When it comes to choosing a college, academics, extracurricular activities, and athletics all play an essential role, but the feel and appearance of a campus attract students, too, and many find themselves searching for the most attractive yet affordable college campuses in order to get the best of both worlds. Over the course of a traditional four-year program, undergraduates cross their campus thousands of times, soaking up the atmosphere, meeting outside the library, and reading books in the quad. A beautiful campus also ties a university or college to its community, attracting tourists and bringing in visitors.
Featured Programs
The following list is evidence that undergraduate students can opt for elegant campuses in gorgeous surroundings while still maintaining a firm grip on their budget. The 30 colleges listed below all offer programs under $35,000 while simultaneously delivering visually stunning sights that are guaranteed to make studying a pleasure. Whether a school is close to the bright lights of a big city or set among leafy woodlands and rolling mountains, there is no shortage of universities that match their academic credentials with breathtaking surroundings.
Methodology
The goal of the following list is to identify and rank the top 30 most attractive yet affordable college campuses in the country. In order to determine which schools to include, we consulted several sources, including The Princeton Review, Architectural Digest, and Conde Nast Traveler, and we took into consideration styles of architecture seen on campus, the location of the college, and whether the campus is home to any famous landmarks. We then ranked each institution and awarded points based on the following criteria and methodology.
Cost of Undergraduate Attendance
In order to obtain the most accurate, up-to-date tuition information, we consulted the National Center for Education Statistics. Tuition is ranked based on the cost of each school’s undergraduate program, although all schools are under $35,000. While we only awarded points based on undergraduate costs, we took the liberty of supplying both in-state and out-of-state rates for each individual school below.
Points:
Under $10,000: 3 points
$10,001 to $20,000: 2 points
$20,001 to $35,000: 1 point
College Campus Ranking
As much as we wanted to, it was impossible for us to visit every single college campus in the country. Still, we wanted to compile a list of the most attractive and affordable schools, which is why we turned to resources such as The Princeton Review and Architectural Digest. We awarded points based on their rankings for the most beautiful colleges in America according to the following table.
Points:
Most Attractive Campus Ranking:
1-10: 5 points
11-20: 4 points
21-30: 3 points
31-40: 2 point
41-50: 1 point
In addition, we took into consideration ratings from Conde Nast Traveler. Since there is no ranking order to the article, we awarded a standard three points for each institution on its list.
Ranking Top 30 Most Attractive Yet Affordable College Campuses
30. University of Texas at Dallas
Richardson, Texas
Points: 2
Program Website
Though only a mere 18 miles from downtown Dallas, the campus at the University of Texas at Dallas feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of a major city. There is architecture all around, plentiful open space, and a commitment to sustainability that makes UT Dallas an attractive place to earn a degree. Its buildings are mostly designed in the plain Brutalist style, though there are also intriguing academic buildings in the postmodern and late modern styles, constructed from innovative materials with a unique geometry. In fact, the school’s Student Services building was the first structure in the state to become LEED-platinum certified. A recent “landscape enhancement campaign” contributed a number of improvements to the school’s outside spaces, including an overall redesign of common areas and the addition of more than 5,000 native trees.
In-State Tuition: $11,528
Out-of-State Tuition: $29,656
College Campus Ranking:
N/A
29. Sul Ross State University
Alpine, Texas
Points: 3
Program Website
In Alpine, Texas, Sul Ross State University features one of the most attractive campuses in the nation. Located in West Texas, SRSU is in close proximity to three state parks, three stunning national parks, and a network of winding mountain trails. The great outdoors is also a more immediate part of the learning environment, with deer, antelopes, and foxes all known to visit the campus. The 647-acre campus itself, situated 4,500 feet above sea level, is comprised of a uniform series of academic buildings that radiate a desert-like orange color, blending in with the surrounding landscape. For outdoor-lovers and scholars alike, SRSU is an ideal place to earn a degree.
