Top 20 Stone-Cold Sober Schools

Brigham Young University (BYU) has firmly cemented its place as the nation’s top “Stone-Cold Sober” school, ranking first for the 13th consecutive year in the 2011 edition of The Princeton Review’s Best 373 Colleges. This recognition highlights BYU's commitment to creating an alcohol- and drug-free environment, fostering an academic and social setting that prioritizes student well-being. With the inclusion of only around 15 percent of America’s 2,500 four-year colleges, along with two Canadian colleges, in The Best 373 Colleges, the ranking reflects BYU’s long-standing dedication to upholding values of sobriety and academic focus. As part of a comprehensive survey conducted by The Princeton Review, which involved 122,000 students across campuses, BYU continues to be a leading example of a college that takes pride in maintaining a clean and supportive community environment.

BYU’s ranking as the No. 1 “Stone-Cold Sober” school has drawn attention to its unique student culture, where the university’s honor code plays a pivotal role in maintaining a lifestyle that is free from substances such as alcohol and drugs. The university, affiliated with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, has clear rules and guidelines that govern student behavior. These guidelines are integral to the school's culture, which places significant emphasis on personal responsibility, integrity, and discipline. The student body at BYU is highly committed to these values, with the university’s honor code ensuring that students adhere to a strict standard of living. As a result, the school fosters a positive, focused academic environment, where students can thrive both in their studies and in their personal growth, without the distractions of substance abuse.

The Princeton Review’s rankings in the 2011 edition of The Best 373 Colleges also highlight Mount Holyoke College as one of the top institutions in the category of “Stone Cold Sober Schools”, ranking 18th on the list. Known for its rigorous academic programs and vibrant campus life, Mount Holyoke is one of the leading liberal arts colleges for women in the United States. What distinguishes Mount Holyoke is not only its academic excellence but also its emphasis on a substance-free environment. The ranking comes as a testament to the college's ability to provide a sober, supportive space for students while ensuring they have ample opportunities to engage with academic and extracurricular pursuits in a health-conscious, focused manner.

Mount Holyoke College also earned top recognition in several other categories. Notably, it was ranked first in the category of "Best Classroom Experience", a distinction that speaks to the college’s commitment to high-quality, personalized education. Students at Mount Holyoke benefit from small class sizes, innovative teaching methods, and faculty who are deeply invested in the success of their students. The college is also lauded for its strong focus on academic rigor, with a ranking of 98 in academics on a scale of 60-99. This ranking reflects the outstanding level of instruction and intellectual engagement that Mount Holyoke offers, as well as the college’s capacity to challenge students while providing them with the resources and support needed to excel.

Furthermore, Mount Holyoke received 97 in financial aid, showcasing its commitment to making higher education accessible to students from all socioeconomic backgrounds. The college is highly selective in its admissions process, with a 95 in admissions selectivity, demonstrating its high standards for academic achievement and personal character. These factors, combined with the college’s emphasis on providing a sober and supportive environment, make Mount Holyoke an attractive choice for students seeking both academic excellence and a fulfilling college experience.

The Top 20 Stone-Cold Sober Schools list compiled by The Princeton Review in 2011 includes several other notable institutions that share a commitment to providing substance-free environments for students. Schools such as Wheaton College (IL), the United States Coast Guard Academy, and the United States Air Force Academy all rank highly in this category, showcasing a collective dedication to supporting students who seek to live a life focused on academic and personal achievement, free from alcohol and drug use.

In addition to BYU and Mount Holyoke, some of the other standout institutions in the Top 20 include Wellesley College, Mills College, and Berea College, each of which offers an academically rigorous environment where students can immerse themselves in their studies and engage meaningfully in campus life without the distractions of substance use. These schools place a high priority on fostering a culture of health, wellness, and responsibility among their students, ensuring that their academic communities remain free from the challenges posed by substance abuse.

The inclusion of the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Naval Academy, and the United States Military Academy in the Top 20 Stone-Cold Sober Schools list reflects the military’s ongoing commitment to instilling discipline, leadership, and personal responsibility in future officers. These institutions, which train some of the nation’s most prominent military leaders, emphasize a lifestyle of sobriety and self-control, in alignment with the core values of the military, which require rigorous mental and physical preparation.

While the list is filled with colleges known for their academic rigor and social engagement, it is clear that substance-free campuses such as BYU and Mount Holyoke are increasingly valued for their role in helping students navigate the complexities of modern college life in ways that promote long-term health, personal growth, and academic success.

The rankings published by The Princeton Review provide invaluable insights into the diverse cultures and environments that shape the college experience. For students who value an environment where they can focus on their academic and personal development without the pressures of substance abuse, schools like Brigham Young University, Mount Holyoke College, and other institutions in the Top 20 Stone-Cold Sober Schools offer compelling options. The rankings not only highlight the importance of a sober campus environment but also underscore the role such environments play in fostering academic achievement, personal responsibility, and a healthy lifestyle. As more students seek institutions that align with their values and support their holistic development, the rankings in The Princeton Review’s Best 373 Colleges continue to provide a vital resource for making informed decisions about higher education.

Ultimately, schools that make the Top 20 Stone-Cold Sober Schools list are demonstrating that a college experience can be rich and fulfilling without the presence of alcohol or drugs, and that such an environment fosters a thriving academic community where students can focus on their goals and achieve their fullest potential.