The Best College for LGBTQ+ Students In Each State Campus Pride Index

Located in Tuscaloosa, the University of Alabama earned 2.5 out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. UA's LGBTQ+ resources include a campus alliance program for faculty, staff, and graduate students. Spectrum — UA's campus organization for LGBTQ+ undergraduates — provides programs and opportunities for activism.

UA offers specific campus organizations for LGBTQ+ students of color and business students. The university's nondiscrimination policy includes protections for gender and sexual orientation.

UA highlights its participation in the national Safe2Pee initiative and combats harassment against individuals who do not conform to traditional gender identities. The university ensures there are safe restrooms located across campus for all students to use.

The university also encourages students and staff to report any instances of harassment. UA designates harassment resource persons to receive complaints.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Based in Juneau, the University of Alaska Southeast features a variety of LGBTQ+ resources, including the Southeast Alaska LGBTA+ alliance; the campus inclusivity alliance; and the gay, lesbian, and straight education network.

UAS also touts its Safe Zone network involvement, which aims to reduce discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals. Safe Zone provides training to UAS staff and faculty, as well as education opportunities to the campus community.

UAS earned 3.5 out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. UAS' highest scores came in the areas of policy inclusion, support and institutional commitment, housing and residence life, and counseling and health.

The university provides roommate matching and gender-inclusive housing for new students. UAS also maintains a standing advisory committee for LGBTQ+ issues and offers counseling services to LGBTQ+ individuals.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Located in the city of Tucson, the University of Arizona works with the Safe Zone network, creating a welcoming environment for LGBTQ+ students. The program provides free workshops to all students, faculty, and staff. Additional training is offered online.

Arizona's resources for LGBTQ+ students include mental health support, faculty fellows, and alliance groups. The university also offers an internship for LGBTQ+ students, giving them the opportunity to work closely with the LGBTQ+ Resource Center and the Pride Alliance.

Students can also receive advice and mentorship in a non-classroom setting from a faculty fellow. The Common Ground Alliance group allows for collaboration between LGBTQ+ students, Arizona cultural centers, the Women's Resource Center, and the Disability Resource Center.

Rated as one of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students on the Campus Pride Index, Arizona earned 4.5 out of five stars. The university received top marks in campus safety, student life, and support and institutional commitment.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Located in Conway, Arkansas, Hendrix College is one of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students in the state. The college offers several student-run organizations for LGBTQ+ students and their allies.

Hendrix's student government includes a subcommittee called the Committee on Gender and Sexuality (COGS). COGS offers programs on issues like coming out, healthy relationships, and reproductive rights.

Students can also participate in Trans@HDX — a group for transgender, nonconforming, and nonbinary individuals. The college maintains a coordinator of LGBTQ+ student services to help manage different groups and opportunities on campus.

Hendrix regularly plans social and educational events centered around LGBTQ+ students and their concerns. The institution also actively seeks to employ LGBTQ+ and culturally diverse individuals.

Hendrix earned 2.5 out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. The college received its highest marks in LGBTQ+ student life, campus safety, and policy inclusion.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

San Diego State University is one of the best colleges in the country for LGBTQ+ students, according to the Campus Pride Index; the university received five out of five stars, with full marks in areas like recruitment and retention efforts, campus safety, student life, and academic life.

SDSU offers specific course listings and study programs for LGBTQ+ issues. The university also provides ongoing training for faculty, students, and staff covering topics like hate crime prevention, bias-related incidents, and gender identity and expression issues.

LGBTQ+ students can also find internships and mentoring programs. The university actively seeks to recruit diverse faculty members, including LGBTQ+ staff.

SDSU's Pride Center seeks to foster an inclusive, safe environment for LGBTQ+ students and allies through campus-wide education, student leadership, and support resources. Pride House — a peer mentorship program — pairs new learners with experienced students who can provide personal and academic advice.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

The University of Colorado Boulder is one of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students. CU Boulder earned five out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index, with perfect scores in almost every category, including support and institutional commitment, housing and residence life, and counseling and health.

CU Boulder's Center for Inclusion and Social Change supports gender identity exploration and provides educational opportunities for all students. The center collaborates with the university's Cultural Unity and Engagement Center, the Women's Resource Center, and the Gender and Sexuality Center.

The university's Pride Office features educational resources for LGBTQ+ students and allies, with an open-door policy for students to meet with the director of the organization. The Pride Office provides information about getting a legal name change at CU Boulder, transitioning and pronoun guides, a gender-neutral bathroom map, and gender-neutral housing information.

