Campus Pride’s 2023 BEST OF THE BEST LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges & Universities

HOW DID WE CHOOSE THE BEST OF THE BEST?

This year, Campus Pride chose thirty campuses for the 2023 Best of the Best LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges & Universities List.  This is based on the campuses overall ratings on the Campus Pride Index and specific LGBTQ-inclusive benchmark measures. In order to be in the “Best of the Best” listing, an institution had to score the highest percentage in the LGBTQ-friendly benchmarks for policies, programs and practices.

The Campus Pride Index, which currently includes 240+ campuses, is the premier national benchmarking tool that assesses LGBTQ-friendly policies, programs and practices. The tool is free of charge for the public and can be accessed online at CampusPrideIndex.org.  Seven years ago, Campus Pride also launched the Campus Pride Sports Index, which measures LGBTQ progress in athletics and recreation. This tool is slowly growing with college sports participants and can be accessed at CampusPrideSportsIndex.org

WHY IS THIS LISTING VALUABLE TO LGBTQ YOUTH & FAMILIES?

For the last seventeen years, Campus Pride has been the most trusted, reliable educational resource for students and families who want to find the best campuses for LGBTQ inclusion and safety. The organization works alongside students, faculty, staff and administrators at 1400+ campuses annually to help support and improve the quality of campus life for LGBTQ people.

“LGBTQ youth and families want to know what campuses are doing when it comes to inclusive policies, programs and practices. The ‘Best of the Best’ highlights the Top 30 this year across various regions throughout the country,” said Shane Windmeyer, executive director of Campus Pride and creator of the Campus Pride Index. “Campus Pride applauds the growing number of campuses that are ‘coming out’ and wanting to be the ‘Best of the Best’ each year.”

WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ABOUT THESE & OTHER LGBTQ-FRIENDLY COLLEGES?

The “Best of the Best” campuses—and others with LGBTQ-friendly profiles—can be found by searching the Campus Pride Index by campus name or by star rating (all Best of the Best schools have 5-star ratings). In addition, you can find several featured in past video interviews on the Campus Pride Spotlight Series  at CampusPride.org/CampusSpotlight.

WHY ARE THERE NO FLORIDA OR TEXAS COLLEGES ON THE LIST?

Due to the recent passage of state laws in Florida and Texas that effectively ban LGBTQ+ inclusive policies, programs and practices on college and university campuses, this year Campus Pride has decided to exclude Florida and Texas campuses from the 2023 Best of the Best LGBTQ-Friendly list. Campus Pride encourages prospective students and families to research current state laws for any college or university being considered. Learn more about Campus Pride’s decision at CampusPride.org/LGBTQharm.

If you have any questions or need more information, please contact Campus Pride by phone at 704-277-6710 or by email info@campuspride.org.

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The BEST OF THE BEST  is listed by region in alphabetical order. Please click on the name of the campus to learn more specifics about their LGBTQ-inclusive policies, programs and practices.