “virtual escort”. This app combines the joint patrol mechanism between the campus police and the city police department, effectively guarding key off-campus areas students often visit, such as Campustown. The school also provides a nighttime school bus service, with routes extending to off-campus student neighbourhoods.
The University of Florida
On-campus safety index: 4
Off-campus safety index: 0.5
The University of Florida, the safest college in the Southeastern America, has built a smart security network with its GatorSafe mobile platform. The system not only enables real-time location sharing among three groups of emergency contacts, but also allows for anonymous reporting of suspicious activity. In the event of an emergency, students can also use it to send their location to campus police. The University of Florida has also partnered with the local government to improve lighting on key roads near the campus, such as Archer Road.
The University of Georgia
On-campus safety index: 4
Off-campus safety index: 1
The University of Georgia appears on the list of the safest colleges in the USA due to its safety measures. The University and the local police department jointly built the “UGA Zone” special patrol area. You can find high-definition monitoring nodes on main roads near the campus, like Prince Avenue. All image data will be sent directly back to the University Police Command Centre. The university has also launched the “UGA Alert”, which sends early warning text messages for off-campus emergencies.
University of Chicago
On-campus safety index: 2
Off-campus safety index: 0.5
To ensure the safety of students, the University of Chicago has specially developed the “UChicago Safe” mobile security application. Through this application, students can share their locations in real time, obtain security alerts, and contact the school police and the Chicago police Department with one click.
Tips to Help Students Ensure Their Safety
One thing that should be noticed is that no college campus is 100% crime-free. While these universities are the safest colleges in America, and they excel at providing a safe atmosphere, no university can guarantee complete protection from all forms of crime. Therefore, students should take action to know how to protect themselves from danger. Below are some tips to help students ensure their safety.
- Keep alert all the time. Most of the time, good safety habits and awareness can keep students away from danger. If you see something suspicious in your life, be careful and call 911 or your school police.
- Learn to use technology to protect yourself. Apps like bSafes, Spotcrime, and Citizen App can track active threats in your vicinity and stay informed about local safety risks.
- Be familiar with campus safety devices. If there is a dangerous situation on campus, students must press the school alarm button in time to seek help immediately.
- Try not to be alone outside at night. Walking alone at night will make you more likely to become the target of criminals, so if you want to return late, you must go with other students.
Conclusion
This blog analyses why students should choose the safest universities in America and offers a list of the ten safest colleges in the US with specific information on protecting students. It also provides tips for students on how to protect themselves during their studies. Pursuing safety within college environments is not merely a reactive measure but a proactive commitment to nurturing the well-being of every student. Studying and living on a peaceful campus makes students gain knowledge and happiness at the same time.
FAQ
Which college has the lowest crime rate?
Brigham Young University.
According to the latest data from the National Council for Home Safety and Security, Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, has consistently reported one of the lowest crime rates among colleges and universities nationwide.
Which Ivy League school is the safest?
Princeton University.
Among Ivy League schools, Princeton University is the safest university with the lowest crime rates. According to the annual Clery Act data, Princeton maintains an environment prioritising student safety through comprehensive security measures.
What is the most common crime committed on college campuses?
Theft.
Theft is the most common crime committed on college campuses. It has various forms, including burglary, shoplifting, and the theft of personal belongings such as laptops and bicycles. Open campuses and the particularity of the student group make theft more prevalent in universities.
Why is safety important in choosing a college?
Because the safest colleges in America can offer students a safe learning and living environment, ensuring students have enough energy and time to focus on studying. Besides, the safety of a college in the US may affect the salaries of graduates’ first jobs.
Where is the safest place to study in the US?
The safest place to study in the US is Brigham Young University – Idaho (BYU-Idaho). This university is located in Rexburg, Idaho, which has a low crime rate, a friendly community and a series of strong security measures.
What is the safest colleges for females?
The safest colleges for females include Purdue University, Wellesley College and Brigham Young University-Idaho due to their strong security measures, unique geographical location, and sexual assault prevention programs.
What is the safest universities in California?
The safest universities in California are UC Merced, UC San Francisco, and UC Santa Cruz. These institutions have the lowest number of criminal offences among California schools. Most crimes are burglary, fondling and rape.
What college has the worst crime rate?
Colleges with the worst crime rate are the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) , the University of Southern California (USC) – Los Angeles, and Temple University, according to the latest Clery Act crime data (2022) and FBI crime statistics. There are higher rates of burglary, motor vehicle theft, and aggravated assaults near these campuses.