Based in Storrs, the University of Connecticut fosters several LGBTQ+ student organizations, such as the Rainbow Center and oSTEM for LGBTQ+ students studying science, engineering, and math.

Established in 1998, the Rainbow Center sponsors many events around campus, such as the Out to Lunch lecture series. Students, faculty, staff, and local residents can visit the center to access resources and services.

UConn rates as one of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students according to the Campus Pride Index, earning 4.5 out of five stars. UConn received top scores in LGBTQ+ student life, campus safety, and counseling and health.

UConn provides ongoing training for faculty, students, and campus police related to issues like hate crime prevention and discrimination. The university also offers counseling and support groups for LGBTQ+ students, as well as roommate matching to help individuals find allies and LGBTQ+-friendly peers.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

The University of Delaware hosts more than 20,000 learners annually. The school provides many LGBTQ+ resources through its Student Diversity and Inclusion division.

Student organizations at UD include the Lavender Programming Board and Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The Lavender Programming Board meets weekly and provides a setting where students can socialize, make new friends, and learn about campus events geared towards the LGBTQ+ population.

At the beginning of each school year, the school hosts a Lavender Welcome Celebration, welcoming new and returning LGBTQ+ students and allies to campus. Additionally, learners who have successfully completed their studies can participate in the school's Lavender Graduation Celebration — a ceremony held in May that honors LGBTQ+ grads.

UD also features a gender and sexuality learning and living community. Members of this community are given a safe space to learn about and reflect on various concepts of sexuality and gender.

Georgetown University was the first postsecondary Jesuit institution to open an LGBTQ+ center. Students can visit this resource center's website to read about incidents of discrimination or bias and find information for transgender students. Each year, Georgetown hosts a retreat for LGBTQ+ students and their allies.

A top LGBTQ+ college, Georgetown earned four out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. The university scored top marks in LGBTQ+ student life and support and institutional commitment.

LGBTQ+ students and allies at Georgetown can participate in a special graduation ceremony. Georgetown also offers LGBTQ+-related courses, ally organizations, and regularly planned social activities. The university seeks to educate faculty and students through discussions about the intersectionality of LGBTQ+ individuals.

Georgetown actively hires diverse faculty and staff, including members of the LGBTQ+ community. The campus features a standing advisory committee for LGBTQ+-specific issues.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

The University of Central Florida partners with organizations like Safe Zone to provide training about LGBTQ+ issues and advocacy. UCF's LGBTQ+ student resource center features an alliance mentoring program, guides to gender-neutral restrooms, a Lavender Council, and an on-campus study space staffed by Social Justice and Advocacy members.

As one of the top colleges for LGBTQ+ students, UCF works hard to match LGBTQ+ faculty and staff with student mentees. These mentors provide support and encouragement, helping students develop personal, academic, and professional goals.

The Lavender Council acts as an advisory board, linking students and faculty with LGBTQ+ services across campus. The council strives to make UCF a more accepting and tolerant campus through educational programs and social events.

UCF earned 4.5 out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index, with especially high scores in student life and support and institutional commitment.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Located in Atlanta, Georgia, Emory University offers students resources for queer and trans students of color, trans and gender nonconforming students, and LGBTQ+ graduate students. One of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students, Emory seeks to create equitable spaces by providing access to educational resources and social events.

LGBTQ+ students can take advantage of graduate student writing groups and watch parties. The university offers Safe Space educational tools and weekly Queer Discussion Groups to discuss issues of gender identity.

LGBTQ+ groups at Emory also engage with other student organizations, like the Center for Women. Emory highlights the intersectionality of LGBTQ+ groups and issues of social justice and racial equality.

Emory earned 4.5 out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. The university received the highest marks in LGBTQ+ student life and housing and residence life.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Based in Honolulu, the University of Hawai'i at Mānoa seeks to empower LGBTQ+ students through Safety Zone training, educational opportunities, and social events. UH Mānoa's LGBTQ+ student resource center offers daily services and advocacy, along with weekly drop-in discussion groups.

As one of the state's top colleges for LGBTQ+ students, UH Mānoa sponsors events related to National Coming Out Day and the Transgender Day of Remembrance. It also hosts a Rainbow Graduation Extravaganza.

UH Mānoa's LGBTQ+ resource center features close ties with the university's Women's Center, the student affairs office, and student equity groups on campus. As part of the University of Hawai'i system, students can also access a broader commission on LGBTQ+ equality.

