Best Colleges Without Greek Life

Founded in 1842, the University of Notre Dame continues to blaze new trails in research and advancement. This Catholic university offers more than 70 undergraduate majors and professional programs in areas like law and architecture. Thanks to a 10-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, students enjoy ample interactions with their instructors.

About 80% of undergraduate students live on campus just outside South Bend, Indiana. The 33 on-campus residence halls serve as the center of campus life, and each provides a welcoming atmosphere for students.

With more than 500 student clubs and organizations, there's a group for everyone. Clubs include the Board Game Club, Campus Fellowship of the Holy Spirit, and the Not-So-Royal Shakespeare Company. Honor societies recognize academic achievement, and service organizations provide opportunities to help others.

Trustees at Rice prohibited fraternities and sororities in 1922. Instead, the school's residential colleges offer students social activities similar to Greek organizations without needing to rush or pay additional dues.

Rice's 11 residential colleges feature their own dining halls, social rooms, and dorms. Rice randomly assigns incoming students to a residential college, and students retain that association throughout their time at the school.

More than 300 clubs provide additional social, service, and professional experience opportunities. OwlNest brings together campus calendars and club announcements with a comprehensive list of student organizations. Intramural sports opportunities include games as diverse as badminton and dodgeball. Teams or individuals may sign up for intramural sports.

This private research university offers more than 50 undergraduate majors, and students enjoy small classes with a 6-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Located in Houston, Texas, the campus also provides easy access to the city's recreational opportunities.

Founded in 1863, Boston College originally focused on meeting Irish immigrants' educational needs. Today, the research university offers more than 50 majors across eight schools. BC serves approximately 9,300 students.

Learners enjoy access to more than 300 campus clubs. The student involvement fair helps learners find organizations that interest them. Additionally, the college honors student leaders with an annual awards program — Ever to Excel. Seniors enjoy a week steeped in tradition before graduation, including the Commencement Ball and Alumni Toast.

Crowds cheer on the school's 31 Division I athletic teams. Students can also have fun and stay active by joining one of more than 40 intramural sports leagues. The recreation center also offers outdoor adventure programs.

Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., Georgetown welcomed its first class in 1792. Today, the Catholic university serves more than 12,000 students through nine schools.

Georgetown developed Living Learning Communities for first-year students. These residential communities focus on academic interests, service learning, and interfaith activities. The Explore D.C. Community, for example, offers programs that introduce new students to the city.

Students enjoy access to more than 350 clubs and organizations, and the Center for Student Engagement helps students find clubs or start their own. Learners can take part in a cappella groups, volunteer to walk Georgetown's mascot (Jack the Bulldog), or join dozens of sports clubs.

While the university does not sanction or provide resources for any Greek social organizations, about 10% of students belong to unsanctioned fraternities and sororities, according to the student government.

This private college — nestled in the heart of Brunswick, Maine — serves about 2,000 students each year, focusing on liberal arts and research studies. Bowdoin boasts a 9-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, with 71% of classes enrolling 20 or fewer students.

First-year and second-year students must live on campus. Nine College Houses sponsor study breaks, events, and meals. Bowdoin pairs first-year students with older "buddies" at their College House. Activities include a winter book club, dinner with strangers, and a panel discussion on rural Maine education.

More than 100 student organizations offer engagement opportunities. Clubs focus on topics like art, politics, community service, and entrepreneurship. The Innovation + Entrepreneurship program plans to offer an incubator in 2021 to promote "Capitalism for the Common Good," with opportunities to connect with alumni, professors, and potential business investors.

Founded in 1852, Loyola University Maryland is committed to the ideals of academic excellence and the whole person's education. Located in the heart of Baltimore, this Catholic university infuses campus life and academic requirements with service to others. The Center for Community Service and Justice connects students with programs where they can give back.

Each year, about 1,000 new students join the Loyola community. The university maintains a 12-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio and offers undergraduate degrees in more than 35 areas.

Students can join more than 200 on-campus student organizations. These options include dance clubs, professional clubs, and a paintball club. Several clubs have taken advantage of remote engagement, including a baking challenge from the Baking Club and a 30-day Lego challenge.

Students at this Jesuit Catholic university in New York give more than one million hours of service to the community each year. Fordham's Center for Community Engaged Learning connects students to community groups, schools, and nonprofit agencies serving the surrounding community residents.

The university operates an 85-acre campus in Rose Hill in the Bronx and a Lincoln Center campus in Manhattan, serving more than 16,000 students each year. Fordham provides on-campus housing at both locations, with students forming hall councils to offer programs and activities.

Fordham houses more than 160 student clubs. These organizations help connect students with similar interests, allowing them to build new skills. Options include the mock trial club, religious groups, and performance clubs.

The intramural sports program offers organized leagues for volleyball, basketball, soccer, and flag football. Additional club sports provide athletic opportunities in rugby and sailing.

Nestled at the base of the Wasatch Mountains in Provo, Utah, BYU serves about 33,000 students each year. This private university is affiliated with the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Many students complete mission work.

Single students live on campus or in apartments where landlords agree to the school's honor code. The honor code provides the foundation for academic instruction, campus activities, and student engagement.

Learners can get involved in a variety of student clubs and organizations. The more than 180 options include special interest clubs and academic organizations.

The university also encourages students to support its Division I varsity sports teams, with student tickets available. Students can also participate in intramural sports and sports clubs. BYU Outdoors Unlimited helps students venture into the Utah valley with backpacking and ski trips. Students can also check out the gear they need for their adventures.

Located in northeast Ohio, this private liberal arts college offers more than 40 majors and a music conservatory. Founded in 1833, Oberlin celebrates a history of progressive action. The college also served as a stop along the Underground Railroad.

Oberlin strives to develop an interconnected campus community. Students can choose from various living accommodations, such as themed residence halls and communal cooking facilities. A first-year residential experience helps acclimate new students to the college.

Students can choose from more than 175 campus organizations. Some focus on service and political action, while others provide performance or creative opportunities. Intramurals and sports offer additional options. All students can easily start new clubs.

Founded in 1800, this private liberal arts college — based in western Vermont — offers 40 academic programs. Middlebury's language programs, offered during summers, feature in-depth instruction in 10 foreign languages. The college's Bread Loaf Writers' Conference was established in 1926 and attracts authors, editors, and faculty each year.

Middlebury boasts more than 60 residence halls. First-year students meet peers from across campus in their residential communities. Older students can choose from a variety of residential communities.

More than 200 student clubs offer social, academic, and service opportunities. The Student Activities Office helps connect students with organizations of interest, such as sports and intramural teams, cooking clubs, and professional organizations.

Middlebury also hosts cultural events throughout the year. The college's winter carnival ranks among the oldest in the nation.