Bit of a somber question, but I think it's important. Been doing a bit of research on campus safety and stats, and it got me thinking, what is the most common crime on college campuses? I'm hoping it's something minor like trespassing.
It's important to be aware of campus safety when selecting a college, so definitely a timely question. According to federal data, theft is hands down the most common crime reported on college campuses, not just in the US, but globally as well. A lot of students don't actually realize how common it is, but it's something to consider when thinking about your personal belongings and the safety measures you need to take while on campus.
More serious crimes do occasionally occur but are substantially less frequent, compared to theft. To get a more accurate picture of campus safety at particular schools, you might want to look at the federally mandated Clery Act reports, which colleges and universities in the U.S. must publish each year. These reports provide information on campus crime and also include information on available campus security.
Bear in mind that, while these reports can provide useful data, campus safety is multifaceted and not limited to these reported incidents. It's often a good idea to tour the campus at varying times of day and night or talk to current students to gauge your comfort level with the environment. But rest assured, colleges prioritize safety and dedicate resources to ensure student concerns are addressed. Campus safety departments work diligently to protect students through various measures, including night shuttles, blue light emergency phones around campus, cameras, and more.
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.