Most dangerous college campuses?

I has seen some scary rankings about the most dangerous college campuses in the US. Can anyone provide credible sources or experiences that discuss this topic? I want to make sure I understand this before I choose a school. Safety is a big concern for me.

Your question is completely understandable, as campus safety is definitely a critical factor to consider when choosing a college. I'm glad you're taking the time to look into this thoroughly.

The Clery Act requires all U.S. colleges receiving federal funding to provide a yearly report outlining campus safety and crime statistics, and these reports can be accessed directly through the school's website. These reports might be a good starting point as they’re straightforward, factual and widely available.

However, keep in mind that statistics might not tell the whole story. Every crime situation is different and the environment you're most comfortable in can vary widely based on your own personal experiences and background.

It's also worth remembering that a 'dangerous' statistic might indicate a school that is better at reporting incidents than others, or a school that’s in a larger, not necessarily more dangerous, city than its counterparts. Urban campuses, for example, may naturally have higher crime rates due to their locations in busy city centers.

Overall, it's great to be mindful of crime rates and campus safety measures. Keep in mind, though, that these are just one piece of the bigger picture, and your personal comfort level and feelings about a particular school and environment also matter a lot. It might be helpful to ask students who are currently attending the campuses you're eyeing, as they can give the most truthful day-to-day account.