A colorful float representing Greek life marches at a homecoming day parade in Oklahoma.
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The Wall Street Journal, in collaboration with College Pulse, ranked the best party schools in the US.
The Journal ranked schools based on student and alumni data about the party culture on campus.
Tulane University took the top spot for 2025, followed by the University of Dayton.
Every fall, colleges around the country hold a week of exciting campus events — from themed parties and parades to sporting events and Homecoming — oftentimes having weeklong celebrations. But according to a new Wall Street Journal ranking, Tulane University is the No. 1 party school in the US for 2025.
Still, there are plenty of schools out there that know how to have a good time. One school — the University of Miami — has a boat-burning ceremony where scores of students gather around Lake Osceola in Coral Gables, Florida, to watch a boat set on fire.
Another, like Texas State University, which has campuses in San Marcos and Round Rock, Texas, engages in competitive games, such as the annual Soap Box Derby, where students build their own cars.
Fall campus celebrations also boost local economies. Hampton University, for example, noted that annual events, including homecoming and commencement, bring in more than $5.2 billion annually to the historically Black university.
Every year, The Wall Street Journal publishes a list of the best party schools in the US as part of its annual best colleges list. To identify the top party schools, the outlet collaborated with research agency College Pulse to survey tens of thousands of students and recent alums. The survey included various questions about student life, career prep, and the party scenes at their colleges.
Tulane University in New Orleans took the crown for the top party school this year, while the University of Dayton in Ohio followed in second place.
Here's a closer look at the best party schools that made the list.
10. The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee
Students celebrate during the university's pre-welcome week at the University of the South, which was ranked the 10th best party school.
Buck Butler/University of the South
Until last year, this southern institution didn't make the list of the Journal's top 20 party schools. However, it's risen in the ranks this year and secured a place at No. 10.
The school's annual Homecoming celebrations kick off on October 31 this year. Students and alums can expect a fun-filled weekend with events such as an early morning 5K run, class reunion parties, pre-game tailgate parties, and a parade.
8. West Virginia University in Morgantown
West Virginia University students cheer their fullback Elijah Wellman after the football game against Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
West Virginia University has been on several top-party school lists in the past. And this year, it sits at No. 8 on the Journal's list.
Known for its vibrant campus culture and abundant student clubs and organizations, this Mountain State university fares well among students for its thriving social scene. In fact, students can choose from over 70 Greek life organizations. In addition to the campus, students also enjoy visiting Morgantown's many bars, clubs, and restaurants.
"My fellow students and I are focused on our studies and being prepared for the future, but we also understand the value of work/life balance," Charlie Long, the president of WVU's student government association, told Business Insider in a statement. "Our motto is 'work hard, play smart,' and that's what I see every day on our campus."
For the school's annual Homecoming celebration, which returns on October 18 this year, university officials have planned various in-person and virtual events.
7. Miami University in Oxford, Ohio
Mac Hippenhammer of the Miami RedHawks celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the first quarter against the Cincinnati Bearcats at Paycor Stadium in 2022.
Dylan Buell/Getty Images
Seventh on the list is Miami University.
The school is home to more than 50 Greek life chapters, which have a large and active presence on campus. Students can also join one of the school's 600 organizations or hobby-specific social clubs.
Last month, the school celebrated its annual Homecoming event by hosting a yard show, wine tasting, and yoga at the park.
9. University of South Carolina in Columbia
University of South Carolina students celebrate after their women's basketball team, the Gamecocks, won 87-75 against Iowa Hawkeyes in April.
Sean Rayford/Getty Images
Another new addition to this year's list is the University of South Carolina, ranked ninth.
Greek life dominates the culture at USC, with over 8,500 students participating in its 47 organizations. These Greek chapters help students find fellowship and community on campus by organizing annual conferences and events.
This year's Homecoming celebrations, which will begin November 1, include activities such as the school's annual tailgate and Gamecock gala.
6. University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Madison students at a 2021 football game against Notre Dame at Solider Field in Chicago.
Icon Sportswire/Dan Sanger/Getty Images
Another fresh addition to the list is the University of Wisconsin-Madison, ranked sixth.
Students at UW-Madison have access to various social activities, ranging from recreational and leadership-based to philanthropic. The school also has over 60 Greek organizations.
