According to statistics, college campus violence is surging to pre-pandemic levels. The Department of Education states that there were over 38,000 reported criminal offenses at colleges and universities in 2022 based on 5,783 institutions with 10,530 campuses.
To put this number into perspective, there were over 21,000 reported incidents in 2020, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). That represents a whopping 81% increase in just two years. As students returned to on-campus learning, college crime picked back up, with sex offenses being the most prevalent.
College life should be about growth, learning, and new experiences—not worrying about safety. In this guide, we’ll explore the most dangerous college campuses in the US and analyze how crimes are ranked. Plus, we’ll give you tips on how to stay safe so you can make the most of your college experience.
- 10 Most Dangerous College Campuses in the U.S.
- College Crime Rankings
- Safety Tips for College Students
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
10 Most Dangerous College Campuses in the U.S.
While colleges and universities prioritize student safety through different measures, there are bound to be situations where crimes can happen. We’ve rounded up the most unsafe college campuses based on data from the U.S. Department of Education.
1. University of California, Berkeley
- Location: Berkeley, California
- Number of criminal offenses: 719
UC Berkeley is known for many things, like rigorous academics, a vibrant campus life, and diversity. You’ve probably even dreamed of attending at some point, right? However, when it comes to campus safety, UC Berkeley has the highest number of reported criminal offenses, with over 700 incidents recorded on campus.
Since August 2022, violent crime in and around the university has gone up, including armed robberies, shootings, and stabbings. Berkeley Mayor Jesse Arreguin has called the increase in crime “extremely concerning and troubling.” Some students have even said in the media that UC Berkeley is “definitely less safe than other campuses.”
In response, a group of parents has raised over $40,000 for a private security program on the UC Berkeley campus. The SafeBears organization was launched in March last year with six unarmed “safety ambassadors” patrolling the campus at night.
2. Ohio State University
- Location: Columbus, Ohio
- Number of criminal offenses: 334
As the fifth-biggest college in the U.S., Ohio State has over 65,000 students. While it boasts a beautiful, sprawling campus, it ranks among colleges with the highest reported criminal offenses. The most common crimes committed at OSU were rape offenses and fondling cases. There was also an increase in burglaries, mostly outside of the dorms.
In October 2020, Ohio State student Chase Meola was tragically shot and killed near a party at the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity house. Although a judge dismissed the lawsuit from Meola’s family, stating that the university wasn’t responsible for an off-campus death, it’s still important to be aware and remember why campus safety should always be a priority.
3. Texas A&M University
- Location: College Station, Texas
- Number of criminal offenses: 303
Another huge school on the list is Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. With a student population of over 77,000, it’s the biggest college in Texas and the third-largest student body in the U.S. Yup, this place is massive. Given its size, it ranks as one of the most dangerous college campuses, with 303 reported criminal offenses.
Even though the university has increased security on campus, there are still some safety concerns in the surrounding neighborhood. Rape offenses, burglaries, hate crimes, and car thefts have increased from previous years based on information from campus police. If you want to join the campus community, remember to stay alert and take your usual precautions.
4. University of New Mexico
- Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Number of criminal offenses: 286
The University of New Mexico has been in the spotlight for safety concerns, with recent crimes showing the need for improved security. Based on the university’s latest report, the most common crimes on campus are car theft, burglary, and aggravated assault. Over the past three years, these crimes have remained the most reported, making up the highest number of incidents on campus.
However, that’s not to say the university isn’t taking action. Campus housing strives to provide a safe living environment for students through security staff patrol, a Resident Advisor on duty, and a 24-hour Desk. There’s also LoboAlerts, which is UNM’s emergency text messaging system.
5. Stanford University
- Location: Stanford, California
- Number of criminal offenses: 256
It feels odd to see one of the most prestigious and hardest universities to get into on this list. But you’ve read it right: Stanford University is one of the most dangerous college campuses in the U.S., with 256 reported crimes.