In-State Tuition: $8,072
Out-of-State Tuition: $20,522
College Campus Ranking:
N/A
28. West Texas A&M University
Canyon, Texas
Points: 3
Program Website
The modest, 176-acre campus at West Texas A&M University features a pleasant balance of appealing landscape design and historic architecture, making it a popular place for students to earn their degree. Completed in 2007, the Barbara Kerr Vaughan Pedestrian Mall transformed a central area of campus into a manicured green space, connecting several of the university’s more notable academic buildings such as the Old Main building, the first and most distinctive buildings at the school. West Texas A&M has also been home to the Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, established in 1930, that is dedicated to the development of Canyon and the surrounding areas.
In-State Tuition: $7,846
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,117
College Campus Ranking:
N/A
27. California State University, Dominguez Hills
Carson, California
Points: 3
Program Website
The 346-acre campus of California State University, Dominguez Hills is located in Carson in the heart of gorgeous southern California. The school is nestled only minutes from local beaches such as Malibu and Laguna, and it is less than an hour from the hustle and bustle of downtown Los Angeles. CSU Dominguez Hills blends the wonder of Mother Nature with a highly modernized campus, and it is ideal for students who enjoy warm weather year-round. The school most recently completed an $82 million construction project for a new innovation and science building that combines aesthetically pleasing architecture with environmentally friendly technology.
In-State Tuition: $6,837
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,717
College Campus Ranking:
N/A
26. California State University, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
Points: 3
Program Website
California State University, Los Angeles offers students a beautiful 175-acre hilltop campus just five miles from downtown Los Angeles, the heart of the city’s cultural and civic center. Cal State LA is also within driving distance of Hollywood, beaches, local mountains, and major attractions such as Disneyland, Beverly Hills, and Universal Studios. The campus faces the San Gabriel Mountains and is home to the country’s first Charter College of Education, a Rockefeller-supported humanities center, a NASA-funded SPACE program, and the Harriet and Charles Luckman Fine Arts Complex, the school’s northern gateway. An architectural tour-de-force, the Complex houses an art gallery, a 1,152-seat theater, and a black box theater.
In-State Tuition: $6,639
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,519
College Campus Ranking:
N/A
25. Northeastern State University
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Points: 3
Program Website
Nestled on a 200-acre campus in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Northeastern State University is close to the rugged but naturally beautiful Ozark Mountains. At the heart of the school sits the magnificent Seminary Hall, dedicated in 1889. The Romanesque Revival building symbolizes Northeastern’s connection with its Cherokee Nation past as the campus was developed on the grounds of the Cherokee Female Seminary. The campus also features numerous athletic, residential, laboratory, and classroom facilities. The combination of the surrounding nature and its unique architectural structures, both old and new, make Northeastern one of the most attractive campuses in the country.
In-State Tuition: $6,327
Out-of-State Tuition: $14,022
College Campus Ranking:
N/A
24. Florida State University
Tallahassee, Florida
Points: 3
Program Website
Florida State University, located in gorgeous Tallahassee, Florida, features a campus that boasts several historical “Southern style” buildings and dormitories as well as the stoic Heritage Tower, which is topped by three eye-catching classic torches that represent the three ideals of the university: customs, knowledge, and strength. Spanish mosh sprawls over the 489-acre campus, painting an aesthetically pleasing picturesque landscape. Comprised of more than 14.8 million square feet of buildings and sports complexes, Heritage Grove is one of the most noteworthy areas of the school and home to the historic Westcott building, perhaps the school’s most prominent structure.
In-State Tuition: $5,656
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,786
College Campus Ranking:
N/A
23. University of Wyoming
Laramie, Wyoming
Points: 3
Program Website
The quintessential structure at the University of Wyoming’s Laramie campus, Old Main, stands complete with an elegant sandstone frontage and has set a precedent for all future University buildings since it was established in 1887. The 785-acre grounds are not comprised of only neutral colors, however; Prexy’s Pasture is a sizable expanse of greenery that provides an ideal space for socializing or outdoor study. In order to preserve the open, natural beauty of Prexy’s Pasture, the school must obtain legislative approval from the state prior to beginning any construction of new structures or buildings in this area.