The university earned 2.5 out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. UH Mānoa received its best scores in LGBTQ+ housing and residence life and policy inclusion.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

The University of Idaho is one of the best LGBTQ+ colleges in the state. The university's LGBTQ+ student resource office features coming out resources and a scholars program. Students can interact with the resource office on campus or fully online.

The scholars program welcomes all first-year and transfer LGBTQ+ students. This program provides mentorship and academic support. The LGBTQ+ resource office also sponsors year-round educational and social events on campus.

U of I works with Safe Zone to provide education on LGBTQ+ issues to faculty, staff, and students. The university implements a Lavender graduation each year to celebrate the accomplishments of LGBTQ+ students.

U of I scored 3.5 out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. The university earned its highest scores in LGBTQ+ campus safety, student life, and recruitment and retention efforts.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

The University of Illinois at Chicago promotes LGBTQ+ acceptance on campus through programs, workshops, events, and resources. UIC's Gender and Sexuality Center features events for queer and trans people of color, such as monthly lunches and discussion groups.

UIC seeks to affirm male allies for LGBTQ+ individuals in particular, by hosting educational films, discussions, and workshops. Other programs, such as the Dessert Discussions Series, are open to all students willing to speak about gender identity and LGBTQ+ issues.

One of the best colleges in Illinois for LGBTQ+ students, UIC boasts a hands-on learning project connecting social justice issues with environmental sustainability and cultural diversity. This program also contains an internship open to LGBTQ+ students.

UIC rates highly according to the Campus Pride Index, earning 4.5 out of five stars. The university received full marks in LGBTQ+ recruitment and retention efforts, housing and residence life, and student life.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Located in West Lafayette, Indiana, Purdue University ranks as one of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students according to the Campus Pride Index; the school earned five out of five stars, with exceptional scores in LGBTQ+ recruitment and retention efforts, student life, and academic life.

Purdue's LGBTQ+ resource center offers trans-inclusive resource links. The center hosts a lecture series for students and faculty to educate the campus on LGBTQ+ issues. The university also promotes advocacy and equitable access for all students, and LGBTQ+ individuals can find social events and other training opportunities throughout the year.

Purdue also features an LGBTQ+ studies minor. Participants assess the historical and social context of gender identity. They also learn how politics affect gender identity and explore how discriminatory practices disadvantage certain populations.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

The University of Iowa touts cross-cultural education, leadership opportunities, and social justice advocacy as part of its LGBTQ+ Pride Alliance student resource center. LGBTQ+ students and their allies can reserve space in the center for social events and study groups.

UI offers an annual Rainbow Graduation for LGBTQ+ students, celebrating their academic achievements. The student center leads educational endeavors related to LGBTQ+ issues, welcoming the participation of faculty, staff, and students.

A top college for LGBTQ+ students, UI received four stars out of five on the Campus Pride Index, with top marks in LGBTQ+ academic life. The university also offers LGBTQ+ courses and features fraternity and sorority options for LGBTQ+ students.

UI supports the mental health of LGBTQ+ students through counseling services, employing professionals who have received trans-inclusive training. The university also provides scholarships that target LGBTQ+ students.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Kansas State University ranks as one of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students, earning five out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. K-State received full marks in many areas, including LGBTQ+ support and institutional commitment, counseling and health, campus safety, and recruitment and retention efforts.

K-State's LGBT Resource Center promotes the school's Sexuality and Gender Alliance (SAGA) program — the longest-running LGBTQ+ organization on campus. SAGA hosts educational and community-building events for all students. The university also boasts an LGBTQ+ faculty and staff alliance to advocate for gender identity issues and equality.

Students and faculty can also participate in outreach with the Gender Collective — a group for students who identify as transgender, cross-gender, intersex, or otherwise divergent from their birth-assigned gender.

LGBTQ+ students may apply for scholarships through the LGBT Resource Center and the Flint Hills Human Rights Project.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

The University of Kentucky boasts a five-star rating on the Campus Pride Index, making it one of the top colleges for LGBTQ+ students. The university received top scores for LGBTQ+ campus safety, academic life, student life, and support and institutional commitment.

UK's LGBTQ+ resource office strives to promote institutional diversity and a welcoming environment for all students, faculty, and staff. The office connects campus organizations with groups across the City of Lexington and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The university provides Safe Zone training and education for students and faculty, discussing gender identity issues and equality. UK features an LGBTQ+ Student Collective, which holds monthly meetings and helps students develop leadership skills.

