REVEALED: 2022’s Most LGBTQ+-Friendly Colleges & Universities in the US

Campus Pride has revealed this year's 'Best of the Best Colleges and Universities for LGBTQ+ students' in the United States, recognizing the work of 40 campuses in making their communities safer and more welcoming environments for students, faculty, and staff alike.

“Campus Pride created the Best of the Best List to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of these colleges and universities, creating safer, more welcoming campuses for LGBTQ+ people,” said Shane Mendez Windmeyer, Campus Pride's Executive Director. “Students, prospective students, and their families, along with faculty and staff members, deserve to know whether they will be safe on campus, so they can make the best choices for their own academic success – and by creating inclusive, safe environments these colleges are taking responsibility for all students.”

The announcement from Campus Pride features 40 four-year campuses from across the country. These campuses have achieved 5 out of 5 stars on the Campus Pride Index (CPI), the definitive national benchmarking tool measuring LGBTQ-friendly policies, programs, and practices. To earn a ranking of 5 out of 5 stars, campuses receive a percentage score from 90 to 100 based on their LGBTQ-inclusive policies, programs, and practices. The methodology to determine this year’s Best of the Best List was based on an overall score of 93 percent or higher.

Campus Pride is seeing "more and more colleges earn 5 stars because campuses are doing more to support their trans students,” shared Dr. Genny Beemyn, the coordinator of Campus Pride’s Trans Policy Clearinghouse. “While all colleges can and should do more to be trans-inclusive, many institutions are taking important steps forward.”

“The work Campus Pride does every day to foster safer, more welcoming campuses across the country is creating positive change for students, staff, and faculty, as this year’s Best of the Best list reflects that with 40 colleges represented, up from 30 last year,” added Tom Elliott, Campus Pride Board Chair. “At a time when LGBTQ+ rights and other civil rights are under assault in states across the country, including Texas and Florida, it is as important as ever to recognize the campuses in these states working to create spaces where the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders can learn and flourish.”

2022's Best of the Best LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges and Universities (listed by region, in alphabetical order by state), include:

Mid-Atlantic Region

Towson University, MD

Montclair State University, NJ

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-New Brunswick, NJ

Adelphi University, NY

Ithaca College, NY

Pace University, NY

Lehigh University, PA

The Pennsylvania State University, PA

University of Pennsylvania, PA

Midwest

Northern Illinois University, IL

Southern Illinois University Carbondale, IL

University of Illinois at Chicago, IL

Indiana University, IN

Purdue University, IN

Kansas State University, KS

Oakland University, MI

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, MI

Macalester College, MN

Minnesota State University-Mankato, MN

University of Nebraska at Kearney, NE

Kent State University, OH

The Ohio State University, OH

University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, WI

University of Wisconsin Green Bay, WI

University of Wisconsin Milwaukee, WI

New England

Tufts University, MA

University of Massachusetts, MA

University of Vermont, VT

Southeast

University of North Florida, FL

University of Louisville, KY

Elon University, NC

George Mason University, VA

Virginia Wesleyan University, VA

Southwest

Texas Tech University, TX

University of Texas at Dallas, TX

West

San Diego State University, CA

University of Colorado at Boulder, CO

University of Northern Colorado, CO

Southern Oregon University, OR

Washington State University, WA

Click here for more information about the list.

WORKFAIR 2022

If you are looking for a new role with an inclusive employer, don't forget to sign up to our free careers fair WorkFair 2022 on October 19, here.