15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen

By Dr. James Barham
Reviewed By Dr. Jed Macosko

Updated: Dec 18, 2023

Key Takeaways

Research proves that students enrolled in a supportive community feel more valued, which encourages them to continue their education.
A happy college is a vibrant ecosystem where learning and growth is fostered by the interaction of campus amenities, student organizations, academic life, and support services.
Mental health issues, particularly depression, can be very common in college students, and it is important to seek help and practice self-care.

Yale University
Princeton University
Brown University
Vanderbilt University
Amherst College
Boston College
College of William & Mary
University of South Carolina
Baylor University
Kansas State University

Kansas State University 95%
Thomas Aquinas College 85%
Elon University 74%
Georgia State University 67%
Agnes Scott College 67%
Abilene Christian University 66%
University of South Carolina 64%
Baylor University 46%
College of William & Mary 33%
Boston College 17%

Georgia State University 26 to 1
University of South Carolina 18 to 1
Kansas State University 18 to 1
Baylor University 15 to 1
Abilene Christian University 13 to 1
Boston College 12 to 1
College of William & Mary 12 to 1
Elon University 11 to 1
Agnes Scott College 11 to 1
Thomas Aquinas College 11 to 1

Brown University $65,146
Boston College $64,176
Amherst College $64,100
Yale University $62,250
Vanderbilt University $60,348
Princeton University $57,410
Baylor University $51,738
Agnes Scott College $45,786
Elon University $42,241
Abilene Christian University $40,500

Brown University $62,680
Princeton University $57,410
Vanderbilt University $53,160
Yale University $46,900
Baylor University $38,772
Boston College $33,912
Abilene Christian University $24,174
Elon University $19,494
Agnes Scott College $17,100
University of South Carolina $13,374

Vanderbilt University
College of William & Mary
Kansas State University
Princeton University
Yale University
Brown University
Boston College
Thomas Aquinas College
Abilene Christian University
Baylor University

Thomas Aquinas College
Elon University
Abilene Christian University
Agnes Scott College
Georgia State University
Kansas State University
Baylor University
University of South Carolina
College of William & Mary
Boston College

Brown University 5%
Yale University 5%
Princeton University 6%
Amherst College 7%
Vanderbilt University 7%
Boston College 17%
College of William & Mary 33%
Baylor University 46%
University of South Carolina 64%
Abilene Christian University 66%

Princeton University 5 to 1
Yale University 6 to 1
Brown University 6 to 1
Amherst College 7 to 1
Vanderbilt University 7 to 1
Elon University 11 to 1
Agnes Scott College 11 to 1
Thomas Aquinas College 11 to 1
Boston College 12 to 1
College of William & Mary 12 to 1

Georgia State University $7,158
Kansas State University $9,489
University of South Carolina $12,288
College of William & Mary $17,434
Thomas Aquinas College $27,000
Abilene Christian University $40,500
Elon University $42,241
Agnes Scott College $45,786
Baylor University $51,738
Princeton University $57,410

Georgia State University $7,164
Kansas State University $10,294
College of William & Mary $10,516
University of South Carolina $13,374
Agnes Scott College $17,100
Elon University $19,494
Abilene Christian University $24,174
Boston College $33,912
Baylor University $38,772
Yale University $46,900

Table of Contents

After spending your junior and senior high school years focusing on your studies and getting good grades to qualify for college, your time has finally arrived. You’re looking forward to your new academic journey but at the same time wondering if you will be successful in your new endeavor. The good news is that if you enroll in a learning environment that encourages students to have fun while learning, you will increase your chances of success.

College life is not all about textbooks and lectures. Student life is experienced through a complex mosaic of events. Our ranking of the 15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen Students is composed of schools that offer a complete experience, one that incorporates a great community, exciting campus events, and academic prowess.

Featured Programs

What makes a happy college?

