UCLA and USC Rank Among Top 10 Nationwide for Student Life in 2027 Rankings
The Los Angeles rivals placed fourth and sixth respectively in Niche's annual assessment, which considers factors beyond academics.
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and University of Southern California (USC) have been recognized for their vibrant campus environments, securing spots in the top 10 for best student life in Niche's 2027 rankings. UCLA landed at the No. 4 position, while USC followed closely at No. 6, outperforming thousands of institutions across the country.
The rankings evaluate colleges on a variety of factors that contribute to the overall student experience, including nightlife, athletics, campus food, housing, safety, and the surrounding community. Student surveys constitute 25% of a school's score, with the party scene accounting for 15%. Athletics, campus quality, and neighborhood appeal each contribute 10% to the final ranking.
UCLA received an A+ for student life, with one graduate commending the university for balancing academic rigor with ample opportunities for social engagement outside the classroom. The Bruins have also been recognized in other rankings; Niche previously named UCLA the top public university in America and gave it the highest marks nationally for college campuses and campus food.
USC also earned an A+ for student life. A former student described the university as offering a "quintessential college experience," citing its extensive campus, numerous student organizations, and wide-ranging involvement opportunities.
These latest rankings add to a series of recent accolades for California universities. Earlier in the week, four California colleges, including Caltech and Stanford, were ranked among the nation's best in WalletHub's 2027 rankings. Additionally, Stanford, Caltech, and UC Berkeley were listed among the world's top 10 universities by Times Higher Education. In August, five California schools were also recognized on LinkedIn's list of top colleges for long-term career success.
Niche's top 10 colleges for student life in 2027 are:
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Michigan
- Florida State University
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Georgia
- University of Southern California
- Clemson University
- Ohio State University
- University of Miami
- University of Wisconsin-Madison