Top 10 Most Beautiful Campuses

Sweet Briar College (SBC), a private liberal arts institution located in Virginia, has garnered significant recognition for both its stunning campus and exceptional academic and career services. In the Princeton Review's annual college guidebook for 2008, SBC was ranked No. 1 among the most beautiful college campuses in the United States, a testament to the college's picturesque setting and commitment to creating an inspiring learning environment. However, the college's strengths extend beyond its natural beauty, as it was also ranked highly in several key categories that highlight the quality of its academic programs and student support services.

SBC was ranked 5th for "Best Career/Job Placement Services," reflecting the college’s effective and personalized approach to helping students transition from academia to the workforce. This ranking underscores the institution's dedication to equipping its graduates with the tools and resources needed for professional success. The college also received high marks in faculty engagement, with rankings of 8th for "Professors Make Themselves Available" and 10th for "Professors Get High Marks." These rankings reflect Sweet Briar's commitment to fostering close relationships between professors and students, ensuring that faculty are accessible, supportive, and deeply invested in the academic success of their students.

Together, these accolades reflect Sweet Briar College's exceptional blend of beauty, academic excellence, and student support, making it a standout institution for students seeking both a nurturing environment and the tools for success.


Princeton University is known to have a very beautiful campus in the town.

Princeton University, one of the most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the United States, is also renowned for the beauty of its campus, which has long been admired for its stunning architecture and picturesque surroundings. In the 2008 edition of The Princeton Review’s Best 366 Colleges, a survey conducted among 120,000 college students, Princeton earned a place among the top contenders for having one of the most beautiful campuses in the country. Known for its iconic Gothic architecture, expansive green spaces, and tranquil, wooded areas, Princeton's campus is a perfect blend of natural beauty and academic grandeur.

Princeton University ranked second in the survey, following Sweet Briar College, which claimed the top spot for its exceptional beauty. The Princeton Review’s survey highlighted the importance of campus aesthetics to students, and the rankings reflect the diverse range of campuses that students find particularly inspiring and visually appealing.

Pepperdine University in Malibu, California, takes the beauty of its campus to a whole new level, with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Monica Mountains. Situated on a dramatic cliffside, Pepperdine's campus is known for its panoramic vistas that stretch to the horizon, offering students unparalleled access to natural beauty. The university’s main buildings are designed in a Mediterranean style, which complements the surrounding landscape, creating a seamless fusion between architecture and nature. The campus is also home to multiple trails, allowing students to hike and explore the nearby hillsides, providing a daily opportunity for rejuvenation and inspiration. The natural beauty of Pepperdine, paired with the university's strong academic reputation, creates a unique educational experience that extends beyond the classroom.

Wellesley College in Wellesley, Massachusetts, presents a different yet equally captivating kind of beauty, one steeped in the traditions of the East Coast and classical design. The college’s 500-acre campus is adorned with a combination of stately Gothic buildings, lush greenery, and tranquil lakes. Wellesley’s natural landscape is especially known for its meticulously maintained gardens, wooded areas, and the stunning Lake Waban, which provides students with a peaceful space for reflection, outdoor activities, and socializing. The surrounding landscape enhances the college’s commitment to intellectual and personal growth, and the campus itself serves as both a sanctuary and a place of dynamic academic exchange.

Mount Holyoke College, also in Massachusetts, shares a similar aesthetic appeal with Wellesley, but with its own distinct charm. Nestled in the scenic foothills of the Berkshires, the college’s campus is home to expansive gardens, charming pathways, and a rich variety of wildlife. The college’s proximity to nature provides students with easy access to outdoor activities, including hiking and exploring the surrounding forests. This connection to nature is balanced with the college’s commitment to academic rigor and community engagement. The combination of natural beauty and intellectual vibrancy makes Mount Holyoke College a truly inspiring place for students seeking a holistic college experience.

Wagner College, located on Staten Island in New York, offers a striking contrast to the more rural or suburban campuses on this list. Overlooking the Manhattan skyline and the New York Harbor, Wagner’s campus provides a unique blend of urban and natural beauty. The college’s location provides students with direct access to the cultural and intellectual resources of New York City while also offering a quiet, wooded campus retreat. The combination of dramatic views of the city skyline, green lawns, and shaded walkways offers a rare opportunity for students to experience both the vibrancy of urban life and the tranquility of a traditional college campus.

Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California, combines the best of both worlds—urban sophistication and breathtaking natural beauty. Situated in the heart of Los Angeles, the campus offers sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean and the city below. The university’s modern architecture integrates beautifully with its lush gardens and shaded courtyards, providing students with a serene environment for reflection and study. Loyola Marymount’s location also allows students to take advantage of the cultural, social, and professional opportunities in Los Angeles, while still enjoying a peaceful campus environment. The balance of natural beauty and urban energy makes Loyola Marymount a unique and attractive place to pursue higher education.

The University of California-Santa Cruz, known for its commitment to environmental sustainability, is another university that showcases the beauty of the natural world. Situated on a hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean, UCSC’s campus is set within a coastal forest, creating an idyllic environment for learning. The sprawling campus is home to towering redwoods, meadows, and nature trails, providing students with constant opportunities to connect with nature. UCSC’s campus design promotes sustainability, and its natural surroundings are an integral part of the university’s educational philosophy. The combination of eco-consciousness and stunning natural beauty makes UCSC a standout in the ranking of the most beautiful campuses.

Elon University, in North Carolina, offers a campus experience defined by its well-manicured landscapes, historic architecture, and a strong sense of community. The university’s 600-acre campus is home to peaceful green spaces, gardens, and a beautiful lake, all of which contribute to an environment conducive to academic and personal growth. Elon’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its green initiatives and its integration of natural beauty into the campus’s overall design. The sense of community, paired with the natural beauty of the campus, makes Elon University a welcoming and inspiring place for students to thrive.

Finally, Sewanee: The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee, presents one of the most breathtaking campuses in the U.S., with its dramatic landscapes and Gothic architecture. Nestled on the Cumberland Plateau, the campus is surrounded by dense forests, cliffs, and valleys, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The university’s architecture, featuring stone buildings and chapel spires, complements the surrounding wilderness, creating a campus that is both awe-inspiring and peaceful. The natural beauty of Sewanee’s campus offers students a rare opportunity to engage with their environment while pursuing rigorous academic goals.

Here is the list of the Top 10 Most Beautiful Campuses in the U.S. as ranked by The Princeton Review:

1. Sweet Briar College (Sweet Briar, Virginia)
2. Princeton University (Princeton, New Jersey)
3. Pepperdine University (Malibu, California)
4. Wellesley College (Wellesley, Massachusetts)
5. Mount Holyoke College (South Hadley, Massachusetts)
6. Wagner College (Staten Island, New York)
7. Loyola Marymount University (Los Angeles, California)
8. University of California-Santa Cruz (Santa Cruz, California)
9. Elon University (Elon, North Carolina)
10. Sewanee: The University of the South (Sewanee, Tennessee)

These institutions, including Princeton University, offer students not only a strong academic environment but also a campus experience that fosters inspiration and engagement through their natural beauty. From the serene landscapes of Sweet Briar College to the coastal views of Pepperdine University, these campuses stand out as exceptional settings for higher education.