UK also offers LGBTQ+ scholarships for undergraduate students. Applicants need a minimum 2.5 GPA, and interns must work at least eight hours a week in the LGBTQ+ offices.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Based on the outline of its 2025 Strategic Plan, LSU aims to increase diversity and make cultural inclusion a top priority. LSU's Office of Diversity includes an online initiative for streamlined reporting of conduct code violations and other instances of discrimination.

One of the best LGBTQ+ colleges in the state, LSU features several LGBTQ+ student groups, including Qroma — a group for queer students of color. The program focuses on service and social outreach.

LSU also provides LGBTQ+ students with support during internship searches, and the university's career center trains students about possible career challenges related to gender identity issues. The school's counseling center holds certification from OUT for Work — a nonprofit organization for LGBTQ+ professionals and allies.

The university earned 2.5 stars out of five on the Campus Pride Index. LSU scored best in areas related to counseling and health, student life, and support and institutional commitment.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Based in Brunswick, Maine, Bowdoin College features a Sexuality, Women, and Gender Center that supports academic and cocurricular development. This center promotes a safe and inclusive campus environment for LGBTQ+ individuals. Working in collaboration with students, faculty, and staff, the center creates programs about gender identity and orientation.

Bowdoin ranks highly among colleges for LGBTQ+ students. The college offers several LGBTQ+ student groups on campus, including the Asexual and Aromantic Community for Education and the Bowdoin Queer-Straight Alliance. The Queer-Straight Alliance features student leadership and a focus on education.

The college earned four out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index, with high ratings in areas like LGBTQ+ policy inclusion, support and institutional commitment, and campus safety. Bowdoin maintains a standing advisory committee for LGBTQ+ issues and actively seeks to employ diverse faculty and staff, including members of the LGBTQ+ community.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

The University of Maryland, College Park is one of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students, earning five out of five stars on the College Pride Index. UMD received top ratings in areas such as LGBTQ+ academic life, counseling and health, and campus safety.

UMD's LGBT Equity Center offers programs and events for LGBTQ+ students, staff, and alumni. The university hosts a welcome feast for all incoming and returning LGBTQ+ students and a Lavender graduation for seniors.

Students can participate in six LGBTQ+ groups, including Pi Theta Sigma — a gender-neutral greek organization. UMD also offers a Greek Alliance for LGBTQ+ students immersed in fraternities and sororities.

The university features a Pride Alliance club, which advocates for LGBTQ+ students throughout the school. The LGBT Equity Center also supports program-specific groups for LGBTQ+ students pursuing STEM and business degrees.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology provides support for LGBTQ+ students and faculty through its LGBTQ+ Services office. This office completed a survey in 2016, compiling LGBTQ+ student and community recommendations for an improved experience on campus.

MIT's Rainbow Compass program matches LGBTQ+ undergraduates with graduate student mentors. This program encourages the development of academic, professional, and personal goals for LGBTQ+ students.

One of the top colleges for LGBTQ+ students, MIT scored 4.5 out five stars on the Campus Pride Index. The institute received high marks in LGBTQ+ counseling and health, housing and residential life, student life, and academic life.

MIT regularly plans social events for LGBTQ+ students and includes specific career resources for these individuals. The institute features gender-inclusive housing for new and returning students, along with inclusive bathroom and shower facilities.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Located in Allendale, Michigan, Grand Valley State University educates about 25,000 learners and features several LGBTQ+ student groups that meet the needs of first-year and graduate students, students of color, asexual or aromantic students, and transgender or nonbinary students.

GVSU's LGBTQ+ resource center engages in issues related to social justice and gender identity. First-year students joining the queer alliance student group can find many helpful resources. Graduate students can make connections through monthly networking and discussion groups with other LGBTQ+ students.

The university also boasts national membership in the Consortium of Higher Education for LGBT Resource Professionals.

One of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students, GVSU earned 4.5. out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. LGBTQ+ student life, housing and residence life, and support and institutional commitment at GVSU all received high marks.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities supports education, advocacy, and outreach for LGBTQ+ students. UMN's Gender and Sexuality Center for Queer and Trans Life helps make the university one of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students in the state.

Students interested in peer advocacy can join UMN's Sexuality and Gender Ambassador program. This group supports undergraduate students in their efforts to educate departments and individual classes about gender identity issues.

Graduate students can find endowment funding for LGBTQIA studies at the university; this fund provides money for a full year of interdisciplinary research for doctoral candidates. UMN also features gatherings for LGBTQ+ individuals employed by the university.

