Choosing one of the colleges with the happiest students is more important than choosing one with high rankings. Happier students have better mental health, stay more engaged, and perform better academically — and being surrounded by people who feel the same only reinforces that. That matters even more as US campuses become increasingly diverse.
But are good people and good vibes all it takes to make us happy?
TL;DR? Here’s the summary:
- Which college has the happiest students? Vanderbilt University ranks first in The Princeton Review’s Best 392 Colleges for 2027.
- The colleges with the happiest students in the US are Vanderbilt University, University of San Diego, and Denison University.
- Friendships, supportive professors, campus activities, and a sense of belonging can all contribute to a positive university experience.
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To know more about finding a place where you’ll enjoy student life, explore universities in the happiest places on Earth and the best university towns for students on a budget.
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 offer advice when needed.
- There’s a strong sense of school spirit that builds 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.
Here are the top 11 colleges with the happiest students in the US, according to the Princeton Review.
11 colleges with the happiest students in the US
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11. Clemson University
Location: Clemson, South Carolina
Few things bring university students together quite like cheering for their team at a packed stadium. At Clemson University, school spirit is a major part of campus life.
The public research university in South Carolina ranks 11th for the happiest students in The Princeton Review’s 2027 rankings.
Clemson offers academic programmes across fields such as engineering, business, science, education, and the humanities.
Students can also get involved in clubs, volunteer programmes, recreational activities, and sporting events. Football is especially popular, with Clemson Tigers games attracting enthusiastic supporters.
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10. Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Location: Geneva, New York
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.
9. Texas Christian University
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
With its vibrant campus culture and strong sense of community, Texas Christian University (TCU) tops the list of colleges with the happiest students in the US.
Aside from academics, students can choose from over 200 clubs and organisations — from cultural groups like the African and Muslim student organisations to LGBTQ+ communities like 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 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,” says Kathy Cavins-Tull, vice chancellor for student affairs.
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8. Elon University
Location: Elon, North Carolina
For some students, the best way to learn is by doing. That’s an important part of the experience at Elon University.
Ranked eighth for the happiest students, Elon is a private university in North Carolina that places a strong emphasis on experiential learning.
Students are encouraged to apply what they learn through internships, undergraduate research, study abroad, leadership opportunities, and community engagement.
These experiences can help students build practical skills while discovering what they enjoy.
Outside the classroom, Elon offers student organisations, campus events, sports, and opportunities to meet people with similar interests.
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7. Washington and Lee University
Location: Lexington, Virginia
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 honestly with their college experiences and with each other.
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 offers financial aid packages that cover 100% of demonstrated financial need, without loans.
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6. William & Mary
Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
If you enjoy history, you might feel right at home at William & Mary. Founded in 1693, it’s one of the oldest higher education institutions in the US. But its appeal goes beyond its historic campus in Williamsburg, Virginia.
William & Mary ranks sixth for the happiest students in The Princeton Review’s 2027 rankings.
The public research university offers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes across various disciplines, alongside opportunities for research and community engagement.
Students can participate in clubs, cultural organisations, athletics, and university traditions.
In fact, William & Mary also ranked first for “Friendliest Students” in The Princeton Review’s 2027 edition. For international students adjusting to life in the US, a welcoming student community can be particularly valuable.
And with historic Williamsburg nearby, there’s plenty to explore when students need a break from their studies.
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5. St. John’s College (Maryland)
Location: Annapolis, Maryland
What if university classes involved fewer traditional lectures and more discussions about books, ideas, and big questions? That’s what students can expect at St. John’s College.
Instead of following a conventional major-based curriculum, undergraduates study an interdisciplinary programme built around influential works in philosophy, literature, mathematics, science, and other subjects.
Classes often take the form of seminars, where students discuss ideas and learn from one another. This approach encourages students to think independently, ask questions, and engage with different perspectives.
Outside class, the smaller campus community gives students opportunities to build friendships through activities, events, and shared traditions.
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4. Taylor University
Location: Upland, Indiana
Taylor University is a top Christian university in Indiana 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 13th for Best Quality of Life and 3rd for Friendliest Students on the Princeton Review.
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3. Denison University
Location: Granville, Ohio
Denison University strongly focuses on relationships and small class sizes, ensuring it offers a supportive community. Hence, the university is ranked second among colleges with the happiest students.
