Concern about safety in college campuses

I was browsing some statistics and it got me a bit worried about safety. Without focusing on any particular state, what are some methods to find out about safety on different college campuses? Any websites or resources you'd recommend I look at?

Sure, it's completely understandable to be concerned about safety when considering different college campuses. One of the most comprehensive resources available to you for assessing safety is the U.S. Department of Education's Campus Safety and Security database. This database is part of the Clery Act compliance, which requires colleges and universities across the U.S. to disclose statistics about crime on and around their campuses. This would include crimes such as burglary, motor vehicle theft, assault, etc.

Beyond the federal database, a useful resource would be the Annual Security Reports that colleges are required to publish, also as part of the Clery Act. These reports are typically available on the institution's website and give a detailed depiction of their campus safety initiatives along with crime statistics.

Additionally, consider reaching out directly to student life or campus safety offices at the universities you are interested in. These offices may be able to give you further insight into the campus's overall safety, including details about campus emergency reporting systems, blue-light emergency phone stations, and other preventative safety measures.

Finally, don't underestimate the value of students' perspectives. Engaging with current students or alumni through campus visits, online forums, or social media could give you an account of their personal experiences with safety on campus.

I hope this helps you in your search. Remember, safety should be a factor in your decision but also consider the overall fit of the campus according to your academic and lifestyle preferences.