Top party schools in every state
Many schools tout their high average GPAs, beautiful campuses or competitive admission rates. However, few can boast a rich campus social life as a distinguishing feature. While academic rigor is arguably one of the most important facets of college life, four years of all work and no play can take a tremendous toll on some students. In fact, taking regular breaks from work has been shown to boost productivity (within good reason, of course).
Using 2018 data collected from Niche, Stacker’s list reveals colleges with the best party scene in each state. Stacker’s ranking for each school’s party scene is based on access to nightlife, athletic culture, Greek life, and student polling data. For each school, Stacker also included the “party scene grade,” national party scene rank, location, acceptance rate, and net price (average annual cost for a student to attend, after financial aid). Our list is alphabetical, and starts from Alabama to Wyoming.
See which school in your state was ranked highest for its ability to play hard (and in some cases, work hard as well).
Wyoming: University of Wyoming
Wyoming: University of Wyoming
Party scene grade: B+
National party scene rank: 396
Location: Laramie, WY
Acceptance rate: 95%
Net price: $13,155
During the weekend, the University of Wyoming has parties that range from house bashes to large-scale frat parties. Students get especially rowdy around homecoming, Halloween, and finals week.
Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin
Wisconsin: University of Wisconsin
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 13
Location: Madison, WI
Acceptance rate: 53%
Net price: $15,874
The University of Wisconsin has a special Halloween tradition in the form of Freak Fest. Students buy tickets and gather on Madison’s State Street for the area’s largest Halloween party and music festival.
West Virginia: West Virginia University
West Virginia: West Virginia University
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 6
Location: Morgantown, WV
Acceptance rate: 76%
Net price: $10,814
Students are welcomed to the West Virginia University campus each fall with FallFest, a large gathering over five days where people can enjoy concerts, film marathons, and dance parties.
Washington: Washington State University
Washington: Washington State University
Party scene grade: A
National party scene rank: 82
Location: Pullman, WA
Acceptance rate: 72%
Net price: $17,815
At Washington State University, Halloween is such a big social event that it has turned into “Halloweek,” where students dress up in different costumes every day and prolong the holiday as long as they can.
Virginia: University of Virginia
Virginia: University of Virginia
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 25
Location: Charlottesville, VA
Acceptance rate: 30%
Net price: $15,945
At the University of Virginia, Foxfield Races reigns king of all celebrations. The bi-annual event features students breaking out their preppiest attire and partying before the horse races at the Spring Foxfield Race Meet.
Vermont: Champlain College
Vermont: Champlain College
Party scene grade: A
National party scene rank: 151
Location: Burlington, VT
Acceptance rate: 70%
Net price: $38,370
Champlain College students enjoy to party hardest during a school-sponsored event called the “Winter Snowball Dance,” as well as during the end of finals when classes are over for the school year.
Utah: University of Utah
Utah: University of Utah
Party scene grade: A-
National party scene rank: 245
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Acceptance rate: 76%
Net price: $11,322
University of Utah’s Crimson Nights bring students together during the first week of school. Students host parties, participate in school-sponsored activities, and get free food. Students also tend to party before the big rivalry football game against Brigham Young University, dubbed the “Holy War.”
Texas: University of Texas - Austin
Texas: University of Texas - Austin
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 7
Location: Austin, TX
Acceptance rate: 40%
Net price: $16,010
During RoundUp weekend, Greek fraternities and sororities at the University of Texas - Austin host the biggest parties and performers at their houses. Students can also delight in crawfish boils per Southern tradition.
Tennessee: Vanderbilt University
Tennessee: Vanderbilt University
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 30
Location: Nashville, TN
Acceptance rate: 11%
Net price: $23,150
Every spring since 1971, Vanderbilt University’s Rites of Spring has rallied students together for fun and star-studded slates of musical performances. Gucci Mane, DNCE, and Cheat Codes made appearances this year.