In the university’s latest stats, there were 24 reported hate crimes in 2023, which is a significant increase from only 7 in 2022. There were also year-over-year increases in assaults, burglaries, and alcohol and drug violations.
While Stanford students consider the campus generally safe, about half have experienced moments of feeling unsafe, especially at night in poorly lit areas or when the school sends out safety alerts.
6. University of Arizona
- Location: Tucson, Arizona
- Number of criminal offenses: 176
The University of Arizona is a great school with a beautiful campus, strong academic programs, and a diverse student community. However, being located in Tucson, the campus does have some safety concerns, so it’s important for you to stay vigilant if this school is on your list.
In its annual report, UA had 83 cases of rape in 2023—a huge jump from 18 in the previous years. There was also one murder reported on campus in both 2021 and 2022. In October of last year, there was another tragic incident when a student was shot and killed on campus during a volleyball game, which impacted many students. These events show why safety is a growing concern for students and parents.
7. University of Michigan
- Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Number of criminal offenses: 185
With past cases of sexual misconduct by university physicians, it’s not surprising that the University of Michigan makes it to this list of the most dangerous college campuses. Despite its ranking as one of the top public universities in the U.S., sexual assault is, unfortunately, a common problem here.
Apart from sexual offenses, UMich reported a higher number of crimes, including burglary, theft, arson, and aggravated assault, compared to other colleges in the Midwest.
Recently, there have been alarming incidents, such as a man being shot on South University Avenue and a woman firing a gun through an apartment window near campus. It’s definitely a good idea to stay extra alert and careful of your surroundings when at the university.
8. University of Iowa
- Location: Iowa City, Iowa
- Number of criminal offenses: 142
If you’re considering the University of Iowa, it’s important to think about how safe it is, especially since it’s located in Iowa City, a mid-sized urban area with a large campus.
UI reports that in recent years, there’s been an increase in robbery, arson, and car theft cases, mainly due to students leaving keys in open cars. There’s also been an uptick in alcohol-related arrests, often from drunken fights, which are frequently being reported on campus.
On the plus side, there’s been a decrease in rape offenses, aggravated assaults, and burglaries. This positive trend means that the university’s campus security is improving and keeping more students safer.
9. Auburn University
- Location: Auburn, Alabama
- Number of criminal offenses: 93
Auburn University is a dream school for many reasons: its historic campus, traditional Southern culture, and passionate football fans. But safety remains a concern. Some claim that the university isn’t an ideal choice for people of color, especially after the closure of its Office of Inclusion and Diversity following a new Alabama law.
In terms of stats, the university’s official campus safety report shows a downward trend in criminal offenses like rape, aggravated assault, and burglary. However, there’s been a rise in motor vehicle theft, including electric scooters, from just 9 cases in 2021 to 55 in 2023. This only means you need to remain alert and take your safety into account at all times.
10. The University of Alabama
- Location: Tuscaloosa, Alabama
- Number of criminal offenses: 73
The University of Alabama is an awesome school, but we need to discuss safety as this university is one of the most unsafe college campuses in the country. Based on the university’s latest report, there’s been a fluctuating number of criminal offenses on campus in the past three years for cases like rape, fondling, aggravated assault, and dating violence.
While many students still view the UA’s campus as “relatively” safe, with street lights and security patrols, you should still avoid walking around alone at night as a general rule.
Just last year, a UA student was arrested and jailed for serious sex crimes, including rape, sodomy, and voyeurism. That’s why it’s super important to prioritize your safety and remain on guard, especially during late hours.
Takeaways
There you have it—the 10 most dangerous colleges in the U.S. One thing to remember, though, is that crime stats don’t always show the full picture of campus safety.
A school with higher crime reports may have better systems for reporting incidents, while many crimes, especially interpersonal ones, often go unreported due to fear of consequences or systemic barriers.
Make sure to research the campus and its safety resources, which are important factors to consider when choosing a college.
