America's Top 20 Party Schools

The University of Georgia (UGA) has long been known for its lively campus atmosphere and vibrant student life. In 2011, it claimed the top spot in The Princeton Review's annual list of "party schools". This ranking is derived from a survey that gauges student experiences regarding campus life, including social activities, alcohol consumption, and general partying culture.

UGA’s rise to the top of this list marks an important shift from its previous 4th-place ranking in 2010. Despite being recognized for its extensive academic programs and research initiatives, UGA's students are equally known for their enthusiasm for campus events and social gatherings. This ranking was bolstered by the fact that UGA scored highly in several related categories such as "lots of hard liquor," "lots of beer," and "best campus food." The latter of these highlights the integral role of the university’s food scene, which undoubtedly fuels social activities and events on campus.

Ohio University, ranked 2nd in 2011, has similarly earned a reputation for its robust party culture. Known for its school spirit and regular social events, Ohio University has been a fixture on party school lists for several years. The campus is home to large, frequent social gatherings, and the students at Ohio University are known to engage in an active nightlife scene. This has contributed to its consistent placement as one of the top party schools in the United States.

Penn State University, another frequent member of the top 10, holds the 3rd spot in 2011, following a similar trajectory as UGA in previous years. Penn State’s party culture is legendary, with an abundance of social events, parties, and a strong sports culture that encourages student engagement. The school also ranks highly for its student body’s willingness to participate in extracurricular and social activities, including the renowned Penn State football games, which often turn into social gatherings that contribute to the overall party school atmosphere.

Following closely behind is West Virginia University (WVU), which is known for having one of the most enthusiastic student populations when it comes to social activities. WVU’s rank at number 4 is a testament to the school’s balance between academic pursuits and vibrant campus life. With a rich tradition of sports and events that draw students out of the classroom and into the social scene, WVU maintains a strong reputation as a top party school.

The University of Mississippi, colloquially known as Ole Miss, rounds out the top five in 2011. Ole Miss’s reputation for partying is deeply tied to the university’s unique culture, which places a strong emphasis on social gatherings, sports events, and Greek life. The school’s campus life offers an abundance of social options, from tailgate parties before major sporting events to organized Greek events, all contributing to Ole Miss’s consistent appearance on party school lists.

In the sixth spot, The University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) is perhaps one of the most notable examples of a party school with a large and diverse student body. UT Austin earned recognition not just from The Princeton Review, but also from Playboy Magazine, which named it the No. 1 Party School in America in 2010. The school’s high-energy environment, fueled by a vibrant nightlife, sports events, and an active Greek life, helps maintain its position as a leading party school. UT Austin’s strong culture of social engagement makes it a go-to destination for students looking for an exciting and eventful college experience.

The University of Georgia, Ohio University, Penn State, West Virginia University, the University of Mississippi, and the University of Texas at Austin represent the schools that are often associated with lively, dynamic social scenes and a reputation for enthusiastic participation in student life. These rankings from The Princeton Review and Playboy Magazine highlight a distinct aspect of college culture: the balance between academics and extracurricular engagement, where partying, socializing, and school spirit can often coexist. Students at these universities enjoy a vibrant social calendar, an extensive range of social events, and a palpable campus energy that plays an integral role in shaping their university experiences.

It is important to note that while these rankings emphasize the party school culture, they do not necessarily capture the full academic value or the diverse experiences that students at these schools have. Party culture is only one aspect of the student experience, and many of these universities offer excellent academic programs, strong career prospects, and an engaged alumni network. However, for those students looking for a university that offers both a strong educational foundation and an active, social campus life, these schools remain some of the most popular destinations in the country.

List of top 20 party schools:
1. University of Georgia
2. Ohio University
3. Penn State
4. West Virginia University
5. University of Mississippi
6. University of Texas at Austin
7. University of Florida
8. University of California – Santa Barbara
9. University of Iowa
10. DePauw University
11. Florida State University
12. University of Wisconsin – Madison
13. University of Alabama
14. Sewanee – The University of the South
15. Indiana University – Bloomington
16. University of Colorado – Boulder
17. University of Missouri
18. University of Illinois
19. University of Maryland
20. Michigan State University
Source: Princeton Review (2011)