Five Most Beautiful Campuses

Florida Southern College, Mount Holyoke College, Rhodes College, Roanoke College, and the University of Richmond are five institutions that stand out not only for their academic programs and student success but also for their beautiful campuses and strong campus life. These colleges have been consistently ranked in The Princeton Review’s annual guidebook, The Best 376 Colleges, which surveys students to assess various aspects of their college experience. The rankings, which touch on everything from the beauty of a campus to the quality of student life and academic experiences, provide insight into what makes these institutions unique and highly regarded. From Florida Southern’s stunning architecture to the University of Richmond’s exceptional career services, these colleges represent the diverse and enriching experiences that make higher education in the United States so distinctive.

Florida Southern College, located in Lakeland, Florida, has long been recognized for its beautiful campus and strong sense of community. In The Princeton Review’s 2012 edition of The Best 376 Colleges, the college was ranked as having the “Most Beautiful Campus” in the nation, a title it has held in recognition of its unique architectural design and lush surroundings. The college's campus is home to an impressive array of buildings designed by the renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright, making it a standout not just in Florida but in the United States as a whole. Wright’s design philosophy, which sought to integrate buildings harmoniously with their natural surroundings, is reflected in the campus’s layout and architecture. The buildings are positioned in a way that showcases the natural beauty of the campus, with expansive lawns, tranquil water features, and beautifully landscaped gardens enhancing the overall aesthetic.

Florida Southern College’s architecture is not just a visual treat but also an integral part of the student experience. Students at the college often note how the campus design fosters a sense of community and encourages collaboration. Beyond its architectural beauty, the campus offers a variety of opportunities for student involvement, making it a place where students are not only inspired by their surroundings but also encouraged to participate actively in campus life. This active participation is further evidenced by Florida Southern's ranking as No. 10 in the “Everybody Plays Intramural Sports” category. The college's emphasis on student involvement, particularly in sports, provides a sense of belonging and offers students a balanced college experience that combines academics with extracurricular engagement. This involvement in intramural sports and other campus activities further enhances the college's appeal to students who seek a well-rounded college experience that extends beyond the classroom.

In a similar vein, Mount Holyoke College, an all-women's institution located in South Hadley, Massachusetts, has earned high marks for its beautiful campus and exceptional classroom experiences. The college’s campus, with its classic New England aesthetic, ranks 4th in The Princeton Review’s 2012 guide for the “Most Beautiful Campuses” in the country, a recognition that speaks to the picturesque setting of the campus against the backdrop of the Holyoke Range. The campus features scenic walking paths, tranquil ponds, and centuries-old trees, offering students a peaceful and inspiring environment in which to learn and grow. The beauty of Mount Holyoke’s campus is not just about its physical appearance; it also enhances the overall student experience by providing a setting where students can reflect, study, and interact with peers in a relaxed and inspiring environment.

Mount Holyoke is also ranked 7th in The Princeton Review's “Best Classroom Experience” category, which speaks volumes about the quality of its academic offerings. The college prides itself on providing an intimate, rigorous academic environment where students are encouraged to think critically, engage with their professors, and work closely with peers. With a student-to-faculty ratio that fosters personalized attention, students at Mount Holyoke benefit from a close-knit academic community that supports intellectual development. The faculty at Mount Holyoke are often praised for their dedication to teaching, and the college's commitment to maintaining small class sizes ensures that students receive an education that is both challenging and deeply engaging. The combination of a stunning campus and a top-tier classroom experience makes Mount Holyoke a highly sought-after institution for students who value both academic rigor and a beautiful environment in which to learn.

Rhodes College, located in Memphis, Tennessee, is another institution that combines academic excellence with an exceptionally beautiful campus. Ranked 15th for “Most Beautiful Campus” in The Princeton Review's 2012 guide, Rhodes College’s campus is often praised for its picturesque Gothic-style buildings, beautiful green spaces, and its location in the heart of Memphis, which provides students with access to a vibrant city. The college’s campus is often described as a place where students feel a strong sense of connection to the environment around them, whether that involves studying under the shade of a tree or attending a lecture in one of the historic buildings that dot the campus.

In addition to its beautiful campus, Rhodes College is recognized for its academic rigor and strong focus on student success. Rhodes is ranked 19th in The Princeton Review for “Students Study the Most,” a testament to the dedication and intellectual drive of its student body. The college fosters an environment where students are motivated to succeed and are provided with the resources to do so. Rhodes offers a broad range of academic programs, from the humanities to the sciences, and encourages students to engage in interdisciplinary learning. Its commitment to providing a challenging academic experience, paired with a campus that encourages exploration and personal growth, makes Rhodes College a unique and highly respected institution.

Roanoke College, located in Salem, Virginia, is another institution that has earned recognition for its beautiful campus. In The Princeton Review’s 2012 edition, Roanoke College is ranked 18th for having one of the “Most Beautiful Campuses” in the United States, a distinction that highlights the college’s well-maintained grounds, historical buildings, and scenic views of the nearby Appalachian Mountains. Roanoke’s campus is characterized by its beautiful brick buildings, tree-lined walkways, and green spaces that make it an ideal place for both academic and personal growth. The college is also recognized for its academic programs, particularly in the fields of business and finance, computer science and engineering, and psychology, all of which have contributed to Roanoke’s reputation as a respected liberal arts college in the region.

Finally, the University of Richmond, located in Richmond, Virginia, is another institution that balances academic excellence with a beautiful and vibrant campus. Ranked 14th in The Princeton Review’s 2012 edition for “Most Beautiful Campus,” the University of Richmond’s campus is a stunning example of collegiate architecture, with its iconic red-brick buildings, well-manicured gardens, and peaceful lakeside setting. The university's campus is designed to encourage students to take full advantage of both the academic and extracurricular opportunities available to them. The college’s commitment to providing a well-rounded education is further evidenced by its rankings in other categories, including 6th for Financial Aid, 10th for Best Career Services, and 12th for Best Classroom Experience.

The University of Richmond’s rankings in these categories underscore its dedication to providing a high-quality student experience both inside and outside the classroom. The university’s exceptional financial aid program ensures that students from a wide range of financial backgrounds have access to an education that is both academically rigorous and financially feasible. Furthermore, its strong career services support helps students secure internships, jobs, and graduate school placements, further enhancing their post-college success.

In conclusion, Florida Southern College, Mount Holyoke College, Rhodes College, Roanoke College, and the University of Richmond all offer exceptional academic programs, beautiful campuses, and a commitment to student success. Whether it’s Florida Southern’s stunning Frank Lloyd Wright architecture, Mount Holyoke’s serene New England setting, or the University of Richmond’s iconic red-brick buildings, these colleges represent a diverse range of environments where students can thrive academically and personally. Through their rankings in The Princeton Review's 2012 guide, these institutions have proven that they provide not only a beautiful environment for learning but also a robust academic experience that prepares students for success in the global community.