Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly College
The Advocate
The Advocate has a list of the 20 most friendly and unfriendly colleges for LGBTQ+ students. Please note that these lists are not very in-depth, so we still recommend doing some additional research before forming an opinion about a particular school.
Best Colleges
Best Colleges has an in-depth LGBTQ+ student guide that features helpful tips and things to consider when assessing your college options. The article contains interviews from admissions counselors, therapists, students, directors of LGBTQ+ resource centers, and numerous other notable individuals involved in the college process.
Campus Pride Index
The Campus Pride Index is a list of over 300 college campuses across the nation. Each campus receives a rating and an "LGBTQ-Friendly Report Card" based on each school's answers to a 50 question assessment regarding the quality of life for LGBTQ+ students.
The Campus Pride Index also has a campus visit scorecard for LGBTQ+ students and their families. Consider using the checklist when you go on college visits so you can assess whether a school you're considering is queer-friendly.
Campus Pride Index Shame List
The Campus Pride Index Shame List identifies the “absolute worst campuses for LGBTQ youth” in the United States. The colleges & universities listed have chosen to openly discriminate against LGBTQ youth and/or have requested Title IX exemptions to perpetuate the harms of religion-based bigotry. The criterion to be the “absolute worst” campus includes either of the following:
Received and/or applied for a Title IX exemption to discriminate against LGBTQ youth and/or
Demonstrated past history and track record of anti-LGBTQ actions, programs and practices.
Campus Pride Sports Index
An extension of the aforementioned Campus Pride Index, the Campus Pride Sports Index is a national listing of more than 30 college sports programs. Each campus receives a rating based on the quality of life for LGBTQ+ athletes.
PelotonU
3 in 4 LGBTQ+ college students report having experienced sexual harassment on campuses while 20% of LGBTQ+ college students fear for their physical safety due to their gender identity or their perceived sexual orientation. PelotonU is a non-profit in Austin that provides a personalized pathway to a bachelor's degree that is accelerated, flexible, and debt-free. With PelotonU, students enroll in accredited online programs and receive in-person support and coaching at study spaces around Austin - allowing students to make their own schedule and receive 1-on-1 coaching. PelotonU students can get their associate in 10 - 12 months, bachelor's in 1.5 years, all with little to no debt.