Happiness is subjective. Some students find a relaxed private liberal arts college campus better for learning, while others would rather be enrolled in a large party school. Nevertheless, two crucial aspects of happiness in college are the vibrancy and safety of student life, driven by an array of student organizations for diverse interests and passions.

Student organizations help freshmen develop a sense of belonging and community. Whether it’s a club dedicated to environmental sustainability, multicultural or political, creative writing, or a competitive athletics team, these groups provide platforms for like-minded individuals to connect, collaborate, and share experiences. The diversity of student organizations enhance campus life, fostering a rich environment where students can explore their interests beyond the confines of academic programs.

Another crucial factor that contributes to a student’s sense of satisfaction is support services, which encompass a range of resources, including academic advising, counseling, and career guidance. These support services provide a safety net for students navigating the challenges of college life. They contribute to an overall sense of well-being and satisfaction.

From well-maintained facilities to a lively social scene, the environment in which students live and study greatly influences their overall happiness. A college that invests in creating vibrant and inclusive campus life tends to produce the happiest students.

Campus safety also contributes to a happy student body. A secure campus ensures that students can focus on their studies without personal safety concerns. Things that contribute to campus safety include well-lit pathways, emergency response systems, and proactive security measures that create a sense of trust and comfort among the student body.

So which colleges have the safest campuses? Take a look at the 15 Safest Colleges in America.

One other factor that is a good indicator of happiness among new students at any college or university is the rate of retention in the freshmen student body. After all, if a student makes it to the end of their first year of college and decides to return the following year, that is a sign that the school is doing something right. The higher the rate of retention, the better.

smiling college students walking outside on a college campus

How did we determine which colleges have the happiest freshmen?

As mentioned above, the following criteria went into determining our ranking of the happiest colleges for freshmen:

Numerous and diverse student organizations
Robust student support services
Safe college campus
Retention rate of the freshmen class

Wondering what college majors are the most popular among students? We take a look at the 10 Most Popular College Degrees.

Colleges and Universities with the Happiest Freshmen

smiling college student standing outside a building

Reality Check: Challenges Faced by College Students

College is an intense experience, and it can take a toll on a student’s mental health. While it’s a journey filled with personal growth and a range of experiences that shape a student’s future, it’s also filled with competitive peers, a challenging curriculum, rigid deadlines, and a never-ending pursuit of excellence. College is a taxable journey for students transitioning from secondary to postsecondary learning.

Mental health issues, such as depression, are bound to hinder college students’ growth in their learning environment. The term “college depression” is popular for good reason.

Depression, along with anxiety, is widespread in college students. Depression is characterized by a prolonged (at least two-week period) of sadness and disinterest. People who have experienced depression describe the inability to suddenly “snap out” of sadness. Unfortunately, 75% of college students suffering from depression are reluctant to seek help, according to Mayo Clinic.

Symptoms of depression, in general, can include:

Anxiety and panic
Unable to concentrate or remember things
Changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Irritability or emotional outbursts
Lack of energy or fatigue
Loss of interest in activities that you enjoy
Sense of being overwhelmed
Thoughts of suicide or self-harm
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
Poor self-esteem

Although depression is a prevalent issue within American colleges and universities, the specific cause is still unknown. It could be due to demanding schedules, family history of depression, drug or alcohol abuse, assault, identity crisis, or peer competition, among other possible reasons. College students often become so preoccupied with their studies and hectic schedules that they don’t even notice that they’re falling into depression until it’s too late.

Mayo Clinic noted that the students with higher risks of falling into depression are those dealing with a financial crisis or racism, those juggling too many responsibilities, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. Additionally, there are more female students than male students with depression.

There’s no definite answer on which college has the highest rate of depression in the United States. It is widely held that many colleges and universities have a large number of unreported cases of depression. However, the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia has the unfortunate distinction of consistently ranking highly among several US colleges and universities with the most depressed student body rankings.

