Private Beauty

Looking into private colleges and I absolutely want a campus that's visually appealing - what are the top 20 most beautiful private colleges on your lists?

Sure, beauty is of course subjective and what one person might find appealing, another person might not. However, there are several private colleges often praised for their picturesque and stunning campuses. Here are 20 (in no particular order) that consistently show up on "most beautiful" lists due to their unique architectural styles, green spaces, historic buildings, and scenic environments:

1. Stanford University: Known for its Spanish Colonial architecture and beautiful palm tree-lined pathways.

2. Princeton University: Offers a blend of Gothic and contemporary architecture with numerous gardens and green spaces.

3. University of Notre Dame: Home to the stunning neo-Gothic Basilica and the iconic "Golden Dome" building.

4. Duke University: Known for its Gothic-style buildings and the sprawling Sarah P. Duke Gardens.

5. Vanderbilt University: Located in the heart of Nashville, it boasts a 330-acre campus known as the "Arboretum."

6. Pomona College: Offers a leafy, suburban campus that’s often compared to Oxford and Cambridge.

7. Scripps College: Known for its Mediterranean-style architecture and lavish gardens.

8. Pepperdine University: Offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.

9. Elon University: Known for its Georgian architecture and a 56-acre botanical garden.

10. Boston College: Boasts Gothic architecture and Chestnut Hill Reservoir's stunning views.

11. Rice University: Known for its unique quadrangle system and uniform architecture throughout campus.

12. Washington University in St. Louis: Features Collegiate Gothic architecture and 169 acres of landscaped grounds.

13. Wellesley College: Offers a scenic 500-acre campus, including a 10-acre botanic garden.

14. Dartmouth College: Its campus is located in a quaint, rural setting with charming Georgian style buildings.

15. Sewanee: The University of the South: Known for its stunning Gothic architecture and sprawling 13,000-acre campus.

16. College of the Holy Cross: Offers panoramic views of Worcester from its hillside location.

17. University of Richmond: Features a 350-acre suburban campus distinguished by Collegiate Gothic architecture.

18. University of San Diego: Known for its Spanish renaissance architecture and views of the nearby Pacific Ocean.

19. Furman University: Notable for its Georgian-style architecture and a 40-acre lake.

20. Bryn Mawr College: Its campus features a mix of Gothic and modern architecture.

Again, these are just a few examples. I'd suggest you don't just pick a college for its aesthetics but also consider other factors related to academics, campus culture, financial aid, and more. However, it's perfectly valid to want your learning environment to be visually appealing. After all, it's where you'll be spending the next few years of your life!