Choosing one of the colleges with the happiest students is more important than choosing one with high rankings.
Hear us out — the happier you are, the better your mental health and overall well-being, the more likely you are to be engaged in your studies and perform better academically.
And if you’re part of the colleges with the happiest students, you’ll find yourself surrounded by people who feel the same.
University can be a tough time for young people — who wouldn’t want good vibes to make it easier?
Being part of a community and belonging can go a long way in helping us connect and make friends.
Going at it alone will always be tougher than having a bestie (or several) to fall back on when you get a lower grade than expected or face burnout from the emotional stress of it all.
But are good people and good vibes all it takes to make us happy?
Many factors affect a student’s happiness, though most of them boil down to a few key points.
What makes us happy?
There’s no end to the number of people who’ve tried to define “happiness.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes “happy” as “feeling, showing, or causing pleasure or satisfaction.”
Merriam-Webster, the self-professed “America’s most-trusted dictionary,” defines “happiness” as “a state of well-being and contentment.”
While what makes students happy can vary from person to person, several factors play a role in creating a university student pleased, satisfied, well and content:
- There’s a social life and community, thanks ot many clubs, organisations, and events that help students build connections and feel a sense of belonging.
- There are support services, such as mental health services, academic advising, career counselling, and health services.
- Graduates are willing to guide current students and give them advice where needed.
- There’s a strong sense of school spirit that creates a sense of identity and community. This includes spirit weeks, mascots and campus-wide events.
- You’re in a great location — the climate is pleasant, it’s close to city centres, and it has most of what you need in easy reach.
Before we look at the colleges with the happiest students, here are some of the ones on the opposite side of the spectrum.
Colleges that place a strong emphasis on academics only can increase stress levels in students, causing them to be unhappy.
Colleges with the least happiest students
Many assume that the colleges with the least happiest students would be Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Columbia University, or Harvard University due to the high pressure on students to achieve.
However, some lists name institutions with the least happiest students, such as The Princeton Review.
This list of colleges with the happiest students is based on 140,000 surveys that asked participants to rate various aspects of their college experience, including dorm life and classroom experience. The student survey consisted of 80 questions in four sections, asking students about their school’s academics and administration, life at their college, their peers, and themselves.
1. Xavier University of Louisiana
Xavier University of Louisiana has made The Princeton Review’s list of colleges with the least happiest students more than once.
The liberal arts college located in New Orleans is known as the only historically black and Catholic college in the US.
Many have said that the school ranks high on the list due to it not being a party school and its heavy focus on academics.
2. Simmons University
Also, making The Princeton Review’s list of colleges with the least happiest students is Simmons University.
However, a number of students have gone on Reddit to share their disagreement with this ranking.
“I’m a senior at Simmons right now, and honestly, I love my professors and my programme. The friends I have made here are really great too,” shares a Reddit user.
According to the list, Simmons University ranks high mainly due to its administration, food, and culture.
Here are the top 10 colleges with the happiest students in the US, according to The Princeton Review.
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10 colleges with the happiest students in the US
10. University of Dallas
At the University of Dallas, also known as the Catholic University for independent thinkers, you’ll find yourself among some of the happiest students in the US.
The university places a strong emphasis on liberal arts education and global perspectives, consistently ranking among the top 15 Catholic colleges nationwide by Forbes and among the top 10 Catholic colleges in the West by US News and World Report.
With a commitment to nurturing the whole person — mind, body, and spirit — the university ensures that students not only excel academically but also find joy and fulfilment while in college.
Here, students can participate in more than 50 student-run clubs and organisations to meet various personal, social, political, recreational, and religious interests. These include the Barbara Brunch clubs, which pair students with children from the local Barbara Cardwell High School for one-on-one mentoring once a week, the Dallas Refugee Project, which serves Dallas refugees with empathy, understanding, and respect, the MindMatters club, which aims to raise awareness about mental health, and many more.
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9. Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Founded in 1822, Hobart and William Smith Colleges is ranked #73 for National Liberal Arts Colleges and #58 for Best Value Schools by US News and World Report.
Based on surveys, the reasons why Hobart and William Smith Colleges have the happiest students in the US are due to their strong sense of community, strong faculty-student bonds, robust study abroad programmes, holistic focus, inspiring professors, and overall positive student experiences.
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8. Kansas State University
Kansas State University is not only a top-ranked public institution but also one of the top colleges with the happiest students in the US.
One of the main reasons for this is the university’s affordability. In 2023, K-State awarded more than US$238 million in financial assistance to its students. The state itself ranks #11 for its affordability on the US News and World Report’s Best States list, so students can get the most out of their education and student experience without breaking the bank.