In-State Tuition: $5,217
Out-of-State Tuition: $16,827
College Campus Ranking:
N/A
22. High Point University
High Point, North Carolina
Points: 5
Program Website
High Point University is located in High Point, North Carolina just 20 minutes from Greensboro and Winston-Salem. The HPU campus has transformed since 2005, growing from 92 acres to 480 acres that include 26 gardens, 3,500 varieties of plants, and more than 600 types of trees in the Mariana H. Quebein Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. HPU’s grounds blend seamlessly with the spaces and buildings they surround, showcasing the beauty of nature while offering unique educational opportunities for visitors and students alike. In addition, HPU’s newest space, the Medicinal Landscape Garden, consists of plants with medicinal and therapeutic properties and is a natural extension of the learning space.
In-State Tuition: $34,005
Out-of-State Tuition: $34,005
College Campus Ranking:
#18 – Princeton Review
21. Belmont University
Nashville, Tennessee
Points: 5
Program Website
Stunning architecture sets Belmont University apart from other private colleges in the country. Perhaps the most glorious main campus building is the Belmont Mansion, the former home of local socialite Adelicia Acklen, which earned a spot on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971. After it was completed in 1853, this edifice stood among the most opulent antebellum residences in the Southern U.S., and to this day, it boasts lovely Italianate and Greek Revival elements, with a pair of central columns that instantly catches the eye. Belmont Mansion, currently operating as a museum, remains a showpiece of Belmont’s 75-acre campus. Another historic highlight, the 105-foot Belmont Tower and Carillon, also built in 1853, was the first carillon in Tennessee and among the first 25 installed in the nation.
In-State Tuition: $32,820
Out-of-State Tuition: $32,820
College Campus Ranking:
#11 – Architectural Digest
20. University of Washington
Seattle, Washington
Points: 5
Program Website
The University of Washington offers students awe-inspiring views of Lake Washington, the Olympic Mountains, and the Cascade Range. The university also boasts breathtaking views of houseboats and Drumheller Fountain, which dates back to the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition in 1909. Gothic architecture is spread across the campus, and Denny Hall, made of imposing Tenino sandstone, was designed in the French Renaissance Revival Style. In spring, UW’s cherry blossoms draw students and visitors alike to the quad, where Yoshino cherry trees line the paths that connect the school’s liberal arts buildings. Located in Seattle, Washington, the 703-acre campus also features a statue of a standing George Washington in Red Square.
In-State Tuition: $10,974
Out-of-State Tuition: $35,538
College Campus Ranking:
#24 – Architectural Digest
19. University of Wisconsin
Madison, Wisconsin
Points: 5
Program Website
With a main campus located between two massive lakes, Monona and Mendota, the University of Wisconsin spans over 936 acres. UW-Madison is home to four national landmarks, including Bascom Hall, a William Tinsley-designed structure which acts as a hub for student life. Located just one mile from the capitol building, the campus also appeals to fans of elegant architecture with the likes of the iconic Bascom Hill — the main quad that combines Gothic and Romanesque elements and acts as an eye-catching focal point of the campus. Lovers of flora enjoy the botanical garden, which adds a burst of beautiful scenery to the grounds and consists of more than 500 species of plants, trees and shrubs.
In-State Tuition: $10,533
Out-of-State Tuition: $34,783
College Campus Ranking:
Conde Nast
18. Florida Southern College
Lakeland, Florida
Points: 6
Program Website
Named as the ninth most beautiful college campus in America by The Princeton Review, Florida Southern College is notable for its collection of buildings by influential American architect Frank Lloyd Wright — the largest collection featured in one place in the world. There are several gems among Wright’s works, including the Annie Pfieffer Chapel, the first of Wright’s structures to be constructed at Florida Southern. The church’s eye-catching geometric facade is perforated by colored glass, which adds visual appeal and allows different colored lights to enter the building. After the school was founded as the South Florida Institute in 1856, it relocated several times before settling in 1922 at its current location in Lakeland.
