Choosing the Safest School
When StateUniversity.com begins its annual process of ranking U.S. colleges for safety, the first step is to take data directly from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Since private colleges do not have to report their crime figures to the FBI, some of these schools may not appear on the list. However, all schools that participate in federal student aid programs are required to report crime numbers every year, keeping most of the schools around the country under consideration for the rankings. For the 2011 rankings, about 450 of the largest schools in the United States were evaluated.
This video highlights the breadth and scope of volunteer efforts in college and university law enforcement.
- If your instincts make you uncomfortable, leave the area you are in.
- Remain alert and aware of your surroundings while on campus.
- Learn the location of campus phones and call boxes, in case you forget your cell phone.
- Choose only places that are well lit, and walk towards traffic for best visibility.
- Walk with friends or classmates whenever possible, especially after dark.
- Contact campus police for an escort when walking across campus at night.
This video offers tips for student safety on campus.