There's a saying that if you visit a campus in the fall, you're sure to "fall for it." While that may be true, the chance that you might sell your soul to a school too early shouldn't keep you from making college visits, whether it's in person or virtually.
In fact, the United States 2023 autumnal equinox is set to occur on September 23! The fall semester is the best time to visit, whether you're a junior or senior in high school. Get in the mood for fall by visiting one of Fastweb's top ten fall college campuses this month.
Top 10 Best College Campuses in Fall
- University of Colorado – Boulder, CO The University of Colorado is nestled into the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and once fall arrives, the mountains come to life with an explosion of color. Students at the University of Colorado are already outdoor enthusiasts, but the fall ensures that everyone is out and about when class is not in session. Home to over 27,000 students, it's a beautiful place to live in the fall – as well as every other time of the year. Learn more about the University of Colorado.
- Purdue University – West Lafayette, IN Purdue University boasts its own Arboretum, complete with three walking trails for visitors to walk during their time on campus. During the fall months, the Arboretum really shows off. It has been recognized as a Tree Campus USA since 2009. Learn more about Purdue University.
- Dartmouth College – Hanover, NH Dartmouth is one of the oldest colleges in the country and rests on 269 acres of rural New Hampshire land. Its seclusion makes it a prime location for fall foliage viewing. With the smallest enrollment of the Ivies, students tend to stick close to campus, preferring all that the campus has to offer from an extracurricular and outdoor activities perspective. Learn more about Dartmouth College.
- Ohio University – Athens, OH The fall colors burst on the campus of Ohio University, which is situated on 1,850 acres of beautiful Midwestern land near the Hocking River. It is known as one of the most beautiful residential college campuses in the country, and is oftentimes referred to as “Harvard on the Hocking.” During the school year, it is home to over 21,000 students from all 50 states as well as 100 countries around the world. Learn more about Ohio University.
- Northwestern University – Chicago, IL Despite its location in downtown Chicago, Northwestern holds a spot in the top 10 most beautiful fall college campuses. Students have fall traditions on this campus that include talking a walk down tree-lined Sheridan Road, picnicking by Lake Michigan, catching a Northwestern football game and grabbing a slice of pumpkin or apple pie at Hoosier Mama Pie Company. Learn more about Northwestern University.
- University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, NC The University of North Carolina considers itself the oldest public university in the country. With that, the historic architecture and landmarks act as the perfect backdrop for the changing colors of fall. Chapel Hill offers numerous trails to explore the foliage on 70-degree fall days – sounds pretty perfect. Learn more about University of North Carolina.
- Kenyon College – Gambier, OH The oldest private college in Ohio, Kenyon's gothic architecture magnifies the beauty of the fall leaves across campus. Located in a more rural area, there is plenty of fall foliage to go around as students make their way to classes, sporting events and local coffee shops. Learn more about Kenyon College.
- University of Washington – Seattle, WA The trees at University of Washington put on quite a show a few times a year. In spring, cherry blossoms dot the campus, and in fall, the leaves on the 10,000 campus trees are equally as stunning. The university also works with the City of Seattle to maintain 230 acres of botanic gardens along the shore of Lake Washington – so there is plenty of fall foliage for students at the University of Washington to enjoy. Learn more about the University of Washington.
- University of Central Missouri – Warrensburg, MO Founded in 1871, the trees on this Midwestern campus have had plenty of time to grow. The campus is filled with marvelous oak and maple trees. Come autumn the trees glow with colors of yellow, orange and red grandeur. A medium-sized campus in rural Missouri, UCM is holds much history and intriguing artifacts—including a mirror from the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair. Approximately 12,000 students are enrolled at this state university. Learn more about University of Central Missouri.
- Middlebury College – Middlebury, VT
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Kathryn Knight Randolph
Associate Content Editor
Kathryn Knight Randolph is the Associate Content Editor at Fastweb. She has 17 years of higher education experience, working first as an Admissions Officer at DePauw University before joining Fastweb. In b...