South Dakota: University of South Dakota
South Dakota: University of South Dakota
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 29
Location: Columbia, SC
Acceptance rate: 68%
Net price: $19,913
Besides Greek Life, pride at University of South Dakota is showcased during the weeklong campus tradition, Dakota Days. Students participate in a parade and many night parties during D-Days (also known among students as Hate State Week — a dig against their rivals at South Dakota State University).
South Carolina: University of South Carolina
South Carolina: University of South Carolina
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 29
Location: Columbia, SC
Acceptance rate: 68%
Net price: $19,913
Ahead of the University of South Carolina versus Clemson rivalry football game, students at the University of South Carolina gather for Tiger Burn, a rally and party where students set a giant Clemson tiger ablaze.
Rhode Island: Providence College
Rhode Island: Providence College
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 51
Location: Providence, RI
Acceptance rate: 55%
Net price: $35,238
Providence, Rhode Island may be home to an Ivy League school, but it also is home to Providence College, which holds the title of the best party-scene in the smallest state. Students get especially rowdy at Golf Party, a day when students dress in their finest pastels and flood Eaton Street for all-day celebrations.
Pennsylvania: Penn State
Pennsylvania: Penn State
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 8
Location: University Park, PA
Acceptance rate: 56%
Net price: $25,055
Though football is usually cause for celebration at Penn State, the school also loves to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the form of "State Patty’s." Students flock to local bars and downtown State College to day-drink.
Oregon: University of Oregon
Oregon: University of Oregon
Party scene grade: A
National party scene rank: 68
Location: Eugene, OR
Acceptance rate: 78%
Net price: $15,355
Partying in the Pacific Northwest is done best at the University of Oregon, where students rally around Civil War, the aptly named football game against rival Ohio State University. Students also participate in Whistler College Weekend, a popular Canadian ski trip.
Oklahoma: University of Oklahoma
Oklahoma: University of Oklahoma
Party scene grade: A
National party scene rank: 72
Location: Norman, OK
Acceptance rate: 71%
Net price: $17,966
At the University of Oklahoma, school spirit runs strong, with Greek life and football dominating the social scenes. Students start festivities early with “Thirsty Thursdays” before their weekends even start.
Ohio: Miami University
Ohio: Miami University
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 3
Location: Oxford, OH
Acceptance rate: 65%
Net price: $20,186
With off-campus houses named Booze Barn, Tequila Mockingbird, and Menace to Sobriety, you can guess that Miami University in Ohio’s party culture is strong. This school’s biggest party is Green Beer Day, where students drink beer they dye green all day before spring break.
North Dakota: North Dakota State University
North Dakota: North Dakota State University
Party scene grade: A-
National party scene rank: 170
Location: Fargo, ND
Acceptance rate: 93%
Net price: $14,581
Movies and TV shows weren’t the only thing that put Fargo, North Dakota, on the map. North Dakota State University’s party scene is the best in the state, with football and homecoming as the main focal points.
North Carolina: East Carolina University
North Carolina: East Carolina University
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 23
Location: Greenville, NC
Acceptance rate: 70%
Net price: $12,817
East Carolina University throws down most nights of the week, but the Pirates especially love to party around Halloween and homecoming.
New York: Syracuse University
New York: Syracuse University
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 27
Location: Syracuse, NY
Acceptance rate: 52%
Net price: $31,823
The biggest annual student party at New York’s Syracuse University is Mayfest, a giant outdoor concert held in the spring. In the fall, Syracuse rings in the new school year with Juice Jam, another large concert.
New Mexico: University of New Mexico
New Mexico: University of New Mexico
Party scene grade: B
National party scene rank: 443
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Acceptance rate: 58%
Net price: $11,230
At the heart of the celebrations at the University of New Mexico is the Red Rally, held before the Lobos football versus NMSU Aggies rivalry football game. Students gather to burn the 25-foot tall Aggie, dance to musical performances, and cheer on their team.
