If you have been wishing to get admitted into a top university in the United States with vibrant social life, then you are in luck because the country offers one of the most diverse party scenes on the planet!
There are beach parties, ski parties, spring break parties, and every other kind of party in between.
However, the United States party school rankings vary from year to year, but it’s always clear which universities can claim bragging rights as the best party schools in the country.
For prospective students, the list of the best party schools in the United States in this article can help you decide where to apply, and current students can use it as a reminder of why they chose the university they attend!
Not sure how to choose the best school for you? Here are some criteria to consider;
- Access to bars and restaurants
- Athletics, and
- Greek Life.
These factors and more contributes to the nightlife and general vibe of a college.
What are the best party schools in the United States?
1. University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA)
Founded in 1880 by Robert M. Widney, the University of Southern California is one of the oldest private research universities in Los Angeles, California.
The University is known as one of the party schools in the United States because of is located in the heart of Los Angeles, one of the most exciting cities in the world, and is great for nightlife.
It is also known for its many theme parties and events focused around a set of costumes, sororities, and games, from LGTBQ+ mixers to Trojan spirit nights, in which students are fully involved.
Most students of the University of Southern California are also found at night having a good time at some top restaurants, clubs, and bars close by, some of them include;
- The 901 Bar and Grill which is fondly called ‘the Nine-O’
- Moreton Fig restaurant
- Seven Grand, and
- La Barca Restaurant, etc.
Read our previous article on: The 20 Best Party Schools In California According To Students
2. Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL)
Founded in 1851, Florida State University is one of the oldest public research universities in Tallahassee, Florida.
Students who love partying and nightlife can not be separated from the northern city of Tallahassee, as a student at Florida State University, you will experience the nightlife, greek life, and can even join the school’s athletic team.
Potbelly’s bar is a very notable bar that is a favorite among students and alumni, most students go here on Thursdays for all-you-can-drink and (best of all) Happy Hour!
There are other top attractive bars and nightlife that make Florida State University one of the best party schools in the USA, some of them include;
- Palace Saloon
- Bullwinkle’s Saloon
- Township
- The Standard
Students interested in sororities can join the school’s fraternity with over 100 years of campus tradition.
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3. Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI)
Founded in 1855 and located in East Lansing, Michigan, Michigan State University is a public land-grant research university.
Michigan State University is one of the top party schools in the United States with a diverse set of bars and restaurants for students to visit.
Students can take a break from weeks of study and party a little by visiting the renowned Crunchy’s, a place that guarantees an amazing karaoke scene.
Students can also participate in the school’s sororities, the nightlife is very amazing, and students can party at Harper’s, one of the city’s most popular clubs.
Students can join the school’s athletic team, and the real parties happen on game day, no matter where you look, there will always be something to excite you at MSU.
Also read: The 15 Best Party Schools in the United Kingdom For Freshers
4. Arizona State University (Tempe, AZ)
Founded in 1885, Arizona State University is one of the largest public research universities in the Phoenix metropolitan area, it is also one of the schools in the United States with students who party hard.
It is easy to see why Arizona State University is one of the top party schools in the USA, Tempe is one of the most interesting cities in the USA which is vibrant and great for nightlife.
Most college students, young professionals, alumni, and sports fans can be seen having a good time at the cool cocktail bars, breweries, distillery tasting rooms, sports bars, and more.
For students interested in Greek life, there are many fraternities and sororities that students can be a part of.
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5. Tulane University (New Orleans, LA)
Founded in 1834, the Tulane University of Louisiana is a private research university in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Tulane University is also one of the happiest schools among students in the state, according to the Princeton Review, Tulane students report loving the flexibility of classes in the school.
This flexibility lets the students have more time to try other things and even go to parties at some of the nearby landmarks.
One-Eyed Jacks is a very popular club where most Tulane students are seen having fun, other similar places are;
- Tipitina’s bar
- The bulldog bar
- Grits
Another very important social activity Tulane University is notable for is the Tulane After Dark Program which offers students an avenue to cool off from the class hustle and have fun.
Also read: 20 Best Cooking/Culinary Schools in France According To Chefs
6. University of Mississippi (University, MS)
The University of Mississippi is one of the top public research universities in Oxford, Mississippi, it is also consistently mentioned as one of the top party schools in the US.