UMN earned 4.5 stars out of five on the Campus Pride Index, with high marks in areas like LGBTQ+ support and institutional commitment, counseling and health, student life, and housing and residence life.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Washington University in St. Louis offers peer mentorship, student groups, and programs for LGBTQ+ students. One of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students, Washington University's LGBTQ+ resource center works with Safe Zone to educate students and staff about gender identity issues.

The university features a free, two-day LGBTQ+ retreat for undergraduate students who wish to grow their leadership capacity and explore gender identity.

Washington University provides several student groups for LGBTQ+ students, including a Pride Alliance group, a peer mentorship program, an LGBTQ+ students of color discussion group, and a group for students in the process of coming out. The university also sponsors groups for transgender or nonbinary individuals and asexual or aromantic students.

Washington University received 4.5 out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. The university earned high marks in LGBTQ+ counseling and health services and student life.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Located in Bozeman, Montana State University is one of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students in the state. MSU's Diversity and Inclusion Student Commons features education and advocacy tools for students interested in learning about gender identity issues on campus.

The university ensures gender-neutral housing and restroom accommodations for LGBTQ+ students. MSU offers a student support group for LGBTQ+ students and allies who have concerns or questions, and individuals can find incident reporting forms online.

MSU earned four out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index, with high scores in LGBTQ+ counseling and health, policy inclusion, housing and residence life, and recruitment and retention efforts.

The university plans regular social and educational events centered around LGBTQ+ individuals and their issues. MSU also offers specific course listings for LGBTQ+ classes and an LGBTQ+ studies program.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

The University of Nebraska Omaha oversees a Gender and Sexuality Resource Center that hosts advocacy tools and student groups for women and LGBTQ+ students. This resource center features a Safe Space program that builds allies for LGBTQ+ students through educational workshops and the open discussion of gender identity issues.

UNO offers several student groups for LGBTQ+ learners, including an outreach program that focuses on advocacy for LGBTQ+ students on campus and in the larger Omaha community. The Queer and Trans Services agency helps students get involved at the local, state, and national levels; students can attend conferences related to campus pride and social change.

One of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students, UNO earned four out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. The university ranked highly in LGBTQ+ support and institutional commitment, academic life, housing and residence life, and policy inclusion.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas features an LGBTQ and Gender Studies Coordinator who oversees student workshops, program creation, and educational materials. UNLV uses Pride Month, in particular, to spread LGBTQ+-positive messaging and education to the campus.

LGBTQ+ students can access a variety of programs, including queer and trans people of color meet-ups and an LGBTQ+ Lavender aid night. The university celebrates graduating LGBTQ+ students through a Lavender graduation ceremony.

One of the best LGBTQ+ colleges in the state, UNLV works with peer educators to present training sessions on gender identity issues to students and staff. The LGBTQ and Gender Studies Coordinator also works closely with the university's Center for Social Justice.

Students can enjoy social events, such as the LGBTQ+ dessert social, which takes place at the beginning of the school year and welcomes all students, faculty, and allies. LGBTQ+ students can also partake in overnight leadership retreats.

Dartmouth College — located in Hanover, New Hampshire — boasts an LGBTQ+ alumni association that works with the college to improve the experience of current students on campus.

Community-specific campus resources also include a "chosen name" project, allowing all students to determine the name, gender identity, and pronoun they would like the university to use.

LGBTQ+ students can make use of the Rainbow Room and Triangle House, which are safe spaces for events, gatherings, and educational endeavors. Dartmouth's LGBTQ+ student advising program provides counseling and educational tools for students, regardless of gender identity.

Dartmouth earned 4.5 out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. One of the top colleges for LGBTQ+ students, Dartmouth received high marks in areas like LGBTQ+ policy inclusion, student life, recruitment and retention efforts, and housing and residence life.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Based in New Jersey, Princeton University received five out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. Princeton earned top marks in areas like LGBTQ+ recruitment and retention efforts, student life, campus safety, and support and institutional commitment.

Princeton's LGBT Center touts community-building education as a key pillar of the university's inclusion policies. Princeton meets this goal by providing advocacy and training related to gender identity issues.

One of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students, Princeton features a peer educators program that provides individual mentoring and broader educational outreach efforts within the campus community.

Princeton's oral history project allows students to collaborate with LGBTQ+ alumni to record their experiences at Princeton throughout the long history of the university. This program works closely with the university's archives and gender and sexuality studies program.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Based in Albuquerque, the University of New Mexico is one of the top colleges for LGBTQ+ students in the state. UNM's LGBTQ Resource Center sponsors awareness events, lecture series, and social events.