In-State Tuition: $34,774
Out-of-State Tuition: $34,774
College Campus Ranking:
#9 – Princeton Review
17. Flagler College
St. Augustine, Florida
Points: 6
Program Website
Based in St. Augustine, Florida, Flagler College’s magnificent Ponce de Leon Hall is the school’s architectural nexus. Opened in 1888 as a luxury hotel, the Spanish Renaissance Revival-style building boasts breathtaking stained-glass windows and eye-catching Tiffany crystal chandeliers. New York-based architects Hastings and Carrere designed the building, which was the first in the U.S. to be constructed from “poured-in-place concrete.” After the academic institution was established in 1968, the property was acquired by Flagler College. Since then, the school has gradually restored much of its historic 19-acre campus. The result: Flagler College is truly an awe-inspiring place to pursue a degree.
In-State Tuition: $18,200
Out-of-State Tuition: $18,200
College Campus Ranking:
#44 – Architectural Digest
Conde Nast
16. University of San Diego
San Diego, California
Points: 7
Located two miles north of downtown San Diego on the north crest of Mission Valley, the University of San Diego features stunning views of the Pacific Ocean from its Alcala Park corner, and students can walk across campus and enjoy breathtaking views of La Jolla, the Coronado Islands, and the San Diego Harbor. Nearly every building constructed on the campus was built in the 16th-century Spanish Renaissance style of architecture, paying homage to the Universidad de Alcala in Spain and San Diego’s Catholic heritage. USD’s founder and her religious beliefs relied on the notion that studying in beautiful surroundings could improve students’ educational experiences.
In-State Tuition: $14,018
Out-of-State Tuition: $42,032
College Campus Ranking:
#6 – Princeton Review
15. Christopher Newport University
Newport News, Virginia
Points: 6
Program Website
Matching Christopher Newport University’s strong academic reputation is the beauty of its campus — a place where students learn in labs and classrooms equipped with the latest technology on a gorgeous 75-acre tract of land. Its newest buildings are designed in the Neo-Georgian architectural style, and the school promotes social, environmental, and ecological sustainability across its campus, inside and out, providing opportunities for students, staff, and faculty to work together to manage and conserve resources. Although its traditional boundaries have been Prince Drew Road, Shoe Lane, and Warwick Boulevard, the CNU has recently expanded across the Warwick Boulevard border.
In-State Tuition: $13,654
Out-of-State Tuition: $25,850
College Campus Ranking:
#17 – Princeton Review
14. University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California
Points: 6
Program Website
The University of California, Los Angeles is comprised of 163 buildings on 419 acres in the western part of Los Angeles, just south of Sunset Boulevard and north of the Westwood shopping district. The school’s first buildings were designed in the Romanesque Revival style, which remained the predominant design until the 1950s. UCLA’s North Campus is home to traditional buildings clad in imported Italian brick, and it is centered around sycamore and ficus-lined Dickson Court, also known as the “Sunken Garden.” UCLA’s South Campus is home to the UCLA Medical Center as well as museums, foundations, sculpture gardens, and a mixture of architectural styles.
In-State Tuition: $13,261
Out-of-State Tuition: $41,275
College Campus Ranking:
#41 – Architectural Digest
Conde Nast
13. University of Mississippi
Oxford, Mississippi
Points: 6
Program Website
With its mixture of large expanses of greenery covering more than 2,000 acres of rural Mississippi landscape and its elegant architecture, the University of Mississippi’s main campus is nothing short of impressive. Established in 1848, the Oxford-based school’s original academic structure, the Greek Revival-style Lyceum, still serves as a landmark and the administrative hub of the university. Elsewhere, Ole Miss boasts the stunning Bailey’s Woods Trail, which takes students from University Museum down paths lined with plant life and trees to the historic former home of author William Faulkner in just 20 minutes.