New Jersey: Rutgers University
New Jersey: Rutgers University
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 46
Location: New Brunswick, NJ
Acceptance rate: 57%
Net price: $15,614
Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, Rutgers University’s Rutgers Day is an event in which students can enjoy hundreds of free performances, crafts, art shows, and other activities.
New Hampshire: Keene State College
New Hampshire: Keene State College
Party scene grade: A-
National party scene rank: 209
Location: Keene, NH
Acceptance rate: 83%
Net price: $18,647
The hallmark event of the year at Keene State is undoubtedly Pumpkin Fest, during which the small town broke world records for the most lit jack-o’-lanterns in one place. But the partying at Keene State became so out-of-hand that the festival had to be cancelled in 2014. It’s now back, on a smaller scale, for students and Keene residents to enjoy.
Nevada: University of Nevada - Reno
Nevada: University of Nevada - Reno
Party scene grade: A
National party scene rank: 115
Location: Reno, NV
Acceptance rate: 83%
Net price: $15,022
When the University of Nevada - Reno goes up against the University of Nevada - Las Vegas for their annual football showdown, parties erupt all around campus. Despite their athletic record, the Wolf Pack shows up to flaunt their school spirit.
Nebraska: University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Nebraska: University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Party scene grade: A
National party scene rank: 83
Location: Lincoln, NE
Acceptance rate: 75%
Net price: $16,462
The University of Nebraska - Lincoln gets most excited about football games, Halloween, and their homecoming parade. However, students can find some celebration or another throughout the week.
Montana: University of Montana
Montana: University of Montana
Party scene grade: A
National party scene rank: 146
Location: Missoula, MT
Acceptance rate: 92%
Net price: $13,894
A special event that distinguishes the University of Montana is Foresters’ Ball, a tradition held in the first week of February. According to the official event site, “the gymnasium is converted into a turn of the century logging town complete with a saloon, general store, jail, chapel, chow hall, and museum.” All proceeds go to scholarships for students.
Missouri: University of Missouri
Missouri: University of Missouri
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 33
Location: Columbia, MO
Acceptance rate: 75%
Net price: $16,317
Partying at Mizzou starts early, with Syllabus Week kicking off the debauchery on campus. This is the time in which classes first start, so teachers usually hand out syllabuses for the semester and end class early. Homecoming is also a popular time to get rowdy at the Columbia, Missouri school.
Mississippi: University of Mississippi
Mississippi: University of Mississippi
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 15
Location: University, MS
Acceptance rate: 78%
Net price: $14,678
The University of Mississippi tops the state in its ability to party, and also is 15th among schools around the country. Football season in the fall is when the party scene really lights up.
Minnesota: University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Minnesota: University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
Party scene grade: A
National party scene rank: 70
Location: Minneapolis, MN
Acceptance rate: 44%
Net price: $16,242
Every year, students look forward to the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities’ Spring Jam, a festival complete with musical performers, food and, carnival rides. This year, rapper Lil’ Yachty is slated to perform.
Michigan: Michigan State University
Michigan: Michigan State University
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 20
Location: East Lansing, MI
Acceptance rate: 66%
Net price: $14,970
From Wednesday through Saturday, students can find parties of all kinds and sizes at Michigan State University. Few, however, can rival MSU’s celebrations around their rivalry games against the University of Michigan.
Massachusetts: University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Massachusetts: University of Massachusetts - Amherst
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 56
Location: Amherst, MA
Acceptance rate: 60%
Net price: $20,093
The Irish roots of many of those from Massachusetts are celebrated fully during Blarney Blowout, the University of Massachusetts - Amherst’ biggest event of the year. Students spend Blarney celebrating St. Patrick’s Day the weekend before spring break by day-drinking in local bars.
