Ann Arbor ranked among the best cities to live in the U.S. in May 2025, so of course that would extend to its flagship university, the University of Michigan which ranks among the most beautiful college campuses in the country, according to Travel and Leisure, a travel media brand.
“America’s most beautiful colleges don’t just attract prospective students and their families. Tourists flock to these impressive institutions to admire their perfectly manicured lawns, striking architecture, and noteworthy landmarks,” Travel and Leisure editors write in the article.
The travel publication’s list covers resort like schools in Florida, to European-inspired Gothic style universities in the Northeast.
Many of the schools on the list feature some form of Gothic architecture, including U-M, Berry College (No. 2), Notre Dame (No. 3), University of the South (No. 9), University of Washington (No. 10), and others.
Others feature famed architects like Frank LLoyd Wright and I.M. Pei, while architecture including Greek Revival, Spanish Renaissance and Georgian was highlighted.
Nature settings, including arboretums and gardens, and views of such landmarks as Diamond Head and Mount Hood played a role in the rankings as well.
Here’s what to know:
University of Michigan’s ranking
Although Michigan’s campus finished at the bottom of the list, at No. 28, it’s still among the top in the U.S., sandwiched between the University of Georgia at No. 27 and Northwestern University at No. 29.
“Inspired by Oxford and Cambridge universities, many of the school’s early buildings were constructed in a Tudor Gothic style. Some of the most picturesque spots include the Law Quad’s striking stone buildings, the Michigan League with its decorative fountain, and the Hatcher Graduate Library, which features classical-inspired pilasters and carved stone medallions,” the ranking says.
According to its website, the university offers more than 280 areas of study and enrolled 35,358 students during the fall 2025 semester.
Complete list of most beautiful college campuses in the US
Travel and Leisure’s full list of the 30 most beautiful college campuses in the U.S. includes:
Why did Stanford rank so high?
The entryway to Stanford is arguably the grandest of any beautiful college campus, Travel and Leisure said.
“A mile-long palm-lined drive leads up to the expansive green oval Main Quad, surrounded by red-roofed buildings and the school’s architectural crown jewel, Memorial Church with its striking mosaic façade. Beauty continues at the Cantor Arts Center, which has 170 bronzes by Auguste Rodin, one of the largest collections outside of Paris. Take in the view of the 8,180-acre campus and the surrounding area — including the San Francisco skyline on a clear day — from the Hoover Tower observation platform.”
Record number of applicants in 2025 for U-M
Applications to the University of Michigan Ann Arbor campus hit a record high in 2025, with more than 53,000 prospective students who enrolled for the fall term, the college said in a news release.
Total enrollment increased 1% from 2024, with undergraduate enrollment up nearly 3% from 34,454 undergraduate students last year to 35,358 students this year.
“U-M is recognized around the world for providing a life-changing education,” said Adele C. Brumfield, vice provost for enrollment management in a news release.
“Through innovative partnerships, groundbreaking research, and deep community engagement, we’re expanding educational access and opportunity across Michigan and beyond.”
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Most beautiful colleges include Michigan school. How this campus ranked
Reporting by Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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