Safety concerns--which are the most unsafe college campuses?

Safety is a huge factor for me when deciding which colleges to apply to. I came across some articles online talking about colleges with the most unsafe campuses--which ones are they? Also, what makes a campus 'unsafe'? Any help is appreciated.

Safety on a college campus can be an important factor for many students. However, perceptions of campus safety can be subjective and rely on many variables like campus size, location (urban, suburban, or rural setting), campus security measures, and more.

While, unfortunately, I can't name specific colleges labeled as the 'most unsafe', it's important to be aware that both crime rates and the assessment of safety vary greatly across different campuses. Campuses in larger cities might have higher crime rates due to their urban setting, but that doesn't necessarily mean they are overall unsafe. Many of these colleges have comprehensive safety measures in place, such as campus police, well-lit paths, security cameras, and emergency call boxes scattered about their locations.

Usually, a campus is considered 'unsafe' when there is a high frequency of campus crime. These crimes can range from burglary and motor vehicle theft to more severe crimes like sexual offenses or aggravated assault. You can look up U.S. Department of Education data via the Campus Safety and Security Statistics website, which details crime statistics for every college in the U.S. Colleges are mandated to report these data every year due to the Clery Act, which was established to ensure transparency around campus crime policy and statistics.

You might also want to consider the perception of safety on campus. For instance, how secure do students feel walking around campus at night? Is the campus well-lit? Are there secure places to lock up a bike or a car? Do the dorms have sufficient security measures in place? Is there a visible security or law enforcement presence on campus?

Reaching out to current students and asking about their campus experience, especially regarding safety, is another good way to get a perspective on things.

Responsibility also rests with students, too. Staying safe involves common sense and an awareness of your surroundings. This can include things like avoiding poorly lit areas at night, not walking alone late, or ensuring your possessions are secure.

Remember, every college has some level of crime, but by doing your homework and seeking out resources such as Clery Reports, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of safety on specific campuses. This will help you make informed decisions about where you choose to apply.