Which are the safest colleges in America?

I'm compiling my list of colleges and safety is a priority for me. Could you share some insights on which colleges in America are considered the safest for students?

Sure, safety is indeed an important factor to consider when choosing a college or university. While it's certainly important to bear in mind that no campus can be completely free from crime, some schools have particularly impressive safety records and take proactive measures to protect their communities.

Starting with urban schools, the University of California, Irvine often ranks very high on lists of safe campuses, as it has a relatively low number of crimes according to its Clery Act reports. It offers comprehensive safety services like electronic access control across the campus and a late-night escort program.

Rutgers University, Newark Campus, in New Jersey is another urban school often recognized for its safety practices, despite being located in a city with relatively high crime rates. Rutgers Newark has an extensive emergency notification system and offers a broad range of safety services such as campus safety escorts, mobile safety apps, and blue light emergency phones throughout campus.

For a rural setting, Dartmouth College in New Hampshire has quite a safe campus. The college has round the clock safety patrols and an emergency notification system which keeps the community informed.

Brigham Young University in Utah is another university located in a suburban area that is generally considered safe due to its low crime rates. This may also be influenced by the school's honor code, which sets guidelines for student behavior.

Remember that safety doesn't only involve crime rates. You should also consider the availability of health services, mental health support, and community inclusiveness. It would also be a good idea to visit the campuses you are considering, if possible, to see how you feel about the campus environment.

Lastly, keep in mind that perfect safety is an illusion - all campuses will have some degree of risk, and it's important to stay informed and take responsibility for your safety no matter where you end up. For more specific, timely information about campus safety, you might consider checking the Clery Act reports for the colleges you're interested in. They're required by law to disclose campus crime data for the past three years, providing a more comprehensive view of campus safety.