“K-State is intentional about putting students first and offering a positive student experience both in and out of the classroom,” said Thomas Lane, vice president for student life and dean of students. “Student success and well-being continue to be a top priority of the university, and our students recognise these efforts in The Princeton Review rankings.”
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7. Auburn University
Auburn University has earned its spot among the colleges with the happiest students in the US. From cheering on the Tigers to engaging in meaningful service projects, the university is known for its spirited traditions and passionate alumni network.
In fact, over 92% of Auburn University students report feeling satisfied with their overall college experience. Niche, a US college ranking site, lists the university in the top 25 colleges with the Best Student Life in America.
The university has a strong support system dedicated to enhancing student happiness and well-being. There are more than 500 student organisations to find your crowd, a 240,000-square-foot Recreation and Wellness Centre for all the activities you could think of, and Student Counselling & Psychological Services that is fully accredited by the International Accreditation of Counselling Services.
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6. Washington and Lee University
Located in Lexington, Virginia, Washington and Lee University is a private liberal arts college and among the oldest institutions of higher learning in the US.
There are several reasons why the University is known for having the happiest students. The first being a strong sense of community. It also has a strong honour system, fostering trust and making students feel valued and supported, allowing them to connect to their college experiences and with each other honestly.
But that’s not all; Washington and Lee University has one of the best financial aid programmes in the country. The school practices need-blind admissions and delivers financial aid packages to meet 100% of demonstrated financial needs without loans.
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5. Hillsdale College
While Hillsdale College doesn’t hold the #1 spot, it is often known for its happy students.
The college consistently ranks high for its friendly students, accessible professors, beautiful campus, strong sense of community, and engaged student body.
“At Hillsdale College, we seek to foster a lively and rigorous academic culture that develops the minds and improves the hearts of our students,” said Hillsdale College Provost Christopher VanOrman. “The excellence and happiness that mark our campus are a natural product of this culture. We are always grateful when others recognise it.”
In addition to being a college with the happiest students, it’s also ranked #9 for Best-Run Colleges and #11 for Best Student Support and Counselling Services.
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4. Taylor University
Nestled in Upland, Indiana, Taylor University is a top Christian university in the state and one of the colleges with the happiest students in the country.
Why? It is home to a strong Christ-centred community, a vibrant campus life, and a strong focus on student learning and faculty dedication. Students are so satisfied that nearly 97% of graduates are saying they’d choose Taylor University again if they had to.
The university has also been ranked #11 for Best Quality of Life and #7 for Friendliest Students on the Princeton Review.
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3. Washington State University
Washington State University is known as one of the colleges with the happiest students. The university aims to create a culture of creativity and innovation.
With a small student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1, you’ll experience more personalised attention and engaging discussions in your classes, which allows for a supportive learning environment.
It was found that 88% of students report high levels of satisfaction with their college experience at WSU. From academic advising and career coaching to mental health services, the school offers numerous programs to ensure students are supported throughout their time. The university also has wellness programmes in place to help with this. From Zumba and yoga classes to tips to reduce ergonomic injury, the school aims to build a happy and healthy community.
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2. Denison University
It’s simple — Denison University strongly focuses on relationships and small class sizes, ensuring it offers a supportive community. Hence, the university is climbing the ranks to second place among colleges with the happiest students.
That’s not all; the university received #6 for best quality of life and #7 for students who love their college, according to the Princeton Review.
“These rankings capture the energy and vibrancy of Denison today,” said Denison President Adam Weinberg. “Across the categories, we are recognised for the way we get relationships right. Our faculty members are connecting with students in the classroom. Our students are making friends and thriving. Our alumni and staff are helping students launch into careers. Relationships anchor a college experience, and we get them right.”
1. Texas Christian University
With its vibrant campus culture and strong sense of community, Texas Christian University tops the list of colleges with the happiest students in the US.
Aside from academics, students can choose from over 200 clubs and organisations. Whether you are interested in joining the African or Muslim student organisations or supporting the school’s LGBTQ+ club, Spectrum, there is something for everyone at TCU.
Big on school spirit, you will find the school’s frog mascot all around the school. “Walking across campus, you will see many, many students in TCU gear, and I think that is representative of the love the student body has for this university,” shares a senior.
“The student experience is at the core of what makes TCU special. The connections built here last a lifetime, and our hope is that students will become part of a community where they feel like they matter and belong,” said Kathy Cavins-Tull, vice chancellor for student affairs.
Disclaimer: This article was updated on December 31, 2025.
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