30. Wake Forest University
Location: Winston Salem, North Carolina
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A
"Academics at Wake are impeccable," one student said. "You will get a great education, albeit with a large workload. The workload is manageable, and if you want to actually learn something in college, go here."
Greek life takes over campus on the weekends.
"Greek life dominates the party scene, so usually there is either a frat lounge party or off-campus house party every Friday and Saturday night," one freshman noted.
29. University of Florida
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Academics: A
Party Scene: A+
"A lot of people party — almost every day of the week there's going to be people at the club," one senior said.
There's still plenty of time to study, however.
"I have never been challenged as much in my academics than I have at UF, but being challenged like this is only going to help me in life after college," a junior noted.
28. Tulane University
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A+
"Tulane seamlessly combines social life and academic rigor to provide a great college experience and ensure success after graduation," one sophomore commented.
Other students agree — Tulane students study as hard as they party.
"Most students follow the 'work hard, play hard' model religiously," one freshman reported. "Most students study all day and go out after. People do go out a decent amount during the week, as many of the bars have deals during weeknights."
27. Carnegie Mellon University
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Academics: A+
Party Scene: B+
"Academics are intense and you will lose sleep, but it's generally because you like what you are doing," one student summed up.
But despite the rigorous coursework, students still find time for active social lives.
"Whoever said there isn't a party scene is either completely oblivious or has weird taste in what they consider a party," a freshman said. "The party scene is completely what you want it to be, if you're not into it it's easy to ignore."
26. New York University
Location: New York, New York
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A+
"Academics are competitive, but manageable," one senior reported. "You work hard and results will show. Great professors, great classes, and great supportive environment to help you succeed."
And with New York City as a backdrop, there are ample opportunities to party.
"NYC is the best place in the world. If you're not having fun, you're not trying to," one student said.
25. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A
"The workload for all my required classes is a bit much at times, but that's the expectation and it is possible to do everything," one freshman shared.
Students learn how to unwind too, though.
"Every night there is always something to do out in Chapel Hill," a senior said. "Whether it is a frat party or a club or a bar, the nightlife in Chapel Hill is fantastic and a fun way to meet fellow students."
24. University of California at Los Angeles
Location: Los Angeles, California
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A
"The school system requires a lot of independent studying, but the resources are abundant and as long as you try, you will find opportunities," a freshman said.
In their downtime, every student can find their favorite way to relax.
"There's parties as small as one person to as big as over two hundred people," one student noted. "Or, you can stay home and watch other people party on Netflix. Or, you can go to a chill apartment party with your cool kid friends."
23. University of Southern California
Location: Los Angeles, California
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A+
"There are parties every week on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, sometimes even on Wednesdays, famous DJs come to some fraternities, and the best parties take place on The Row," one student said, referring to to USC's hub of Greek houses.
Students also spend plenty of time hitting the books.
"USC has excellent academics," a freshman noted. "The courses are challenging, but the staff and faculty are extremely helpful in ensuring your success and attaining your goals."
22. Georgia Institute of Technology
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A-
"Classes are very difficult, forcing you to work hard," one freshman reported. "But by the end of the semester, you are surprised by how much you have learned."
The school's urban location and big Greek scene means there's always something to do on the weekend.
"As students get older, they tend to gravitate towards various events around Atlanta, and there are several popular clubs," one senior said. "Also, off-campus parties at peoples' houses and apartments are another option."
20. (TIE) University of Texas at Austin
Location: Austin, Texas
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A+
"So much to do and events going on all the time," one junior said. "You don't need to be part of the Greek system to have a good time. UT students can definitely work hard and play hard. Oh, and being in the live music capital of the world is also a plus!"
20. (TIE) Georgetown University
Location: Washington, DC
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A+
"Classes are difficult, but you are getting an amazing education," one sophomore commented. "Classes force you to think about things in new ways and open your eyes to a lot of interesting things."
When it comes to their social lives, students take advantage of Georgetown's DC location.
"DC has so many possible options. Everything is within walking distance and there are always house parties going on," one student noted. "There are so many pre-games that go on and Village A rooftops are always a popular option. The bars and clubs in DC are incredible."
19. Columbia University
Location: New York, New York
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A
"It's not a party school, but with New York City as our playground, it is easy to have an active social life and find whatever activity it is that one is interested in," a freshman said.
Columbia is known for its academic rigor as well.
"Not for the faint-of-heart, Columbia will give you the challenge you seek in every aspect of your college experience, and the academic sector is where the growth begins," one senior noted.
17. (TIE) University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Location: Champaign, Illinois
Academics: A
Party Scene: A+
"If a student wanted to go out every day of the week at UIUC they could," one student said. "There are ALWAYS options to party on campus. Luckily, majority of the students at U of I are very serious about their education and do not allow the party scene to disrupt the reason they came to the amazing school."
17. (TIE) Brown University
Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A
"Challenging academics, but the challenge forces you to expand your ways of thinking and reach new depths of understanding," one student noted.
The party scene also thrives.
"Brown students love to party," one freshman said. "In general, people stay close to campus most of the time, and every once in a while will venture downtown. The party scene is pretty egalitarian and not exclusive."
16. College of William & Mary
Location: Williamsburg, Virginia
Academics: A+
Party Scene: B-
"Professors are top of the line, the workload is difficult, but definitely manageable if you try, and the academics are excellent," one freshman commented.
On the weekends, students make their own fun.
"Parties take place between Thursday and Saturday, and if you have an amazing group of friends, you can usually have an amazing time," another freshman noted. "Most take place on off or on-campus frat houses and are an amazing end to a stressful week."