The university partners with Safe Zone to provide educational workshops and training for students and staff to learn about gender identity issues. UNM actively participates in national and international awareness events, including National Coming Out Day and the Transgender Day of Remembrance.

Students can receive free, confidential counseling — either individually or with groups of students. The university's counselors can help LGBTQ+ students with issues such as coming out, religious conflict, and depression and anxiety. The LGBTQ Resource Center also provides free educational materials about sexual health and identity.

UNM scored four stars out of five on the Campus Pride Index, earning high marks in areas like LGBTQ+ campus safety and student life.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Columbia University in the City of New York provides services such as group advising, advocacy, and education to its LGBTQ+ students. LGBTQ @ Columiba is a resource center that helps create a more inclusive environment for diverse students.

One of the top colleges for LGBTQ+ students, Columbia works with the Safe Zone initiative to educate staff and students about gender identity issues. Students can also join Quench — a lunch and discussion group that explores LGBTQ+ topics.

Columbia hosts a Lavender graduation to celebrate the academic achievements of LGBTQ+ learners. As part of the ceremony, Columbia encourages the nomination of students, staff, and alumni who positively impacted the LGBTQ+ community at Columbia.

Columbia earned 4.5 stars out of five on the Campus Pride Index. The university received high marks in areas such as LGBTQ+ student life, counseling and health, campus safety, and support and institutional commitment.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Davidson College — located in North Carolina — features a Center for Diversity and Inclusion that provides direct support services and community-building to students of color, LGBTQ+ students, and first-generation or undocumented students.

This center offers peer support and community safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students, and individuals can report any incidents of discrimination or bias to the college. Davidson regularly plans social and educational events on campus to celebrate LGBTQ+ students.

As one of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students, Davidson provides career development resources for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking internships and employment. The school's career center also offers information about LGBTQ+ rights in the workplace, industry resources, and tips for assessing the inclusivity of potential employers.

The college earned four out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index, with high ratings in LGBTQ+ support and institutional commitment, academic life, student life, and campus safety.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Located in Grand Forks, the University of North Dakota features a Pride Center where LGBTQ+ students can host events, study, and create discussion groups. The Pride Center keeps lists of faculty and staff who have undergone LGBTQ+ ally training.

UND's LGBTQ+ mentorship program pairs students with peer mentors who provide support — personally and academically. The mentorship program focuses on community-building and developing leadership skills in students.

The university awards one or more Pride Scholarships to incoming LGBTQ+ students who demonstrate their commitment to being an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. If no new students apply for the scholarship, UND may award the money to a current student.

As one of the top colleges for LGBTQ+ students, UND earned four out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. The university received high scores in areas like LGBTQ+ campus safety, housing and residence life, and counseling and health.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Based in Columbus, The Ohio State University is one of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students. The university earned five out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index, recording top scores in LGBTQ+ support and institutional commitment, student life, housing and residence life, and recruitment and retention efforts.

Ohio State's multicultural center supports LGBTQ+ initiatives like LGBTQ History Month and Transgender Empowerment and Awareness Week.

The center's support services offer social support to first-year and transfer LGBTQ+ students through bimonthly discussions and outings. Once a month, the center hosts a discussion group for queer and trans people of color to learn self-advocacy skills and discover the intersectionality of social justice issues.

Ohio State's leadership consortium allows different LGBTQ+ groups to come together and tackle political and social issues on campus and beyond. It also sponsors an "Out for Change" retreat.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

The University of Oklahoma is one of the highest-rated colleges for LGBTQ+ students in the state. The university's Gender and Equality Center features ally training for students interested in supporting the LGBTQ+ community on campus.

The university hosts seven different LGBTQ+ student groups on campus, including a program advisory board. OU provides aid to LGBTQ+ students enrolled in STEM or journalism studies. Additionally, LGBTQ+ graduate students can find support with two different groups, including one focusing on law students.

Students can pursue an LGBTQ+ minor at OU through the Department of Women's and Gender Studies. The program teaches LGBTQ+ history and delves into the personal experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals.

OU earned four stars out of five on the Campus Pride Index. The university received high scores in areas like LGBTQ+ recruitment and retention efforts, support and institutional commitment, academic life, and counseling and health.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Based in Eugene, the University of Oregon ranks as one of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students, scoring five out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. UO received high scores in areas such as counseling and health, recruitment and retention efforts, and housing and residence life.

UO's LGBTQ+ student resource center hosts a Lavender graduation to celebrate the academic achievements of LGBTQ+ students. The university also provides support groups for transgender and nonbinary students.