Maryland: University of Maryland - College Park
Maryland: University of Maryland - College Park
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 41
Location: College Park, MD
Acceptance rate: 48%
Net price: $15,757
At the University of Maryland - College Park, there’s a party for almost everyone. Many students participate in the festivities surrounding the Maryland versus Duke University sports games. However, there are also events for the fraternity inclined, like Greek Week, or for the more creatively inclined, such as Art Attack.
Maine: University of Maine
Maine: University of Maine
Party scene grade: B
National party scene rank: 511
Location: Orono, ME
Acceptance rate: 90%
Net price: $15,763
When it comes to the party scene at the University of Maine, giving back is a keyword. The school’s biggest event, Maine Day, includes a barbecue and parade. Maine Day also includes service projects for students, staff, and alumni to participate in.
Louisiana: Tulane University
Louisiana: Tulane University
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 1
Location: New Orleans, LA
Acceptance rate: 26%
Net price: $32,515
New Orleans’ Tulane University tops the country as the No.1 party scene among all U.S. schools, according to Niche. Students can find parties almost every day of the week, but no celebration tops that of Mardi Gras, where students join locals for parades, bead-throwing, and King Cake-eating.
Kentucky: University of Kentucky
Kentucky: University of Kentucky
Party scene grade: A
National party scene rank: 105
Location: Lexington, KY
Acceptance rate: 91%
Net price: $17,850
Much like their University of Kansas counterparts, the University of Kentucky Wildcats love to party around basketball season. The team has been in the Final Four 17 times, with its last win in 2015. March Madness on State Street is usually where the festivities are held.
Kansas: University of Kansas
Kansas: University of Kansas
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 24
Location: Lawrence, KS
Acceptance rate: 93%
Net price: $18,014
March Madness holds true for students at the University of Kansas in particular, thanks to the school’s wildly successful basketball team. The team has appeared in the tournament consistently every year for the last three decades, so basketball season usually invites much cause for celebration.
Iowa: University of Iowa
Iowa: University of Iowa
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 4
Location: Iowa City, IA
Acceptance rate: 84%
Net price: $14,161
When the Iowa versus Iowa State football game comes around, students at the University of Iowa take tailgating just as seriously as the sports event itself.
Indiana: Indiana University - Bloomington
Indiana: Indiana University - Bloomington
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 9
Location: Bloomington, IN
Acceptance rate: 79%
Net price: $12,621
Students at Indiana University - Bloomington look forward to the famous "Little 500" every year, in which people compete in relay races on bicycles. It’s a big sporting event that rallies students and even residents of the surrounding area.
Illinois: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Illinois: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 10
Location: Champaign, IL
Acceptance rate: 60%
Net price: $16,683
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign ranks nationally among the top 10 schools with the best party scenes. Students particularly enjoy "Unofficial," (short for “Unofficial St. Patrick’s Day”) a famous Urbana-Champaign party every Friday.
Idaho: University of Idaho
Idaho: University of Idaho
Party scene grade: A
National party scene rank: 120
Location: Moscow, ID
Acceptance rate: 76%
Net price: $14,787
At the University of Idaho, weekly celebrations tend to start on Wednesdays, raging on through the weekend. Homecoming in the fall is the biggest event, and second come certain signature frat parties, like Mardi Gras, Jock Jams, and Beta Rave.
Hawaii: University of Hawaii at Manoa
Hawaii: University of Hawaii at Manoa
Party scene grade: B
National party scene rank: 470
Location: Honolulu, HI
Acceptance rate: 85%
Net price: $13,520
Georgia: University of Georgia
Georgia: University of Georgia
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 2
Location: Athens, GA
Acceptance rate: 54%
Net price: $14,956
University of Georgia not only knows how to throw down by Georgia’s standards, but by national standards as well — the Bulldogs are ranked second among all college partiers. The biggest parties revolve around the weekend in which their football team goes head-to-head with the University of Florida Gators.