UPenn is known for its rigorous academics and low acceptance rate. However, the school’s acceptance rate is higher than other prestigious Ivy League schools, such as the Harvard University (3.43%) and Stanford University (3.9%).

Penn’s academic rigor may lead to high expectations and a perfectionistic culture, negatively affecting mental health. The socio-cultural environment, workload, and stigma can also contribute to stress and isolation. According to the university, five percent of Penn’s undergraduate students take a leave of absence for various reasons, such as family obligations, pre-professional opportunities, and health issues.

Depression can happen anytime to anyone, even if you’re studying at one of the schools with the least depressed student bodies in the United States. Depression can happen to anyone, and the best way to deal with college depression is to be proactive in thinking through what to do if it happens to you.

A proven way to address mental health issues in college is to speak with a mental health specialist at health facilities located on college and university campuses. Although you might only be able to attend a certain number of sessions at these health centers, they can connect you with other mental health providers in your area.

a group of college students smiling at the camera

School counseling services use psychotherapy, sometimes referred to as talk therapy, as a way of helping depressed college students. In more severe cases, psychiatrists may prescribe antidepressants in addition to talk therapy.

In addition to seeking expert advice, you should also practice self-care. This means you need to get better at managing your time, learn to say no to activites that could overwhelm your schedule, get seven to nine hours of sleep, eat well, and exercise at least twice a week.

Drugs and alcohol abuse can exacerbate depression. Look for other stress-reduction strategies, such as hanging out with friends or engaging in hobbies. Above all, don’t try to hide how you feel and seek the help you need.

Did you know that online students can also experience mental health issues? If you are a college student pursuing an online degree and you are struggling, check out our article on mental health in online education.

Even if attending the happiest college in America, many students are interested in graduating college in four years. The hard truth is that the longer it takes to complete college, the more it costs. The more it costs, the likelier a student is to drop out due to financial hardship. Look into our tips on graduating in four years.

If you are just embarking on your college planning journey, our College Planning Guide can help you navigate the entire process, from the college search process to campus tours to applying for financial aid.

Students’ Submitted Questions on the Colleges with the Happiest Freshman

Anthony asks, “Which Ivy League school has the happiest students?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: According to collective research, Brown University has the highest rating for satisfaction among its first-year students among the Ivy Leagues.

Josh asks, “What college has the nicest people?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: Several studies and rankings suggest Vanderbilt University has the nicest student body and faculty.

Cathy asks, “What country has the happiest school system?”

Dr. James Barham’s answer: Norway is believed to have the happiest school system in the world, mainly because of its world-class higher education system with affordable tuition fees. Norway’s public colleges and universities are known to have low to free tuition for local and international students.

Sheila asks, “What factors contribute to a positive and satisfying college experience?”

Dr. Jed Macosko’s answer: As mentioned, happiness is subjective. However, the key factors contributing to a happy student body are wide-ranging student organizations, student support services, and campus security.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here

15 Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen

Key Takeaways

Colleges with the Happiest Freshmen

Featured Programs

What makes a happy college?

How did we determine which colleges have the happiest freshmen?

Colleges and Universities with the Happiest Freshmen

Career Outlook for degree at Elon University

Elon University’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at University of South Carolina

University of South Carolina’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Agnes Scott College

Career Outlook for degree at Georgia State University

Career Outlook for degree at Amherst College

Career Outlook for degree at Baylor University

Career Outlook for degree at Abilene Christian University

Abilene Christian University’s Online Degrees

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Degree Concentrations

Career Outlook for degree at Thomas Aquinas College

Career Outlook for degree at Boston College

Career Outlook for degree at Brown University

Career Outlook for degree at Yale University

Career Outlook for degree at Princeton University

Career Outlook for degree at Kansas State University

Career Outlook for degree at William & Mary

Career Outlook for degree at Vanderbilt University

Reality Check: Challenges Faced by College Students

Students’ Submitted Questions on the Colleges with the Happiest Freshman