The school's queer ally group seeks to educate the campus community on gender identity issues and how to support LGBTQ+ causes. The resource center also offers mental health counseling, with advice on how to manage questions about identity and self-realization.

UO supports several different LGBTQ+ student groups, including one for graduate students. Queer, nonbinary, transgender, and asexual or aromantic students can all find student groups in the community.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Philadelphia's University of Pennsylvania earned five out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index, marking it as one of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students. The university received high scores in LGBTQ+ counseling and health, campus safety, student life, and housing and residence life.

Penn's LGBT Center hosts frequent student events, such as discussion groups with students and tea times with faculty and staff. LGBTQ+ students can explore gender identity and social justice issues with peers and professors.

The university features a mentor program, pairing LGBTQ+ students with trained peer mentors who can support students on their journey of self-discovery. Any student at Penn may sign up for the mentorship program.

The LGBT Center provides career help to LGBTQ+ students through resume workshops and the LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Located in Providence, Rhode Island College features an LGBTQ+ and Gender Office that services allies, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and cis-gender women who experienced gender-based discrimination.

This center provides links to several LGBTQ+ scholarship options. Some scholarships target all LGBTQ+ applicants, while others serve specific populations, such as LGBTQ+ immigrants or women.

One of the best LGBTQ+ colleges in the state, RIC also provides grant opportunities for undergraduates and internships with organizations dealing with transgender, sexual violence advocacy, and LGBTQ+ litigation.

Students can participate in LGBTQ+ groups on campus, including a student alliance organization for supporters of LGBTQ+ individuals and issues.

RIC earned 2.5 out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. The college earned relatively high marks in areas like LGBTQ+ policy inclusion, support and institutional commitment, counseling and health, and academic life.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

South Carolina's Clemson University is home to a variety of LGBTQ+ organizations, including student alliance and campus ministry groups.

Clemson offers support for LGBTQ+ students pursuing a STEM degree through its nationally recognized chapter of oSTEM. Additionally, the school's Queer Students of Color Association seeks to educate the campus about the needs of LGBTQ+ people of color.

Students may apply for the Rainbow Fellowship, which provides individual mentoring to first-year and transfer students as they transition into college and explore questions of gender identity and sexual orientation.

One of the top colleges for LGBTQ+ students in the state, Clemson earned 3.5 out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. The university earned high ratings in areas like LGBTQ+ support and institutional commitment, counseling and health, and student life.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Based in Brookings, South Dakota State University ranks as one of the best LGBTQ+ colleges in the state. SDSU's LGBTQIA+ Resource Center highlights links for students with questions about coming out or seeking to become allies.

The university's ally training program employs Safe Zone training to help students and staff better understand LGBTQ+ issues and concerns. Trained allies seek to create inclusive, welcoming environments for LGBTQ+ students.

Students can join the Gender and Sexualities Alliance to promote the education of gender identity issues. This student group organizes events like National Coming Out Day and the biannual drag show on campus.

SDSU earned 2.5 out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index, with relatively high marks in areas such as LGBTQ+ student life, policy inclusion, and academic life. The university also offers an LGBTQ+ studies program.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Vanderbilt University — based in Nashville, Tennessee — has an LGBTQI Life cultural center that supports students of all genders and identities by providing workshops and training, student and affinity groups, and campus events.

One of the top colleges for LGBTQ+ students, Vanderbilt offers three LGBTQ+ student groups for undergraduates and six groups for graduate students. For example, the university specifically supports LGBTQ+ students studying in engineering, law, nursing, and business.

Vanderbilt provides three-hour training sessions several times throughout the semester for students interested in supporting the LGBTQ+ community on campus. These allies provide safe spaces for LGBTQ+ students and help combat discriminatory or biased incidences.

Vanderbilt scored four out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. The university received high marks in areas such as LGBTQ+ student life, support and institutional commitment, campus safety, and counseling and health.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

The University of Texas at Dallas earned five out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. One of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students, the school received the highest possible ratings in LGBTQ+ support and institutional commitment, student life, campus safety, and counseling and health.

UT Dallas' Galerstein Gender Center advocates for LGBTQ+ students, as well as women and people of color. The center supports its goals by providing lectures and workshops that are open to all learners. LGBTQ+ students can also find resources for leadership development and advocacy.