15. Rice University
Location: Houston, Texas
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A
"Parties are so much fun here!" one sophomore said. "We have a lenient alcohol policy, fun people, and cool themes. I have much more fun at Rice parties than I do when visiting friends at big state schools."
Students still remain focused on their studies though.
"The reason why we all chose Rice is academics, really," one freshman commented. "I learned so, so, so much in the first semester alone."
14. Case Western Reserve University
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Academics: A+
Party Scene: B
"The academics here are challenging, but you will definitely graduate with an excellent education," one freshman said.
Outside of the classroom, Greek life is huge.
"We've got a chapter for pretty much everyone who's interested," another student explained. "We throw pretty bomb parties. Overall, whether or not you're a part of it, Greek life has a very positive impact on the community."
13. Washington University in St. Louis
Location: St. Louis, Missouri
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A
"The academics at WashU are superb," one sophomore said. "The teachers add fun and an innovative approach to lessons, which creates an intellectual vibe here."
Rigorous academics don't keep students from having fun, though.
"You can find frat parties, bar nights, clubs, and small liberal-arts-college-like parties," another sophomore reported. "You really have every side of nightlife at WashU. You see similar people out every night, but you're always meeting new people."
11. (TIE) Washington & Lee University
Location: Lexington, Virginia
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A-
"The people at school are very easy to talk to, party with, and learn with," one student said. "A very work hard, play hard environment leads to many girls and guys getting together and getting to know each other well. I love my college."
11. (TIE) Yale University
Location: New Haven, Connecticut
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A
"There are all types of parties here, from 'parties' that are really just people sitting on a couch getting to know each other and having simple fun to hardcore parties with lots of dancing, alcohol, loud music, and tons of people," one freshman explained. "There's something for everyone."
This variety carries over to academics as well.
"This school is amazing. Every possible class imaginable and more are offered!" another freshman noted. "Taught by the brightest minds around."
10. Stanford University
Location: Stanford, California
Academics: A+
Party Scene: B-
"Stanford is simply the best school in the world," a freshman reported. "The academics are top-notch, and even though it's hard, it's worth it."
Though it's not known as a party school, Stanford students know how to have a good time.
"They might be a little less frequent and a little less publicized, but they're definitely there," one sophomore said. "The social scene ranges from classic frat parties to co-op parties, including live music and alcohol most Wednesdays in various places."
9. University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A+
"Academics are rigorous. They're what you would expect from a world-renowned university," one sophomore commented. "It really boils down to amount of effort students put in. If you want to succeed, you will find ample opportunities and resources to do so."
Students find plenty of opportunities to let loose outside of class.
"There are parties every single weekend, literally everywhere," one freshman said. "Often times, I am faced with choosing between three or four parties!"
8. Cornell University
Location: Ithaca, New York
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A
"Lots of house parties, bars, Slope Day, concerts. Overall, you can find a good time any day of the week," one recent graduate said.
Academics still take center stage.
"It's an Ivy League school with a reputation to match. The lecturers are great, the homework is challenging," another alum noted. "They want you to think. They want you to work hard."
7. University of Virginia
Location: Charlottesville, Virginia
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A+
"The professors at UVA are excellent," one senior commented. "Although the workload is hard, I think that I am getting a great education here."
Students still make time for fun, however.
"Many students drink and go out multiple nights of the week, so it gets talked about a lot," one sophomore noted. "You might wonder how everyone could disappear so early from the libraries on a school night."
6. Lehigh University
Location: Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A+
"Everyone is very focused on studying, but at the end of the day love to go out and have a good time," one freshman commented.
There's always something going on, too.
"The nightlife at Lehigh is one of the best," a sophomore said. "There's always at least one party happening on every night of the week. It's mostly Greek or sport parties held in off-campus houses. There are a couple good bars to go to on off nights, or if house parties end earlier."
5. Colgate University
Location: Hamilton, New York
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A+
"Colgate students enjoy an active social life," one recent graduate noted. "They work hard and play hard with an unlimited number of options available to them."
Other graduates agree.
"Classes at Colgate are rigorous and the workload is intense, but the professors are engaging, accessible, and know you by name," another recent alum said. "It is a school that encourages discussion and participation, not isolation and solitude."
4. Dartmouth College
Location: Hanover, New Hampshire
Academics: A+
Party Scene: B
"Top-notch school with fantastic academics!" one sophomore shared. "Students are smart and driven. Great professors, programs, and lots of opportunities for research."
On the weekends, Dartmouth's Greek life scene thrives.
"We have lots of frats with varying personalities, but there is definitely a place for everyone," one sophomore said.
3. Vanderbilt University
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A+
"There's definitely a work hard, play hard attitude — students prioritize academics, but definitely love to go out and have fun," one freshman noted.
Students are never without something to do in their downtime.
"You will generally always have the option of going out on the weekends," another freshman said. "Whether you want to hit the frats, McGill, or dorm parties, there will always be something to do."
2. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A
"You'll work harder in school than you ever have, but it's entirely worth it," one sophomore commented.
Students also find plenty of time to get out the library.
"Boston. Enough Said. Parties go on every night of the week, with the biggest days obviously being Friday and Saturday, though the majority take place at the fraternities across the river in Boston," one student explained. "There are a quarter million college students in Boston, so if you're up for taking the shuttle, or taking a walk across Harvard bridge, you can always find a party."
1. University of Pennsylvania
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Academics: A+
Party Scene: A+
"For a school with such serious academic students, Penn has some awesome parties, especially during key weekends like NSO, St. Paddy's, and Fling," one junior said. "Whether its BYOing with your friends, hitting the local bars or clubs, or attending fraternity parties, there is something for everyone."
