Spring Hill College
Mobile, Alabama
Founded in 1830; shc.edu
The Avenue of the Oaks is one of the first things prospective students encounter here, and it’s also one of the last memories they’ll take with them when they leave. Each year, graduates sit among these towering trees, lined with rows of pink azaleas, as they face a commencement stage in front of Stewartfield, a white Greek Revival home used for special events. The final walk down the avenue happens when degrees are conferred. During their time at this liberal arts school (which was founded in 1830 and is the oldest Catholic college in the Southeast), they will likely frequent the Rydex Commons, a circular lawn located by the library and the exquisite St. Joseph Chapel. The landscape is further enhanced by palm trees, camellias, and oaks. In the spring, students often bring their backpacks outside and hang hammocks for study sessions or taking naps.
Hendrix College
Conway, Arkansas
Founded in 1876; hendrix.edu
Set on a picturesque 175-acre property, this private liberal arts college features redbrick buildings, a serene courtyard where the ground is covered in pecan shells, and a gazebo that was once part of a 1980s campus theater production and has since become a beloved gathering place. With around 1,100 students, the school is known for its intimate classrooms and lush landscape with azalea borders, oaks, and pines. Historic structures like Martin Hall and Galloway Hall, which were designed by notable architect Charles L. Thompson, share space with the Miller Creative Quad, a modern mixed-use facility that opened in 2019 and houses not only students but also the Windgate Museum of Art and the Hundley-Shell Theater.
University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware
Founded in 1743; udel.edu
Many institutions of higher learning are the centerpieces of quaint "college towns," but the University of Delaware is smack-dab in the middle of Newark. Students can stroll downtown as easily as they can amble past the Jeffersonian architecture of the historic campus buildings, reminiscent of the University of Virginia. Students congregate on The Green, backed by historic Memorial Hall and the Hugh M. Morris Library, a space that originally helped unite the all-male Delaware College and the Women's College of Delaware in 1917. Other landmarks, like the President's House (which dates back to 1921) and Old College Hall (the first building on campus), add more historic gravitas.
Georgetown University
Washington, D.C.
Founded in 1789; georgetown.edu
The oldest Catholic and Jesuit institution of higher learning in the country, Georgetown University has been around as long as the United States Constitution has been in operation. Its stately centerpiece, Healy Hall (shown above), dates back to the late 19th century and anchors the area. A gray stone exterior, a 200-foot-tall clock tower, Gothic and Romanesque architectural elements, and rows upon rows of windows give it an imposing air. The hall still serves as an event venue, thanks to a recent revamp that transformed the ground floor into a vibrant student space. Many other locations on campus hold special significance. For example, Old North has hosted 14 different U.S. Presidents—including George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. With glimpses of the Potomac River possible from the upper levels of some buildings and a landscape dotted with cherry trees, Georgetown has elegance and historic character befitting its D.C. setting.
Spelman College
Atlanta, Georgia
Founded in 1881; spelman.edu
There's too many special aspects about Spelman college to count, but here are a few. Spelman is a Historically Black College, or HBCU, with an all-female student body and a stunning campus. On your next visit to the continuously growing college, stop and smell the roses at the new Center for Innovation and the Arts. This building was carefully designed with the collaboration of arts and sciences in mind, as can be seen in its unique and eye-catching style.
Florida Southern College
Lakeland, Florida
Founded in 1883; flsouthern.edu
With its amazing collection of buildings conceived by legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright—as well as its scenic locale along Lake Hollingsworth—Florida Southern breaks the classic collegiate-design mold. Anne Kerr, who served as president from 2004 to 2024, says Wright was challenged to produce something uniquely American, rather than drawing on the typical European or old-world influences. Wright originals (like the angular Annie Pfeiffer Chapel, the J. Edgar Wall Waterdome, and the newly renovated planetarium) are sprinkled throughout and inspire a spirit of innovation. Each year, about 120,000 tourists visit the Florida Southern College Historic District, a National Historic Landmark.
