Hey Guys, So I'm doing research on colleges, and safety is a big concern for me. I'm having trouble figuring it out though... which colleges tend to have the highest crime rates? I just want to know so I can make an educated decision. Thanks!
It's understandable that safety would be a key concern for you while considering where to apply. However, assessing a school's safety based only on crime rates can be a bit misleading. The crime rates may look a lot higher at schools in urban locations simply because they're part of larger city data, and higher crime rates do not always translate to a less safe campus.
That said, the U.S. Department of Education annually compiles data about criminal offenses reported by higher education institutions through their Campus Safety and Security Survey, which could help you gauge crime rates at different colleges.
University of California, Berkeley, for instance, has a higher crime rate compared to other colleges. Universities in major cities, such as University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia) or University of Southern California (Los Angeles), might also report higher crime figures due to their urban locations.
Still, many colleges with initially worrisome crime statistics have comprehensive programs to ensure student safety, such as well-lit routes, routine security patrols, emergency call boxes, and more. It's also important to remember that universities are legally obligated to make all efforts to provide a safe environment for their students, and many go to great lengths to do so.
While looking at crime rates, it would also be valuable to look into the safety measures each school has in place, like nighttime shuttle services, 24/7 campus security, blue light safety systems, etc. Inquiring about safety during campus visits or while speaking with current students or alumni could also offer valuable insights. It's a combination of these factors that would ultimately help you make an informed decision about college safety.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.