Florida: Florida State University
Florida: Florida State University
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 5
Location: Tallahassee, FL
Acceptance rate: 58%
Net price: $16,506
Florida State University’s social scene revolves mainly around sports — with football game days being the rallying points. Students love to tailgate and party when ESPN College Game Day broadcasts its show at the school, few things get fans in the mood to celebrate than a winning team.
Delaware: University of Delaware
Delaware: University of Delaware
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 35
Location: Newark, DE
Acceptance rate: 70%
Net price: $15,894
Delaware may be one of the smallest states, but its ability to throw a good party shouldn’t be underestimated. The University of Delaware has an A+ party scene grade, thanks to events like St. Patrick’s Day and homecoming weekend.
Connecticut: Yale University
Connecticut: Yale University
Party scene grade: A
National party scene rank: 133
Location: New Haven, CT
Acceptance rate: 6%
Net price: $18,319
Just because it’s an Ivy League school doesn’t mean it doesn’t know how to party. The academically rigorous University is Connecticut’s biggest party school, with flagship events such as Spring Fling, where big-name artists like A$AP Ferg perform. One of the school’s biggest events, the 80’s-themed “Safety Dance,” was even canceled in 2012 because it became too rowdy.
Colorado: University of Colorado - Boulder
Colorado: University of Colorado - Boulder
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 26
Location: Boulder, CO
Acceptance rate: 77%
Net price: $22,727
Students at the University of Colorado - Boulder lean into the holiday spirit, with the biggest parties surrounding St. Patrick’s Day, Halloween and 4/20 (Colorado was the first state to legalize marijuana, after all). The big rivalry football game against the Colorado State Rams, known as the Rocky Mountain Showdown, is also a popular time to let loose.
California: University of Southern California
California: University of Southern California
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 34
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Acceptance rate: 17%
Net price: $32,932
University of Southern California’s proximity to downtown Los Angeles would seem like it would attract students looking to go out, but for the most part, Trojans have enough social events on campus. Besides rallying around football games, students go out Wednesday through Saturday, and tend to stick to the Greek Row, where they throw down at frat parties.
Arkansas: University of Arkansas
Arkansas: University of Arkansas
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 36
Location: Fayetteville, AR
Acceptance rate: 63%
Net price: $15,411
Going out is a regular occurrence at the University of Arkansas, and there tends to be a range of options for students. Most of the biggest parties, like Row Week, happen during the latter half of the week through the weekend around the fraternity houses.
Arizona: Arizona State University
Arizona: Arizona State University
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 40
Location: Tempe, AZ
Acceptance rate: 83%
Net price: $13,007
In 2002, Arizona State University was listed as Playboy’s #1 party school. Though it no longer holds that title, and was — to the chagrin of some students — left off of the Princeton Review’s Top 20 Party Schools list, this Arizona school retains its high marks it terms of its ability to party (and is Niche’s 40th party school in the nation). Students say that they can find parties to go to every day of the week. The largest parties are during Halloween and during rivalry games versus the University of Arizona.
Alaska: University of Alaska Southeast
Alaska: University of Alaska Southeast
Party scene grade: C
National party scene rank: Not nationally ranked
Location: Juneau, AK
Acceptance rate: 49%
Net price: $8,719
Overlooking a lake in Juneau, University of Alaska Southeast’s beautiful campus is the perfect backdrop to let loose. However, when it comes to the national average, Alaska’s schools are relatively low-key partiers. Students in Alaska tend to revolve their social activities around taking advantage of the outdoors (perhaps taking a few beers with them for the campfire).
Alabama: University of Alabama
Alabama: University of Alabama
Party scene grade: A+
National party scene rank: 12
Location: Tuscaloosa, AL
Acceptance rate: 53%
Net price: $20,133
Much of U of A’s social life is wrapped up in its legendary football team. Alabama’s Crimson Tide has won a whopping 17 national championships since 1892, including five in the last decade. Last year, the team only lost once to Auburn, finishing the regular season 11-1.