Flagler College
St. Augustine, Florida
Founded in 1968; flagler.edu
When the king and queen of Spain came to town in 2015 to celebrate the 450th anniversary of St. Augustine, not just any restaurant or private home would do. Instead, the city entertained them at historic Flagler College (the former 1888 Hotel Ponce de León serves as the opulent centerpiece for the school) and used its solarium for hosting a luncheon. Students might feel like royalty while walking through Ponce de León Hall, with its gilded ceilings and dining hall ringed with stained glass. In addition to all of its character, the institution has another perk for those who attend here: It’s just minutes from the beach.
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia
Founded in 1785; uga.edu
A 160-year-old black iron arch stands as a testament to this state college's long tenure. It was established over 200 years ago and prides itself as the "birthplace of public higher education." Georgia-native magnolia, elm, and maple trees shade the campus and accent Georgian-style buildings clustered around greenspaces such as the North Campus Lawn and Georgia Quad. (And don't miss the famed hedges that border the football field inside Sanford Stadium.)
Berry College
Mount Berry, Georgia
Founded in 1902; berry.edu
The world’s largest campus, Berry College spans 27,000 acres of rural Georgia countryside, blending natural splendor with academic purpose. At its heart are the Ford Buildings—modeled after the University of Oxford’s Christ Church in England—which add a touch of British grandeur, with neo-Gothic architecture that inspires serious study. This complex gives way to pastureland, hills, lakes, log cabins, and the Mountain Campus—where an old mill and waterwheel make a great photo. Miles of split rail fences are maintained by the students, who not only study here but also work to keep everything looking good.
Tulane University
New Orleans, Louisiana
Founded in 1834; tulane.edu
A 5-mile streetcar ride from downtown New Orleans leads to this school on historic St. Charles Avenue. Lofty oak trees shade the Uptown site, where the college was moved in 1894, 60 years after its founding. Gibson Hall, one of the first buildings here, presides over the academic quad with its stately Romanesque Revival exterior made of limestone. The redbrick buildings of Newcomb College, a longtime affiliate school for women, officially became part of Tulane following Hurricane Katrina, when the entities merged to form Newcomb-Tulane College.
Tuskegee University
Tuskegee, Alabama
Founded in 1881; tuskegee.edu
This Historically Black College was the first to be registered as a National Historic Landmark, and its beauty matches its historical significance. Each stately building here is steeped in rich history, and the rural locale promises sweeping views of lush greenery. In addition to its history and beauty, Tuskegee is known for its accomplished alumni network including the majority of African-American aerospace engineers and veterinarians.
U.S. Naval Academy
Annapolis, Maryland
Founded in 1845; usna.edu
The waterside setting on the banks of the Severn River in downtown Annapolis and the picturesque Beaux Arts-style buildings compose a fitting backdrop for this school’s important military mission. Watch the midshipmen’s noon mealtime formation in front of the landmark dormitory Bancroft Hall (shown above), a tradition that dates back to 1905. A band or drum will typically usher students along as they enter the dining facility with precision. Along with the imposing Mahan Hall across the courtyard from Bancroft, stop by the domed chapel, which has stained glass windows depicting water-related scenes, and the U.S. Naval Academy Museum in Preble Hall. A variety of campus tours are available—either on foot or via electric car.
University of Maryland
College Park, Maryland
Founded in 1856; umd.edu
Situated on U.S. 1, this school boasts one of the country’s largest academic malls. The 9-acre McKeldin Mall stretches from the administration building to the McKeldin Library, with its stalwart brick exterior, distinctive front stairway, and white-columned facade. On one side of this green space, a 250- by 16-foot rectangular fountain resembles the reflecting pool on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. In spring and fall, flowers bloom in front of the Mitchell Building, forming a cheery letter “M.”
