Most Beautiful Elite College Campuses in America (and Where to Stay)

What are the Most Beautiful Elite College Campuses in America? And where should you stay when visiting? Since it's August 1 and the Common App is now open to college applicants, this seems like a good time to share our (highly subjective) list of beautiful elite college campuses.

1. Stanford University

I'm biased of course, as a Stanford alum, but the campus is not only beautiful but conducive to outdoor studying and sports all year round, with the exception of rainy days (most of them during the winter). The quad is the oldest part of campus and overlooks Memorial Church, a Romanesque revival structure designed by Charles Allerton Coolidge. But don't neglect other jewels, such as Rodin Sculpture Garden at The Cantor Art Center.

Where to Stay Near Stanford

The closest luxury option is the Rosewood Sand Hill, which we reserve with Rosewood Elite benefits; there's also the Four Seasons Silicon Valley in East Palo Alto, about a 14 min. drive away, which we reserve with Four Seasons Preferred Partner benefits.

2. University of California, Santa Barbara

While sister universities Berkeley and UCLA might get more attention in the rankings, UC Santa Barbara, in my view, has the prettier campus, with dramatic ocean vistas. And don't sleep on its academics: it has the College of Creative Studies (CCS), an elite honors college within the university where students can take graduate school course offerings.

Where to Stay Near UCSB

The Rosewood Miramar Beach is about a half hour drive away, as is the Four Seasons The Biltmore Santa Barbara, which will be reopening in late 2025.

University of California at Santa Barbara

3. Yale University

Yale's location in New Haven may not be the best, but the campus itself is lovely, with its neo-Gothic architecture. There's considerable emphasis on the residential living experience, with students assigned to one of fourteen colleges, each of them with its own residential head, college dean, staff, dining commons, and amenities.

Where to Stay Near Yale

The most convenient option is The Study at Yale; it's not luxury, but it's right by campus.

4. University of Chicago

UChicago certainly has freezing temperatures in the winter, but when it's a lovely campus in the spring, summer, and fall. Its oldest buildings were inspired by those at Oxford University, and they're on each side of the Midway Plaisance, a park created for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition. Other green space includes the main quad designed by Henry Ives Cobb, and more modern masterpieces include the Mansueto Library, with its elliptical glass dome designed by renowned architect Helmut Jahn. Just keep in mind the university's significant core curriculum.

Where to Stay Near UChicago

There's not much luxury right by the University in Hyde Park, but Chicago's Magnificent Mile is home to a plethora of options, from The Peninsula Chicago, which we reserve for clients with PenClub benefits, to the Ritz-Carlton Chicago at Water Tower, available with STARS benefits.

5. Swarthmore College

Swarthmore College boasts over 400 acres. The iconic Parrish Hall was once the college's only building, and continues to this day to house some of the college's administrative offices as well as dorms. But ~300 acres are home to the Scott Arboretum, with over 4000 types of ornamental plants and the Scott Outdoor Amphitheater, where graduation and summer concerts are held. Swarthmore continues to rank as one of the top Liberal Arts Colleges in the U.S., and the nice thing for students who want a major city within easy reach is that Philadelphia in only half an hour away; Philadelphia Airport (PHL) is a mere 12 minute drive.

Where to Stay Near Swarthmore College

The closest option is the Inn at Swarthmore, but for something more luxurious, stay at The Four Seasons Philadelphia, ~25-30 min. drive away.