Are there colleges known for high crime rates?

How's it going, everyone? I've been anxious about safety on college campuses lately. Are there certain colleges that are considered 'dangerous' or that have higher rates of crime? I just want to make sure I'm aware and make the safest choice possible. Thanks in advance!

Hi there! It's important to ensure personal safety when choosing a college, no doubt. That said, it's also crucial to remember that crime can sometimes be higher in colleges located in densely populated urban areas; it's not necessarily a reflection of the school itself. However, The Clery Act requires all colleges and universities that participate in federal financial aid programs to keep and disclose information about crime on (and near) their respective campuses. This results in an Annual Security Report which is publicly available and can be accessed through each college's website.

The data in these reports covers crimes directly related to the campus, public areas adjacent to campus, and some non-campus buildings/properties owned or rented by the school. So, when you shortlist colleges, you can look for these reports on their websites to get a sense of the crime data.

Keep in mind that it's also about how a university responds to and manages any incidents that may happen. Various safety measures such as campus police presence, well-lit and monitored walkways, residence hall security measures, and readily available shuttle services or escorts can contribute to overall campus safety. It can also be helpful to look into colleges' emergency alerts systems and the preventative safety measures they have in place.

In sum, it's not a straight forward answer as "College A or B has a high crime rate" as the context matters, but you certainly have the tools to research and gauge the safety level of a college. So, let the data inform your decision, not dictate it, and remember that safety also relies on personal awareness and precautions.