University of Mississippi
Oxford, Mississippi
Founded in 1848; olemiss.edu
The Phi Mu Fountain, Magnolia Drive, The Lyceum (built in the 1840s, with its graceful Ionic columns)—these are just a few of the school's storied landmarks. Historic buildings along the Quad, as well as Bryant Hall, built in 1911 and accented by an impressive rotunda, have plenty of collegiate character. But the Lyceum has seen it all—from wounded soldiers housed here during the Civil War to James Meredith's enrollment as the school's first black student in 1962. On football game days, Southern tailgating rises to a whole new level when the silver candelabras come out at the Grove.
Washington University in St. Louis
St. Louis, Missouri
Founded in 1853; Danforth Campus, 1905; wustl.edu
The Danforth Campus of Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) captures the hearts of prospective students during tours. Its Brookings Quadrangle—framed by the castle-like Brookings Hall, with its dual rounded towers and fluttering flags—evokes an air of grandeur. Construction began in 1900, and the first buildings were leased to the Louisiana Purchase Exposition company, which used them for the World’s Fair in 1904. The following year, the structures were reclaimed by WashU for academic purposes and the campus was formally dedicated. Newer buildings and expansions were designed to complement the existing Collegiate Gothic architecture, creating an environment that feels both traditional and modern.
Duke University
Durham, North Carolina
Founded in 1924; duke.edu
Known for its legendary basketball program and Ivy League-caliber curriculum, Duke University has regal Gothic stone structures on its West Campus and Georgian ones on its East Campus. The west end looks nearly identical to the way it did when it was built in the 1920s, resembling a medieval wonderland transported to the North Carolina forest. Alumni book the breathtaking Duke Chapel up to a year in advance to marry there. Other highlights include the Davison Building (shown above); the Perkins Library, with six floors and a grand reading room; and the Sarah P. Duke Gardens, which is adding a new entrance and visitors center, expanded green spaces, and cutting-edge classrooms in 2026.
Wake Forest University
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Founded in 1834; relocated in 1956; wfu.edu
Architect Jens Fredrick Larson, who wrote a famed text on campus planning and collegiate architecture, designed this institution and clearly understood what attracts potential students. The Georgian-style buildings, clad in Old Virginia Brick with limestone details and decorative wrought iron, create a unified, timeless aesthetic. The yard is embraced by a canopy of hardwoods and flowering trees as well as a network of trails for those who want to explore the natural setting. Hearn Plaza, a beautiful central area, is surrounded by spire-topped Wait Chapel, Reynolda Hall, and other traditional structures.
Oklahoma State University
Stillwater, Oklahoma
Founded in 1890; go.okstate.edu
A Big 12 school noted for its scenic atmosphere, Oklahoma State University is home to the Theta Pond, a parklike area with bald cypress trees, fountains, bridges, and sculptures. Established in 1890, the college has modified Georgian architecture that gives the grounds a cohesive, inviting feel. Scarlet-hued buildings alongside brick-lined walkways, open spaces, and courtyards create thoughtfully designed outdoor rooms and a sense of symmetry. Among the property’s most renowned structures is Old Central, the university’s first permanent academic building, which opened in 1894.
Fisk University
Nashville, Tennessee
Founded in 1866; fisk.edu
Fisk University's Gothic Revival-style Jubilee Hall is not only stunning, but its historic too. It was built in 1876 and boasts the title of the university's oldest building. It is also the first permanent building in the South constructed for the purpose of educating Black students. Now in the 21st century, this statement building marks the center of HBCU's campus life.
Furman University
Greenville, South Carolina
Founded in 1826; furman.edu
Georgian architecture defines South Carolina’s oldest private university, which is set along a lake and punctuated by a Florentine-style bell tower. The grounds offer more than just a scenic backdrop. When entering the property, visitors are greeted by a landscape that reflects Colonial Williamsburg’s formal and balanced design. Residence halls overlook a 28-acre lake surrounded by a 1.5-mile trail, and the extensive Asia Garden also provides a peaceful spot to walk. Other highlights include a replica of American philosopher and writer Henry David Thoreau’s cabin and the Place of Peace, the first Japanese temple to be dismantled and rebuilt in the United States.
