Safety concerns about colleges with higher crime rates?

Hi everybody, I didn’t really think about it before but my parents are concerned about campus safety in my college selection process. How can I find out which colleges have higher crime rates and how should I weigh this in making my college decision?

Hi there, it's understandable that safety is a concern for you and your family when choosing a college.

The U.S. Department of Education maintains a database called the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool which provides data on crime at colleges and universities. Using this tool, you can search by school and view reported crime statistics to get an idea of the safety of different campuses.

However, it is crucial to interpret this data wisely as it does not always present the full picture. For instance, it could be possible that a school has a higher statistic because they have a robust reporting system in place, and not necessarily because they have more incidents.

When weighing campus safety in your decision, consider what makes you feel most personally secure. Each college should have resources and systems addressing security concerns - things like campus blue light systems, comprehensive lockdown procedures, and a 24/7 campus security presence. Consult the college website and be sure to ask admission representatives about these features during campus visits or virtual info sessions.

Lastly, trust your instincts. During a campus visit (even a virtual one), how safe do you feel? What are the current students saying? Are they comfortable walking alone at night? Or do they advise against it? This can give you a good sense of the environment and whether it aligns with your comfort level.

In conclusion, safety is an important aspect but it is also one of many factors you’ll be juggling when making your college decision. Ensuring your comfort and feeling safe is key for thriving in college, but also weigh academic strengths, extracurricular offerings, location, and other aspects that are important to you. Good luck!