One of the main reasons why it is considered a party school is that Greek life is quite big at school, in fact, According to Niche, out of 718 Greek colleges in America, the University of Mississippi is the third best.
Another reason this school is considered a top party school is tied to its beautiful campus, visitors to the campus always experience a sense of joy before a DJ sets up and drinks are distributed.
Here are some of the beautiful spots students from the University visit to take a break from classes;
- Funky’s Pizza & Daiquiri Bar
- Proud Larry’s
- Rafters
- Rooster’s Blues House
- Round Table on the Square
Also read: Best 40+ Party Schools in Canada Based on Highest Party Hours
7. West Virginia University (Morgantown, WV)
West Virginia University is known as a public land-grant research university with its main campus in Morgantown, West Virginia.
One of the reasons students from West Virginia University party a lot is because of the location of the school, there is a significant nightlife presence in Downtown Morgantown.
Some of the students can be seen having a good time at the nearby bars, as well as nightly live music, karaoke, trivia, and drink specials.
The nightclubs offer dancing and DJs for 18+ guests, students can rent spaces for birthday, holiday, and anniversary parties or any other private event!
Another reason is that the school hosts annual fest events, the Fall Fest has featured concerts from some of the most electrifying artists working today.
This fall fests have hosted guests like Kanye West, Juliana Hatfield, Kendrick Lamar, and more creating a venue to party and have fun.
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8. Southern Methodist University (Dallas, TX)
Founded in 1911, Southern Methodist University is one of the private research universities in University Park, Texas, with a satellite campus in Taos County, New Mexico.
Southern Methodist University is known for fun and this is because of Dallas city, many students come to Dallas because of the fun activities, to get access to all the dancing, culture, and nightlife they could possibly want.
Here are popular places to visit as a student below thirty if you want to take a break from classes;
- Barley House
- Katy Trail Ice House
- Lizard Lounge
- Pete’s Dueling Piano Bar
- Beauty Bar
- Double Wide
- Kun fu Saloon
These establishments not only provide students with a cosmopolitan selection of drinks and food but the opportunity to connect with one another while expanding their palate.
There are other concert venues such as the House of Blues Dallas or the Opening Bell Coffee House, where you can go see everything from arena concert acts to new independent artists.
9. University of Georgia (Athens, GA)
Founded in 1785, the University of Georgia is one of the oldest public land-grant research universities with its main campus in Athens, Georgia.
There are many reasons the University of Georgia is one of the top party schools in the United States, the school is very active in hosting events, and the Performing Arts Center regularly brings in some of the most exciting artists working today.
Students are also seen at night having fun in some of the top locations such as Cutter’s Pub, Allgood Lounge, Bourbon Street, Flanagan’s & The Half Moon Pub, and Nowhere Bar.
As these examples show, there’s never a dull moment on UGA’s campus.
10. University of Dayton (Dayton, OH)
Founded in 1850, the University of Dayton is a private, Catholic research university in Dayton, Ohio.
The students from Dayton are quite very active and the city is very vibrant too, there are many locations nearby where students can throw a party or take a break from classes, some of which include;
- Dewberry 1850 Restaurant & Lounge
- Tender Mercy
- Century Bar
- The Fieldhouse
- Two Social
- Southern Belle
One of the exciting features of the University of Dayton is the school’s Multi-Ethnic Education and Engagement Center (MEC), the MEC host events every semester that not only allow people to share their culture with one another but are also a lot of fun.
Events like this bring the students together to celebrate.
Other USA Party Schools include;
- University of Wisconsin
- Howard University
- The University of Alabama
- University of Georgia
- Syracuse University
- University of Illinois
- Penn State
- University of Iowa
- Miami University University
- University of California – Santa Barbara
- University of Texas, Austin
- Michigan State University
- San Diego State University
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the least party schools?
These schools have minimal partying hours; Calvin College, Thomas Aquinas College, Gordon College, United States Air Force Academy, and Wheaton College.
Which Ivy League is a party school?
The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is an Ivy League school that has been ranked among the top party schools in the United States by Playboy magazine.
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