The University of the South
Sewanee, Tennessee
Founded in 1857; sewanee.edu
Collegiate Gothic architecture is a defining feature of Sewanee: The University of the South, which is tucked into a rural, forested perch atop the Cumberland Plateau. This area feels like a retreat, with striking scenes like Abbo’s Alley, a creek lined with daffodils in spring, and dorms nestled between lakes that are perfect for recreational fishing. The surrounding woods often serve as outdoor classrooms, where professors lead students on hikes and give their lectures beneath the trees. The renowned All Saints’ Chapel (shown above), with its intricate windows and impressive sandstone exterior, rises on the quad at the center of campus.
Baylor University
Waco, Texas
Founded in 1885; baylor.edu
This private college features a range of architectural styles, particularly Georgian buildings like Pat Neff Hall (shown above), which was completed in 1939 during the Great Depression. Green spaces throughout the campus, such as the Hulme Family Prayer Garden and Founders Mall, provide spots to gather. The Quadrangle is bordered by some of the university’s most historic structures, including Old Main, which opened in 1887. The Armstrong Browning Library & Museum honors writers Robert Browning and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, with stained glass windows depicting lines from the couple’s poems.
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
Founded in 1819; virginia.edu
Established in 1819 by one of our country’s Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson, the University of Virginia is the very embodiment of “collegiate.” This UNESCO World Heritage site is considered a design masterpiece. Stroll the symbolic center, known as The Lawn, and marvel at Jefferson’s vision for a scholastic haven. The Academical Village includes the Rotunda, which is modeled after the Pantheon in Rome, and student housing as well as gardens and pavilions—all part of his original plan for the school. Back then, students and their teachers would live together, attend classes on the ground floor of professors’ homes, and interact daily. Over 200 years later, a modern version of Jefferson’s concept is still thriving.
Rice University
Houston, Texas
Founded in 1912; rice.edu
Groundbreaking research for the likes of NASA aren't the only draws to this gorgeous campus. Rice University's sprawling 300-acre campus is a sight for sore eyes. Among the campus's 4,000-plus trees, picturesque buildings and interesting sculptures abound. While walking through campus, keep your eyes peeled for hidden symbols among the architecture.
North Carolina A&T State University
Greensboro, North Carolina
Founded in 1891; ncat.edu
North Carolina A&T State University's 188-acre campus is immaculately manicured and decorated with a combination of stunningly historic buildings and new state-of-the-art ones. The 50,000-square-foot student center, built in 2018, is the largest building on campus, and one of the most visually stunning. Other landmarks include exquisite sculptures, many of which depitct civil rights icons.
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, Tennessee
Founded in 1873; vanderbilt.edu
Vanderbilts campus may as well be one big, scenic park. The school also just happens to have world-class academics. In fact, the campus is a certified arboretum and boasts more than 190 species of trees, each one more beautiful than the next. As you stroll the sprawling campus, you'll get plenty of opportunity to admire Vanderbilt's 6,000-plus trees, including the pre-Revolutionary War Bicentennial Oak, as well as more than 50 art sculptures.
Southern Methodist University
Dallas, Texas
Founded in 1911; smu.edu
Southern Methodist University is often referred to as "the Hilltop." This nickname makes the campus sound effortlessly serene, and for good reason. Just five miles north of Dallas' downtown, "SMU" is home to Dallas Hall, a stately century-old building with statuesque columns that is listed in the National Registry of Historic Places. Outdoor beauty is accompanied by a treasure trove of sights inside too; The college's Meadows Museum features the largest collection of Spanish art outside of Spain.
Rhodes College
Memphis, Tennessee
Founded in 1848; rhodes.edu
In the heart of Midtown Memphis, Rhodes College is a haven inside the city. Stroll through the campus, admiring new and original Gothic-style buildings, some of which date back to 1925 and indicate a lasting commitment to the campus' beauty. The campus also features elegant oak trees grown with seedlings from Rhodes College's original location in Clarksville, Tennessee.