In-State Tuition: $8,300
Out-of-State Tuition: $23,564
College Campus Ranking:
#22 – Architectural Digest
12. Brigham Young University-Hawaii
Laie, Hawaii
Points: 6
Program Website
Brigham Young University is located in Laie, Hawaii on the north shore of Oahu, approximately 35 miles north of Honolulu. BYU’s campus covers 100 acres between the ocean shore and lush mountains, providing students with breathtaking views of all Hawaii has to offer. Dormitories, known as “Hales,” are located on the south end of campus, and other facilities include the 4,500-seat George Q. Cannon Activities Center, the Institute for Polynesian Studies, a natural history museum, and an Olympic-size swimming pool. The campus itself is beautiful and provides many places for students to study, inside or outside in the beauty of Hawaii.
In-State Tuition: $5,400
Out-of-State Tuition: $10,800
College Campus Ranking:
Conde Nast
11. University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia
Points: 7
Program Website
Founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, the University of Virginia built a historic, stunning campus using the Founding Father’s blueprint. The crowning jewel of the campus remains Jefferson’s Rotunda, which is based on the Pantheon in Rome. Finished in 1826, the Palladian-style Rotunda is one of the only man-made structures in the nation to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In addition, the school’s Academical Village, conceived by Jefferson, brings students and faculty together around a shared lawn, integrating the surrounding mountains with the Rotunda’s architectural beauty. UVA’s 1,682-acre campus in Charlottesville showcases lush foliage and red brick buildings and, in 1976, UVA was named “the proudest achievement of American architecture in the past 200 years” by the American Institute of Architects as part of the bicentennial celebration.
In-State Tuition: $16,853
Out-of-State Tuition: $47,273
College Campus Ranking:
#40 – Architectural Digest
Conde Nast
10. University of California-Berkeley
Berkeley, California
Points: 7
Program Website
Located in Berkeley, California, the University of California-Berkeley encompasses 1,232 acres, though its central campus only occupies the low-lying western 178 acres of this tract of land. In addition to housing several museums, notable research centers, and institutes, UC Berkeley also oversees an undeveloped ecological preserve, a recreation center, and the University of California Botanical Garden. The campus is also home to the Sather Tower, the third-tallest clock tower in the world at 307 feet, and the Hearst Memorial Mining Building, a traditional European-style structure designed in 1907 by architect John Galen Howard. Another show-stopper, Berkeley’s Greek theater was designed after Epidaurus’s ancient Greek amphitheater.
In-State Tuition: $14,170
Out-of-State Tuition: $42,184
College Campus Ranking:
#31 – Architectural Digest
Conde Nast
9. University of Colorado Boulder
Boulder, Colorado
Points: 7
Program Website
Many of the University of Colorado Boulder’s buildings owe their unique appearance to Philadelphia-born architect Charles Klauder. Klauder disregarded the school’s previous Collegiate Gothic style and instead created a somewhat rugged but more natural look for UC’s main Boulder campus. Referred to as Tuscan Vernacular Revival, Klauder’s designs feature limestone embellishments, local sandstone, and red tile roofs. Some more traditional, splendid structures still remain, the most notable of which is historic Old Main, the first building on campus. The city of Boulder itself is nestled at the bottom of the Rocky Mountains, providing students with miles of breathtaking views of the mountain range’s peaks.
In-State Tuition: $12,086
Out-of-State Tuition: $36,220
College Campus Ranking:
#36 – Architectural Digest
Conde Nast
8. University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu, Hawaii
Points: 7
Program Website
Although the architecture at the University of Hawaii at Manoa resembles nothing like the collegiate style of ivy-covered institutions on the mainland, it boasts a beauty all its own. Located in the mouth of the Manoa Valley in Honolulu, the school is home to the Lyon Arboretum, the only university tropical arboretum in the country. A valuable resource for the university’s College of Tropical Agriculture, the Lyon Arboretum showcases Hawaii’s bromeliads, gingers, and palms. The 320-acre urban campus provides views of Honolulu, the expansive blue ocean, and the lush Manoa Valley. The school also boasts an open Thai pavilion and a Japanese garden featuring a teahouse and a koi pond.