The university features a Lavender graduation ceremony and scholarship programs for incoming and current students. UT Dallas holds events for National Coming Out Day, Pride Month, and the Transgender Day of Remembrance. Students can participate in discussion groups to explore topics related to gender identity and sexual orientation in a safe, open setting.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Located in Salt Lake City, the University of Utah offers an LGBTQ+ resource center devoted to creating a safe environment for LGBTQ+ students. The resource center boasts working relationships with organizations like the Utah Pride Center, Equality Utah, the Rape Recovery Center, and the American Red Cross.

The U features an anonymous email service for LGBTQ+ students, which allows them to ask questions of their peers through the resource center's website. Students can also sign up for workshops exploring themes of social justice, identity, and diversity and inclusion.

One of the top colleges for LGBTQ+ students, the U received 4.5 stars out of five on the Campus Pride Index. The school earned high scores in areas related to LGBTQ+ student life, housing and residence life, counseling and health, and recruitment and retention efforts.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Located in Burlington, the University of Vermont seeks to empower LGBTQ+ students through educational programs, campus events, and student groups. UVM's Prism Center helps make the university one of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students.

UVM features a Rainbow Graduation and awards ceremony, celebrating LGBTQ+ academic achievements. The Prism Center hosts a month of LGBTQ+ programs in April, including poetry readings and panel discussions on LGBTQ+ issues. Students can participate in queer community dinners each month, taking advantage of informal social gatherings and free homemade meals.

The university provides gender-inclusive housing and restrooms for LGBTQ+ students on campus, as well as counseling services.

UVM earned 4.5 out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. The university received high marks in areas like LGBTQ+ counseling and health, campus safety, support and institutional commitment, and housing and residence life.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

The University of Virginia — based in Charlottesville — provides LGBTQ+ student services that help raise awareness related to gender identity and sexual orientation issues across campus.

UVA works with Safe Space to provide training to faculty, staff, and students who want to be allies to LGBTQ+ students. Safe Space provides two-hour, interactive training sessions that include lessons in LGBTQ+ terminology.

Students can participate in queer health talk workshops that provide presentations and speeches on LGBTQ+ health-related issues, such as HIV testing and transgender transitioning and health. Each workshop ends with an informal discussion group

One of the top colleges for LGBTQ+ students, UVA earned 4.5 out of five stars from the Campus Pride Index. The university received high scores in areas such as LGBTQ+ support and institutional commitment, student life, housing and residence life, and counseling and health.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

The University of Washington rates as one of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students, earning five out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. UW received the highest possible scores in LGBTQ+ support and institutional commitment, counseling and health, recruitment and retention efforts, and student life.

UW's Q Center oversees gender discussion groups and a queer mentoring program. The mentoring program connects peers who wish to discuss issues related to the LGBTQ+ community, including coming out and transitioning.

The university now offers a "preferred name" option for students who wish to change their names in UW's databases and records. LGBTQ+ students of color can join a confidential discussion group that covers intersectional topics of gender, race, and identity.

UW provides gender-neutral housing and restroom options for all students on campus.

Learn more at Campus Pride.

Based in Morgantown, West Virginia University offers Safe Zone training for faculty, students, and staff, helping to create active allies for the LGBTQ+ community. Safe Zone sessions discuss LGBTQ+ issues in general and transgender issues in particular.

WVU's LGBTQ+ Center supports student alliance organizations in specific areas of study, such as medicine, law, engineering, and STEM. Groups like Speaker's Bureau and Spectrum offer a forum for LGBTQ+ students to discuss gender identity and sexual orientation issues.

The university provides on-campus resources for LGBTQ+ students, such as gender-inclusive restrooms, legal name change assistance, and gender-neutral living arrangements. WVU's Commission for LGBTQ Equity advocates for greater diversity and inclusion within the school.

LGBTQ+ allies and alumni can join an alumni group, fostering closer friendships between LGBTQ+ students and graduates; participants can take advantage of mentorship and networking opportunities.

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire oversees a Gender and Sexuality Resource Center, which serves as a safe space for all students, including LGBTQ+ students and other marginalized groups. This resource center partners with academic departments and advisory committees across campus, encouraging educational endeavors related to LGBTQ+ issues.

UWEC features a peer connection program for LGBTQ+ students. The group meets monthly and offers mentorship for students in personal or academic matters. The university recently opened new housing options for LGBTQ+ students and their allies, creating a safe space on campus for students to live.

One of the best colleges for LGBTQ+ students, UWEC received five out of five stars on the Campus Pride Index. The university earned top marks in areas such as LGBTQ+ support and institutional commitment, student life, campus safety, and housing and residence life.

Learn more at Campus Pride.