The University of Alabama
Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Founded in 1831; ua.edu
Not only does this university have academic and athletic prowess, but it’s also one of the most gorgeous in the South, with a mix of Beaux Arts and Greek Revival buildings. Popular landmarks include the columned President’s Mansion, where graduates frequently stop for photos; Denny Chimes, a bell tower presiding over the quad; and the legendary Bryant-Denny Stadium, where football is played on Saban Field (which was named for seven-time national-champion coach Nick Saban). The secret to maintaining the campus’ pristine beauty is the expert grounds team. Even after a storm rages through the night, the debris is cleared away before the next day’s classes. In 2024, the school unveiled a series of transformative updates (a state-of-the-art golf facility, a center for transportation research, and renovations to the McLure Library) to breathe new life into its storied landscape.
The College of William & Mary
Williamsburg, Virginia
Founded in 1693; wm.edu
William & Mary is the second oldest institution of higher learning in the US, and it's undoubtedly one of the prettiest, too. Located in lovely Williamsburg, some of the college's buildings date back to before the city existed. The Sir Christopher Wren Building is the oldest still-standing college building in the country. It has been devastated by fire on three separate occasions, but classes still run inside this gorgeous Renaissance-style building to this day.
Davidson College
Davidson, North Carolina
Founded in 1837; davidson.edu
About 20-minutes north of Charlotte, Davidson College's Campus Sculptural Program plays a large role in setting this campus apart from the rest. Among interconnected paths and red brick buildings, you'll find 20 stunning sculptures that command attention. But the creativity doesn't end there; art from the school's permanent collection can be found in just about evert building on campus.
Florida A&M University
Tallahassee, Florida
Founded in 1887; famu.edu
With around 10,000 students, Florida A&M, is one of the largest historically Black colleges in the country. It has several offshoot campuses, but the Tallahassee location reigns supreme in terms of beauty. In addition to a stunning quad that lights up brilliantly come sun-down, several imposing pieces of art make this campus stand apart. An 1,800-pound bronze rattlesnake statue offers an exceptional photo op, and The Eternal Flame, a torch sculpture that has burnt 24-hours a day since 1997, is a sight for sore eyes.
Florida Atlantic University
Boca Raton, Florida
Founded in 1964; fau.edu
It comes as no surprise that this school in South Florida is pleasing to the eye. Florida Atlantic University students are lucky to be just 3 miles away from sunny Atlantic beaches and graced with sub-tropical weather. Unlike so many of our favorite pretty colleges who draw their beauty from historic buildings and charm, "FAU" embraces shiny, modern architecture for stunning, state-of-the-art buildings across campus.
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, Texas
Founded in 1873; tcu.edu
Every winter since 1986, the Texas Christian University grounds team has planted tulips around campus which come to fruition, blooming beautifully come March and decorating "TCU" with vibrant flowers to welcome the season. In addition to florals, the 302-acre campus is also full of renovated historic buildings and lined with more than 3,200 trees. Texas Christian University additionally boasts that its a place that feels like home, and they have nationally ranked dorms to prove it.
University Of Richmond
Richmond, Virginia
Founded in 1830; richmond.edu
The University of Richmond's mascot may be a spider, but don't let that put you off from this lovely school. In autumn, the campus lights up with colorful foliage, and in the spring, cherry blossoms bud beautifully. Clean landscaping, flowerbeds, and Gothic architecture make for a pristine campus right on Westhampton Lake. Enjoy the view from the lakeside Tyler Haynes Commons Pier alongside friendly critters like ducklings.
Stetson University
DeLand, Florida
Founded in 1883; stetson.edu
Stetson University has three Florida locations, but the campus in the hidden gem destination of DeLand is a sight to behold. Nicknamed the "Athens of Florida," DeLand is a place of Greek culture and beauty, accentuated by grand campus buildings, glorious palm trees, and glistening fountains. On the campus' Palm Court, you'll find the iconic, aqua blue Holler Fountain which has been referred to as "the fountain of youth."