In-State Tuition: $11,754
Out-of-State Tuition: $33,786
College Campus Ranking:
#1 – Architectural Digest
7. United States Naval Academy
Annapolis, Maryland
Points: 8
Program Website
Located in Annapolis, Maryland, the United States Naval Academy is situated on a small, 338-acre campus just 26 miles southeast of Baltimore and 33 miles east of Washington, D.C. The entire campus, known as “the Yard,” is a National Historic Landmark and is home to many historical monuments, buildings, and sites, including a Pearl Harbor memorial. Battle ensigns from famous ships are on display across the campus, and the Naval Academy Chapel boasts a high dome that is visible across Annapolis. Bancroft Hall, the largest building at the Naval Academy, is also the largest college dormitory in the world.
In-State Tuition: $0
Out-of-State Tuition: $0
College Campus Ranking:
#9 – Architectural Digest
6. Elon University
Elon, North Carolina
Points: 9
Program Website
Classified as a botanical garden, Elon University in Elon, North Carolina is overflowing with stunning trees, flowers, and plant life, giving it the feeling of a well-kept suburban park. However, the abundance of green spaces is only one reason to visit the 656-acre campus. Built in 1926 as an orphanage, Johnston Hall, now home to alumni offices, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Alamance Building, established in 1925, and other impressive structures mix with relaxing features like the Fonville Fountain. The grounds also include the 56-acre Elon University Forest, and the welcoming design of Elon’s campus reflects the school’s history of culture and community.
In-State Tuition: $34,273
Out-of-State Tuition: $34,273
College Campus Ranking:
#4 – Princeton Review
Conde Nast
5. Indiana University
Bloomington, Indiana
Points: 9
Program Website
Indiana University Bloomington’s 1,937-acre campus sits on a rich vein of Indiana limestone, and the school’s iconic Sample Gates, which act as an awe-inspiring yet elegant entry point into the university, are comprised of this rock. Also featuring limestone in its soaring, peaked tower and stunning facade, Maxwell Hall is an attractive Romanesque structure that houses some of the school’s administrative offices. Natural beauty surrounds the campus as well, including Dunn’s Woods. Described as a “modest forest,” this lovely tree-lined plot of land features gorgeous walking trails for students and visitors alike. The student building on the IU campus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In-State Tuition: $10,533
Out-of-State Tuition: $34,845
College Campus Ranking:
#19 – Architectural Digest
Conde Nast
4. University of Missouri
Columbia, Missouri
Points: 9
Program Website
Located in Columbia, Missouri, the University of Missouri sits on a 1,262-acre campus just south of downtown Columbia and is maintained as a botanical garden. The historical campus is housed on Francis Quadrangle, a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is comprised of a number of buildings also listed on the Register. The buildings are organized into two main groups: White Campus, which consists of new buildings constructed in Neo-Gothic style from white native Missouri limestone, and Red Campus, which is the historical core of mostly brick academic buildings including Jesse Hall. White and Red Campus are joined by gorgeous landscaping and walks designed in 1910 by George Kessler.
In-State Tuition: $9,787
Out-of-State Tuition: $26,506
College Campus Ranking:
#29 – Architectural Digest
Conde Nast
3. University of North Carolina
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Points: 9
Program Website
The University of North Carolina’s 729-acre campus features poplar trees, botanical gardens, and classical architecture such as the Old Well. Based on a structure in the gardens of Versailles, this neoclassical rotunda sits at the site of UNC’s original water source and, according to legend, those who drink from the fountain are showered with good luck. Other notable structures include the Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower, which stands 172 feet tall and provides panoramic views of the university, and Morehead Planetarium, famous for training NASA astronauts in celestial navigation. The Morehead Planetarium and the Jefferson Memorial were designed by the same architects.
In-State Tuition: $9,005
Out-of-State Tuition: $34,588
College Campus Ranking:
#23 – Architectural Digest
Conde Nast
2. College of William & Mary
Williamsburg, Virginia
Points: 10
Program Website
Taking its name from its royal patrons, King William and Queen Mary founded the College of William & Mary in 1693, making it the second-oldest institution of higher learning in the country. With William & Mary’s long history, it stands to reason that its campus features distinct regions known as New Campus, Old Campus, and Ancient Campus. The 1,200-acre college also features the Sunken Garden and Crim Dell Pond as well as a number of attractive buildings, including the Sir Christopher Wren Building, a red brick National Historic Landmark first built in 1695. The school also boasts Lake Matoaka and rolling woodlands that are connected via a system of trails. Just outside of campus, visitors are transported back to the Colonial era in the Williamsburg Historic District, and the school itself includes Thomas Jefferson among its alumni.
