Princeton Review Party Schools - UGA ranked Top

The Princeton Review's ranking of America's top party schools has long been a subject of both intrigue and controversy. The rankings, which come from a combination of student surveys and overall campus culture assessments, reflect not only the social life on campuses but also the institutions' reputation for balancing academics with extracurricular and social activities. The list for 2011, which includes institutions like the University of Georgia, Ohio University, Penn State, and West Virginia University, showcases some of the schools that are known for their lively, spirited atmospheres where social events, gatherings, and student life can dominate the college experience.

The University of Georgia (UGA) claimed the top spot in 2011, rising from fourth place in the previous year. The dramatic improvement for UGA is noteworthy, signaling that the university’s reputation as a center for vibrant student social life, fueled by both Greek life and a consistent schedule of parties and events, has only grown stronger. Situated in Athens, Georgia, UGA boasts a campus culture that offers a balance of academic rigor and opportunities for students to unwind and enjoy college life. The college has a highly engaged student body, which can be seen in its active participation in various social events, including tailgating before football games, themed parties, and the college’s nightlife scene. The significant leap from fourth to first on the list suggests that UGA has not only maintained its social energy but expanded it, bringing even more attention to its party culture.

Ohio University, which rose from fifth to second place in 2011, also reflects the strength of its campus culture. Known for its extensive Greek life and spirited student organizations, Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, provides students with a variety of ways to socialize and enjoy college life outside the classroom. The reputation of Ohio University as a party school has long been associated with its vibrant Halloween celebrations, extensive tailgating culture, and active nightlife scene, making it a desirable destination for students who value a strong social experience.

In third place for 2011, Penn State University in University Park, Pennsylvania, continues to maintain its high ranking as a top party school. With a longstanding tradition of large-scale student events, including concerts, barbecues, and tailgate parties, Penn State's social life is an integral part of the university's appeal. The campus atmosphere at Penn State thrives on spirited student engagement, from major events like "State Patty’s Day" to a widely celebrated Greek life, which has become synonymous with the school's reputation for social gatherings. Penn State’s strong athletics programs, particularly its football team, further contribute to the school’s party school culture, with a social environment that blends the academic with the energetic.

West Virginia University (WVU) moved up from sixth to fourth in 2011, reflecting its robust party scene, which has become one of the central aspects of its college experience. WVU, located in Morgantown, West Virginia, offers students a campus where extracurriculars—especially social and partying events—dominate student life. The university’s central location and the surrounding community provide a perfect backdrop for large gatherings and lively nightlife. Events such as the "Mardi Gras" celebration and a highly active Greek life contribute to the festive and energetic social environment at WVU. The campus’ focus on student engagement outside the classroom contributes to this continuous rise in the rankings of top party schools.

The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss) rounds out the top five in 2011, remaining a fixture among the top party schools, known for its Southern charm, strong sports culture, and active Greek life. Located in Oxford, Mississippi, Ole Miss has an air of southern tradition paired with a youthful energy that makes it a prime location for social events. The school’s legendary tailgating before football games, along with its themed parties and fraternity and sorority life, give Ole Miss its spot among the most vibrant party schools in the nation. This ranking underscores the balance the university has struck between academic achievement and a thriving social life that is integral to the student experience at Ole Miss.

The other schools in the top 20 also offer a unique mixture of academic prestige and a lively party culture, with varying levels of prominence in both areas. For instance, the University of Texas at Austin, ranked sixth in 2011, is known for its athletic traditions, especially its football team, and a party scene that matches the excitement of the sports culture. Austin’s music scene, paired with the university’s energetic social calendar, places Texas at the forefront of student social life.

The University of Florida, ranked seventh, has long been celebrated for its spirited student life, with constant activities ranging from tailgates and barbecues to social mixers and themed parties. Similarly, the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB), ranked eighth, has a long tradition of beach parties, laid-back California lifestyle, and vibrant social events that give it its place in the top 10 of the Princeton Review’s list. UCSB’s proximity to the Pacific Ocean and its relaxed atmosphere contribute to a unique college party culture that draws attention year after year.

The University of Iowa, which jumped up from 12th to ninth in the rankings, provides an environment where students enjoy a large number of festivals, sporting events, and active nightlife. With a solid reputation for both academic excellence and a highly spirited campus life, the University of Iowa has become a staple on the Princeton Review’s list of top party schools.

DePauw University, entering the top 10 in 2011 after climbing from 15th, is another example of a small school with a big social life. DePauw, located in Greencastle, Indiana, is well-known for its social events and Greek life, which are central to the campus’s vibrant party scene. The campus is often filled with activities designed to enhance student engagement and community spirit, making it a popular choice for students looking for an active, social college experience.

Florida State University, ranked 11th, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, ranked 12th, continue to maintain strong reputations for having a robust party culture alongside a commitment to academic excellence. Similarly, the University of Alabama (13th), Sewanee – The University of the South (14th), and Indiana University Bloomington (15th) are all recognized for their strong student life programs, where social events and student engagement are key aspects of the overall university experience.

Other notable universities that made the top 20 in the Princeton Review’s ranking include the University of Colorado Boulder, University of Missouri, University of Illinois, University of Maryland, and Michigan State University. These universities, with their rich traditions, strong sports culture, and active social scenes, further exemplify the balancing act that many top party schools maintain between academic rigor and energetic student life.

In conclusion, the Princeton Review’s 2011 ranking of the top party schools highlights institutions where student engagement outside the classroom is as vital as academic achievement. Universities like the University of Georgia, Ohio University, Penn State, and West Virginia University continue to dominate the list, reflecting their ability to create a unique, energetic, and social campus environment. These schools attract students who value both intellectual growth and social engagement, ensuring that their college experience is well-rounded and filled with opportunities to build lifelong memories. While the rankings may be playful, they also reflect the diverse ways in which student life is valued and the impact it has on the overall college experience.

Top 20 Party Schools:
1. University of Georgia
2. Ohio University
3. Penn State University
4. West Virginia University
5. University of Mississippi
6. University of Texas at Austin
7. University of Florida
8. University of California – Santa Barbara
9. University of Iowa
10. DePauw University
11. Florida State University
12. University of Wisconsin – Madison
13. University of Alabama
14. Sewanee – The University of the South
15. Indiana University – Bloomington
16. University of Colorado – Boulder
17. University of Missouri
18. University of Illinois
19. University of Maryland
20. Michigan State University
Source: Princeton Review