That’s not all; the university received 6th for best quality of life and 9th for students who love their college, according to the Princeton Review.
“These rankings capture the energy and vibrancy of Denison today,” says 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.”
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2. University of San Diego
Location: San Diego, California
Sunny weather, beautiful architecture, and beaches nearby; these are all part of the appeal of the University of San Diego (USD).
Ranked second for the happiest students, USD also earned first place for best quality of life and most beautiful campus in The Princeton Review’s 2027 rankings.
Its 180-acre campus overlooks San Diego and Mission Bay, offering students scenic surroundings while they study.
But there’s more to student happiness than a beautiful campus.
USD encourages students to get involved through residential communities, athletics, volunteering, and experiential learning opportunities. Students can also explore research projects, internships, and study abroad programmes that help them develop skills outside traditional classrooms.
1. Vanderbilt University
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
What makes university life enjoyable? For students at Vanderbilt University, the answer appears to be a combination of academics, campus life, and community.
Vanderbilt takes the top spot among the happiest students in The Princeton Review’s 2027 rankings.
Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the private research university offers students the chance to study in a city known for its music, entertainment, and creative industries.
There’s plenty to do on campus, too.
Students can get involved in organisations, attend sporting events, participate in community service, and explore interests outside their degree programmes.
The university’s residential college system also brings students together through shared living spaces and activities, helping them build friendships beyond the classroom.
And with Nashville just outside campus, students can enjoy concerts, restaurants, and cultural attractions during their free time.
It’s little wonder Vanderbilt also topped The Princeton Review’s “Their Students Love These Colleges” ranking in 2026.
At a glance: 11 US colleges with the happiest students
| Rank | University | Why are students happy |
| 1 | Vanderbilt University | Strong campus community, residential college system, vibrant student life |
| 2 | University of San Diego | Beautiful campus, excellent quality of life, supportive learning environment |
| 3 | Denison University | Small classes, close relationships, welcoming community |
| 4 | Taylor University | Strong community, vibrant campus life |
| 5 | St. John’s College (Maryland) | Small classes, discussion-based learning, close-knit community |
| 6 | William & Mary | Friendly students, strong academic community, active campus life |
| 7 | Washington and Lee University | Close-knit community, honour system, generous financial aid |
| 8 | Elon University | Hands-on learning, supportive community, internship and study abroad opportunities |
| 9 | Texas Christian University | Strong school spirit, active student organisations, vibrant campus culture |
| 10 | Hobart and William Smith Colleges | Tight-knit community, personalised learning, scenic campus |
| 11 | Clemson University | Strong school spirit, active student life, sports and outdoor activities |
The best colleges in 2026 aren’t just academically excellent
Looking at the rankings above, one thing becomes clear: what makes a great university has changed.
Today, colleges and universities aren’t judged solely by their academic reputation. Students also care about career outcomes, return on investment (ROI), hands-on learning opportunities, and whether they’ll enjoy their time on campus.
In other words, it’s about the whole experience. That’s why rankings have evolved too. US News & World Report, for example, now highlights schools with the best first-year experiences, with Elon University taking the top spot.
“So far, I have really enjoyed my experience here. During my application process, I thought everything I was hearing and seeing about Elon was way too good to be true—but it is all true!” shares one first-year student. “I was so shocked when I got here and was actually treated with respect by everyone, provided help in general, and given plenty of useful resources.”
If you don’t know where to start, The Princeton Review’s Best Colleges for 2027 offers even more ways to compare schools.
| Category | No. 1 | No. 2 | No. 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best college dorms | Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME | Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO | High Point University, High Point, NC |
| Best college theatre | Elon University, Elon, NC | Wagner College, Staten Island, NY | State University of New York – Purchase College, Purchase, NY |
| LGBTQ-friendly | University of Vermont, Burlington, VT | College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, ME | Smith College, Northampton, MA |
| Best athletic facilities | Colby College, Waterville, ME | Auburn University, Auburn, AL | James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA |
| Best value colleges (Private Schools) | Princeton University, Princeton, NJ | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA | California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA |
| Best college library | Brigham Young University (UT), Provo, UT | Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA | William & Mary, Williamsburg, VA |
Disclaimer: This article was last updated on October 8, 2026.