In-State Tuition: $22,044
Out-of-State Tuition: $43,670
College Campus Ranking:
#5 – Princeton Review
#43 – Architectural Digest
Conde Nast
1. University of Vermont
Burlington, Vermont
Points: 11
Program Website
Founded in 1791, the University of Vermont is among the oldest universities in the country and home to the largest hospital complex in Vermont, the University of Vermont Medical Center. Named UVM for Universitas Viridis Montis, which is Latin for “University of the Green Mountains,” UVM is situated on a 451-acre campus just one mile from Lake Champlain, where visitors can enjoy the beauty of one of the most stunning lakes in the Northeast as well as three sandy beaches, a 12-mile bike path along its shoreline, and a beautiful waterfront park. Mountain biking, snowboarding, skiing, hiking, and other weekend adventures are just an hour away from the campus.
In-State Tuition: $17,740
Out-of-State Tuition: $41,356
College Campus Ranking:
#6 – Architectural Digest
#19 – Princeton Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Benefits to Attending a College That Has Green Spaces?
With the development of institutions of higher education across the country, green spaces are on the decline. Although this might seem like a minor issue, there are many benefits to green spaces that we could lose if schools fail to preserve these areas. Most, if not all, college campuses have green spaces, some more so than others. Not only do they provide homes for wildlife, but they also function as places of relaxation for students as well.
Experts have found that active interactions with nature are directly related to improved physiological and psychological health, including reduced stress levels and increased self-esteem, according to the National Institute of Health. Students who attend colleges with lush landscapes and open spaces are less likely to have anxiety or be depressed and thus build happier communities. As you walk across a campus, it is harder to feel sad while traversing the green parts versus the forests of concrete structures. Open areas are perfect for relaxing in-between classes, having a picnic with friends, and laying out on a blanket and sunbathing.
Not only do green spaces positively impact your mental health, but they may also bring about academic achievement as well. Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that students with a view of nature outside their classroom windows actually scored higher on tests that require focused attention, and they recovered faster from the stress they felt both before and after taking the tests.
In order to get the most benefits out of the green spaces on-campus, simply spend as much time as you can outside. Increased interactions with plants and nature can positively impact mental health and academic achievement. Although the increase in urbanization plays an important role in today’s society, it can sometimes have a negative effect on students’ lives. On the other hand, green spaces create a beautiful aesthetic, allowing students to feel free and relaxed.
What Should You Look for in a College?
It goes without saying that high school students and recent high school graduates considering pursuing a college degree are focused on education. However, if you are going to be spending the next four years somewhere, it is best to expand your search beyond a few Google articles. Here are four things to look for as you begin your search for a college or university.
First, education is arguably the most important factor when choosing a college. Although it is great to study in a competitive environment, if you think you will struggle to stay on top of the program, consider attending a more flexible school that won’t put too much pressure on you. Conversely, if you thrive on challenges, search for institutions that are well-known for their rigorous academic programs. Also, consider the field in which you want to work as some institutions provide programs that are comparable to those offered by the Ivy League. In-state tuition rates at public schools are similar to private schools and are often much more affordable. Look into universities and colleges that are known for their programs in your major. Even some of the best schools in the country offer low-quality programs compared to some of the lesser-known institutions.
In a perfect world, tuition would not be a factor. Unfortunately, it is often one of the first things prospective college students look for when selecting a school. Look into each school’s financial aid policies. Although public schools and their in-state tuition rates tend to be cheaper, private schools typically offer more money for scholarships. If you feel as though you won’t receive the need-based support you require, look for institutions that offer merit aid. It is always a good idea to apply for financial aid, even if you don’t think you will get any, as well as for outside scholarships.