"There is a good campus life and downtown Madison is a great place for socializing and interacting with others," one college junior wrote about the school on the university ranking website Niche. "Most people here want to see you succeed, and it is a very enjoyable experience."
Starting October 20, the school undergoes a celebratory transformation for Homecoming week, where students, alums, and several social clubs come together to participate in traditional events.
5. University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa
Students and football enthusiasts cheer for the Alabama Crimson Tide at the Camping World in 2018.
Jamie Lamor Thompson/Shutterstock
Fifth on the list is this southern institution, which enjoys quite a reputation as a top-party school.
With 71 social Greek life chapters, the school has been one of the nation's largest fraternity and sorority communities in terms of active membership since 2021.
"I have loved the first few weeks that I have been part of the UA community," a university freshman wrote on Niche, adding that they have "made connections with students from all over the country, and that has been an eye-opening experience for me."
This year's Homecoming theme is "New Era, Same Standard." The weeklong event, which kicks off on October 20, includes a pep rally, parade, and bonfire.
4. Michigan State University in East Lansing
Darius Snow, #23 of the Michigan State Spartans, celebrates with fans after a game between Michigan State and Maryland at SECU Stadium.
Roger Wimmer/ISI Photos/Getty Images
This East Lansing-based university ranked fourth.
MSU's 5,200-acre campus has plenty of socio-cultural offerings to keep students engaged when not attending classes or annotating for lectures at the library. The school features 61 Greek chapters, 30 dining options, and top sporting facilities.
"During my past four years here at MSU, I can say it has been a long journey yet pleasant experience," a college senior wrote in an online review on Niche. "I've joined many organizations and groups that helped support me [in] achieving in my academic career successfully."
The school's Homecoming festivities, which begin October 14, include the annual parade, Glowing Green — an event where residents support the university by swapping a light in their home with a green one — and a football game where the hometeam, Spartans, take on the Hawkeyes from the University of Iowa.
3. Florida State University in Tallahassee
Florida State supporters before the 2024 Aer Lingus College Football Classic match between Florida State and Georgia Tech at Aviva Stadium in Dublin.
David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile/Getty Images
The third-best party school is Florida State.
Sports is a huge part of campus life, with many students supporting a variety of athletics, from football to golf. When they're not rooting for their fellow classmates, students at FSU enjoy being part of the more than 700 clubs on campus.
"FSU is a place that accommodates many lifestyles and types of people," a college sophomore wrote on Niche, emphasizing that students with wide-ranging interests can enjoy themselves. "You can have an amazing time here without taking a sip of alcohol or ever going to any of the many nightclubs because there's always something happening right on campus."
The college celebrates Homecoming starting November 22. This year's lineup includes an entrepreneurship expo, a parade, and networking brunches.
2. University of Dayton in Ohio
Dayton Flyers' fans cheer during a game against the Davidson Wildcats.
Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire/Getty Images
Last year, the University of Dayton was ninth on the list. However, this year, it has moved up eight spots to claim the No. 2 spot.
Students can choose from various clubs and organizations at this university based on their interests. The college is also well-known for its sporting facilities and robust intramural sports.
Brown Street, adjacent to the campus, is a popular student hangout spot due to its many eateries, including Bourbon Street Grill & Cafe and Pine Club.
Speaking of their experience on campus, one college senior wrote on Niche, "I loved my time at UD. Not only was UD a perfect place academically, but socially as well."
1. Tulane University in New Orleans
Defensive back Lance Robinson, #7 of the Tulane Green Wave, celebrates with Tulane fans after beating the Kansas State Wildcats 17-10 at Bill Snyder Family Football Stadium in Manhattan, Kansas in 2022.
Peter Aiken/Getty Images
Tulane University, which was seventh last year, is the No. 1 party school for the Journal's 2025 list.
Famous for its spirited campus atmosphere, especially during Mardi Gras, this New Orleans-based university enjoys its party-school reputation because of its location and front-row access to the city's vibrant culture.
In addition to off-site bars and eateries, the college has 25 Greek chapters and over 200 social clubs, such as the Just Dance Club, the Improv Club, and even a crochet club.
One college freshman summarized it best: "The school is the definition of work hard, play hard(er)!"