College Crime Rankings
The Clery Act requires colleges to keep track of and report specific crimes that happen on their campuses. These crimes include sexual offenses, robbery, assault, burglary, motor vehicle theft, and arson. According to NCES, colleges reported a total of 23,400 crimes like these in 2021.
That means about 17 crimes were reported for every 10,000 full-time students. Here’s a breakdown of the types of crimes reported on campuses that year:
| Type of crime | Reported offenses | Description |
| Forcible sex offenses | 10,400 | Any sexual act directed against another person forcibly and/or against that person’s will |
| Burglaries | 6,500 | Unlawful entry of a structure to commit a felony or theft |
| Motor vehicle thefts | 3,500 | Theft or attempted theft of a motor vehicle |
| Aggravated assaults | 2,100 | An attack upon a person for the purpose of inflicting severe or aggravated bodily injury |
| Robberies | 500 | Taking or attempting to take anything of value using actual or threatened force or violence |
| Arson | 400 | Willful or malicious burning or attempt to burn a dwelling house, public building, motor vehicle, or personal property of another |
The data from 2021 shows that college campuses face serious challenges with different types of crimes, including violent crimes, property theft, and personal safety issues. Solving these problems means focusing on making campuses safer, helping victims, and teaching students how to prevent these incidents in the future.
Safety Tips for College Students
Speaking of preventing incidents, here are some tips you can follow to feel safer and minimize your risk.
- Familiarize yourself with the campus community and the surrounding areas.
- Always lock your door and keep your belongings secure, even if you’re just stepping away for a few minutes (like going to the restroom at the library).
- Save important emergency contacts and campus safety resources on your phone.
- Carry your student ID and medical insurance card with you at all times.
- Sign up for your school’s emergency notifications and safety app, if they have one.
- Plan ahead when going out. Know where you’re going and how you’ll get there and back. Then, share your plans and location with a trusted friend or family member.
- Use campus security escorts or ride services whenever they’re available.
- Connect with student support services and take care of your mental and emotional well-being.
- Stay away from groups or organizations that have a reputation for risky or harmful behavior, like hazing or binge drinking.
- Take part in awareness programs to learn the warning signs of dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking and how to help others as an active bystander.
Remember, following these tips doesn’t automatically guarantee your safety. If you (or someone you know) experience harm or assault, it’s not your fault. Reach out to local authorities or someone you trust, like a teacher, school counselor, or loved one.
Local support organizations can also provide help. No one should have to go through these experiences alone, and support is available to guide you through difficult times.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the most unsafe college campuses?
Based on data, some of the most unsafe college campuses in the U.S. include UC Berkeley, Ohio State, Stanford, and the University of Michigan. However, keep in mind that crime stats don’t always show the complete picture of campus safety. A school with higher crime reports may have better reporting systems and encourage students to speak up and get support.
2. What types of crimes are most common on college campuses?
Forcible sex offenses, including rape, are the most common crimes on college campuses, with 10,400 reported cases in 2021. Burglaries follow closely behind, with 6,500 cases. These crimes emphasize the importance of staying aware of your surroundings and being familiar with campus safety resources.
3. Are large universities more dangerous than smaller colleges?
Not necessarily. Large universities may have higher crime numbers simply because there are more people on campus. However, crime rates can vary depending on the location and the school’s safety measures. Make sure to research the campus and safety resources before choosing a college.
Takeaways
- Some of the most dangerous college campuses in the U.S. include UC Berkeley, Ohio State, Stanford, and the University of Michigan, based on annual campus violence statistics.
- The most reported crimes on college campuses are sexual offenses, including rape, burglaries, and motor vehicle theft.
- Stay safe and minimize your risk by familiarizing yourself with campus safety resources and planning ahead when going out.
- Crime statistics don’t always tell the whole story, as some crimes go unreported. Higher reporting rates may indicate better campus support, encouraging students to speak up.
- Consult with experts to select the right college for your safety and overall well-being.
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