Many students forget that the schools to which they are applying could be their home for the next four or more years, so it is important to research campus safety as well as the school’s transportation, food, and housing. After all, you may love the school and its academic programs, but the food could be less than appetizing, and everything in the vicinity such as restaurants, fast food joints, and shops could close early. Research dining options as well as the quality of off-campus housing and the dorms. If you have the opportunity, take a housing tour at each campus you are considering, and if you plan on taking your vehicle with you, check for parking, particularly for freshman, as some schools only provide lots based on seniority.
Finally, consider whether you appreciate more quiet fun or whether you are looking for a party school with lots of nightlife. Do you like big campuses with more diversity, or do you enjoy small, close-knit campuses where everyone knows one another? Current students, social media, and alumni are great resources and tools, and it can be invaluable to hear opinions from real students who aren’t trying to get you to enroll purely for financial gain. You also want to avoid enrolling in an institution only to find out that it does not offer that amazing a cappella group you were hoping for or the Greek life you so desperately wanted. Of course, you could always start an organization yourself if you find that the school doesn’t have what you want.
How Are Older Colleges Finding a Balance Between Educational Tradition and Modern Style?
Since students spend a lot of time on campus, there is a significant need for a modern, student-friendly environment. For instance, students living in dorm rooms expect to have up-to-date, modern accommodations, including wiring for computers and other technology. The key for schools with older buildings is to maintain the feel and look of tradition while implementing needed updates. Northwestern, Duke, and Yale all combine yesterday’s traditions with today’s needs, creating environments that appeal to students while keeping students who love the “old-school” feel satisfied as well.
An attractive college campus impacts both students and their learning experiences, and as environmental issues are becoming more important, universities and colleges are reshaping and redesigning their campuses to meet the needs of the environment. For example, Rice University and other schools are updating buildings and “going green” by installing more efficient power sources and lighting. Gone are hard chairs and old desks, replaced with padded chairs and tables for groups.
In addition, students report better learning experiences on well-kept campuses that combine the new and the old. Schools with lots of outdoor areas in which students can congregate are often rated very favorably as are those which have modern facilities for research and lab work. However, despite all the new gadgets and buildings, it is still all about location when talking about aesthetically pleasing campuses. Schools in warm-weather states like Florida or California often top the list of student-favorite campuses as do those that offer students opportunities to bask in Mother Nature via streams, hiking trails, nature preserves, and other resources that enhance learning experiences.
Where Do You Fit In?
When deciding on the colleges you would like to visit, there are several things to keep in mind. First, think about the type of environment in which you will be most comfortable. Do you prefer a northern location like Maine or Minnesota, or do you feel the best in a warm-weather climate like California or Florida? Do you prefer to be within walking distance of a beach, or are you looking for a campus with lots of wooded areas and open fields? Do you prefer a more rural location for your studies, or do you thrive on the hustle and bustle of a big city? All of these questions come into play when choosing a college campus on which to pursue your degree.
As you begin your search for the best college, keep in mind that there are hundreds of beautiful campuses across the country to consider. As you narrow down your list of potential schools, remember to be true to yourself, ask yourself what you are truly looking for in a campus, and go from there. You may be pleasantly surprised at just how many of the most attractive yet affordable college campuses are out there and waiting to meet you.
AS Staff
February 2019
This concludes our ranking of the Top 30 Most Attractive Yet Affordable College Campuses for 2019.
Other Rankings of Interest:
- 20 Tuition-Free Colleges
- 30 Most Attractive Yet Affordable College Campuses
- The 50 Most Affordable Colleges with the Best Return
- 25 of the Oldest American Colleges and Universities
- 25 Most Affordable Large, Private, Nonprofit Bachelor’s Colleges
- 30 Most Inviting Yet Affordable College Dorms in America
- 25 Largest HBCU Bachelor’s Colleges by Enrollment
- The 30 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s-Granting Historically Black Colleges/ Universities
- These 30 Colleges are Reversing the Rise in Tuition
- 25 Most Exclusive Public Bachelor’s Colleges by Admission Rate
- 50 Most Entrepreneurial Schools in America
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