Here are 10 of the most beautiful college campuses in America
The schools were ranked on a variety of factors, including historic preservation, green space, Google reviews, search interest, historic landmarks, walking paths and campus features.
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It's September and that means people all over the country are headed back to college at some really beautiful campuses.
New data compiled by SIXT reveals 10 of the most eye-catching college campuses across America, and some of the answers might surprise you.
The schools were ranked on a variety of factors, including historic preservation, green space, Google reviews, search interest, historic landmarks, walking paths and campus features.
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Check out 10 of the most beautiful college campuses in the U.S.:
1. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
This college is situated a little more than two hours south of Chicago, and took first place on the list.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign combines historic charm with a lot of green space and more than 81 miles of walking paths across campus.
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The school has a high search interest online and has been featured in television and movies, as well as being a historic landmark with buildings dating to the late 19th century.
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group / Getty Images)
2. Ohio State University
Ohio State University is the second-most beautiful college campus in the country, according to this list.
This college is known for its expansive campus in Columbus, Ohio, featuring 27 quads and more than 78 miles of walking paths.
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COLUMBUS, OHIO - NOVEMBER 23: University Hall, the main academic building, on the campus of The Ohio State University on November 23, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio. ( Aaron M. Sprecher / Getty Images)
3. Cornell University
This historic university in Ithaca, New York, earned third for most beautiful college campuses.
Cornell University has several iconic buildings and breathtaking views of Cayuga Lake, making for a gorgeous mix of architecture and natural charm.
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Mennen Hall and Campus, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, USA. (Education Images/Universal Images Group / Getty Images)
4. University of Wisconsin–Madison
Next up on the list is University of Wisconsin–Madison, with nearly 1,000 acres of green space and classic college architecture.
This college campus is also a historic landmark with beautiful lake views and has a strong online search interest.
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Bascom Hall, University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA - May 16, 2011: Bascom Hall on the campus of University of Wisconsin-Madison, the administrative building for the university. Bascom Hall is located on top of Bascom Hill, a popular location for students. (YinYang / Getty Images)
5. Stanford University
Heading to the West Coast, Stanford University took fifth for most beautiful college campuses.
Situated in Stanford, California, this school is known for its Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and palm-lined walkways.
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PALO ALTO, CA - SEPTEMBER 4: A general view of the campus of Stanford University including Hoover Tower as seen from Stanford Stadium on September 4, 2026 in Palo Alto, California. (David Madison / Getty Images)
With the lowest total enrollment on the list as a private university, Stanford's campus is recognizable in popular movies and television shows, too.
6. Iowa State University
Iowa State University is in the heart of Iowa in a quintessential Midwestern college town, and it earned the sixth most beautiful college campus.
This university's campus is quite large, spanning 1,900 acres total, so it features a ton of green space for its students.
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Ames City, Iowa - Aug 2, 2022: The quiet Iowa State University campus during the summer break. (Purplexsu / Getty Images)
7. Harvard University
The oldest university in the U.S. is the seventh most beautiful college campus.
Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is, of course, a national historic landmark with its incredible architecture dating back to before America's founding.
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CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - APRIL 17: People walk through campus at Harvard University on April 17, 2025 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. (Sophie Park / Getty Images)
Harvard also features beautiful landscapes throughout its relatively small main campus.
8. Mississippi State University
The only college in the South to be featured on the list is Mississippi State University, located in Starkville, Mississippi.
The Mississippi State campus spans more than 4,200 acres, making it one of the largest campuses on the list.
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Starkville, United States – October 24, 2025: Birds Eye Aerial View Above Davis Wade Stadium in Downtown Starkville, MS. Home of the Mississippi State Bulldogs (Wirestock / Getty Images)
This sprawling campus offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy its natural surroundings and take in the scenery.
9. Indiana University Bloomington
Located southwest of Indianapolis is the beautiful Indiana University Bloomington campus, which earned ninth spot on the list.
It's distinctive architecture and expansive grounds allow for plenty of walking paths and green space for its students.
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BLOOMINGTON, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 07: Students pass through the Sample Gates as autumn leaves hang over Kirkwood Avenue on the Indiana University campus on November 7, 2025 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Jeremy Hogan / Getty Images)
10. University of Arkansas
The final college campus on the list is the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Old Main, a landmark and symbol of the University of Arkansas Campus in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (BlazenImages / Getty Images)
University of Arkansas' campus is surrounded by the Ozark Mountains and spans more than 500 acres.
From historic quads to stunning walking paths and iconic buildings, these universities offer plenty to discover beyond the classroom for your next college campus tour.