Belmont University
Nashville, Tennessee
Founded in 1890; belmont.edu
Just 2 miles from downtown Nashville, Belmont University is an Instagram-worthy slice of heaven. From the well-manicured and historic quad, explore picturesque buildings like Freeman Hall, the admissions center, and the Gabhart Chapel. Don't miss the rose garden and floral tapestries that grace the campus.
Elon University
Elon, North Carolina
Founded in 1889; elon.edu
Known for its beauty among other academic prowess, Elon University's campus is a designated botanical garden. Pristine landscaping, flashy fountains, a lake, and a nice mix of historic buildings and modern ones lend to this beautiful campus in Alamance County, North Carolina. Green grass and red brick abound at Elon University, as do oak trees. The college's namesake, Elon, translates to "oak" in Hebrew.
Loyola University New Orleans
New Orleans, Louisiana
Founded in 1904; loyno.edu
At home in uptown New Orleans, this Loyola campus is located on historic St. Charles Avenue. Right across the street, you'll find Audubon Park, a wonderland for nature-enthusiasts, golfers, and animal lovers (the park has a zoo!). Even by comparison to this stunning park, the campus itself is nothing to scoff at. Whimsical palm trees and Tudor Gothic Revival style school buildings guarantee a scenic view from anywhere on campus.
Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia
Founded in 1836; emory.edu
When Emory students tell people from their hometown that they go to school in Atlanta, 600 acres of greenery and Italian Renaissance–style buildings probably aren't what folks picture. As gorgeous as this campus is, Emory is better known for its academic excellence in fields including liberal arts, medicine, and scientific research. Studying is a little easier, though, when it takes place in stunning marble buildings. Access to Atlanta's bustling downtown is readily available, as are sprawling and scenic trails at the university's Lullwater Preserve.
Claflin University
Orangeburg, South Carolina
Founded in 1869; claflin.edu
The oldest HBCU is South Carolina, Claflin boasts both a dreamy campus and wonderful academics. Red brick buildings mark every corner of the school, including Tingley Memorial Hall, a historic two-story building in the Classical Revival style. The gable-roof building was erected in 1908 in connection to Claflin alum William W. Cook, a ground-breaking architect. Tingley Memorial Hall stands as a beautiful reminder of students' potential.
Wofford College
Spartanburg, South Carolina
Founded in 1854; wofford.edu
Pretty as a South Carolina peach, Wofford's 180-acre campus is a National Historic District that includes four historic residences and almost a dozen new buildings in the last decade. Surrounded by more 5,000 trees and an excellent environmental design (the campus is also an arboretum!), the heart of campus can be found in the Main Building, lovingly called "Old Main," where every Wofford student has taken at least one class since 1854. Wofford is also the proud owner of two custom Chihuly sculptures.
Washington And Lee University
Lexington, Virginia
Founded in 1749; wlu.edu
Perched in the Shenandoah Valley, "W&L" is brimming with historic buildings, particularly in the Colonnade area, a campus hub that is listed on National Register of Historic Places. Scenic walking trails are a plenty, including ones that will lead you to the beautiful garden in Back Campus. The schools flows into the city of Lexington where an equally vibrant community awaits.
Rollins College
Winter Park, Florida
Founded in 1885; rollins.edu
On the shores of Lake Virginia, bedecked by romantic Spanish moss, sits one of the country's most beautiful campuses: Rollins College. Mother nature is hard at work on this campus. Its vibrant lawns and draping greenery are a sight to behold, and the Spanish-Mediterranean-style school buildings only add to the beauty. Winding pathways take visitors on their merry way to landmarks across campus, including Knowles Memorial Chapel, a sacred building inspired by the Toledo Cathedral in Spain.
Auburn University
Auburn, Alabama
Founded in 1856; auburn.edu
Nicknamed the Loveliest Village on the Plains, this beloved university sits in the middle of east Alabama's stunning rural farmland. With plush green grass, mature oak trees, and the postcard-perfect Samford Hall, Auburn has an easy time wooing prospective students. Their insistence that all students, alumni, faculty, and employees are part of the Auburn Family makes this place all the more lovely.
