
What are the best party schools in the U.S.? We did the research for you! You probably didn’t get to party much during your senior year in 2020. So, if you’re considering any of these ten schools – you’ll definitely make up for the lost time.
We looked at lots of different factors to rank these schools “party” factor,
- Greek life, tailgates,
- Football enthusiasm,
- Access to nearby bars,
- Annual events
The following 10 schools ranked high in all categories and will make the perfect choice for you to have the best partying experience in college. Prepare for four years of awesomeness!
10. University of Iowa (Iowa City, IA)
9. University of Mississippi (Oxford, MS)
8. DePauw University (Greencastle, IN)
6.-7. University of Florida (Gainesville, FL) and University of Georgia (Athens, GA) (tie)

5. Ohio University (Athens, OH)
Is there something inherently party-ish about places named “Athens?” Students regularly enjoy the bars on Court Street in this Ohio college town but absolutely flood the area for a block party on Halloween. Spring brings #FEST, billed as “the biggest and best collegiate music festival in the United States.” Think fun, sun, food, drinks (for those of age), and experiencing awesome music (past performers include Wiz Khalifa and Kendrick Lamar) with 15,000 of your new closest friends.
4. Pennsylvania State University (State College, PA)
3. Syracuse University (Syracuse, NY)
Students at Syracuse don’t let a little 100 inches or so of annual snowfall damper their spirits. About 20 percent get involved with Greek life. The sports scene gets equally robust as fans push the capacity on the Carrier Dome (aka “The Loudhouse”), the largest on-campus domed stadium and basketball arena in the nation. And the end of the schoolyear brings Mayfest. Students enjoy free burgers, beer, and music in Walnut Park throughout the day before heading to Block Party for an awesome evening concert. (50 Cent entertained in 2015.)
2. University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign, IL)
1. University of Wisconsin (Madison, WI)
Tailgating for Badger games involves plenty of beer and brats (even when kickoff is at 11 a.m.). But don’t worry if the team has an away game. You can still find action at Jordan’s Big 10 Pub or Lucky’s on any weekend. October brings the State Street Halloween Fest (aka “Freakfest”), a costumed gathering that attracts locals and out-of-state partiers alike. The end of the school year means the Mifflin Street Block Party and Revelry. The first features casual, yet crowded, hanging out on porches, lawns, and balconies. The second has developed into a popular music and arts festival. Attend both, if you have the energy.
If you’re looking for other schools that offer more than just academic life, check out the Find Your Perfect “U” tool. You can search over 6,000 colleges and universities with 11 different filters to find the perfect school for you!
Beth Braccio Hering is an honors graduate of Northwestern University and has been a freelance writer for more than 25 years. In addition to extensive contributions to various Encyclopaedia Britannica products, her work has been published by outlets such as Business Management Daily, CareerBuilder, Walt Disney Internet Group, and Chicken Soup for the Soul.