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15 Colleges With the Most School Spirit

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    1. University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA): Not to be outdone by the LSU tiger, a USC Trojan warrior mounts their mascot, which can only be described as a noble steed, to amp up fans. Sporting events are a sea of cardinal and gold while the Trojans take on what is literally a warrior attitude. Maybe it's the sun, maybe it's the horse, but these fans know how to support a school.
  • 2. The University of Alabama (Tuscaloosa, AL): "Rammer Jammer, Yellow Hammer, give 'em hell, Alabama!" If you know what this means, then you already understand the intense school spirit of the Crimson Tide. If you don't understand, then join the club.
  • 3. University of Michigan — Ann Arbor (Ann Arbor, MI): There's no school spirit quite like a crowd of 109,901 fans singing and clapping a fight song in unison. Wolverine fans show their devotion by wearing maize, banging cowbells, and hating all things Ohio. Go Blue.
  • 4. Pennsylvania State University — University Park (University Park, PA): Nittany Lions fans are the absolute winners of the White Out. Surprising that the most visually impressive allegiance to a school comes from the absence of color . . . when all of Beaver Stadium dresses in white. It looks a little bit like Christmas.
  • 5. Louisiana State University (Baton Rouge, LA): Don't be alarmed, but the LSU mascot is an actual live tiger. His name is Mike and he weighs 450 pounds. I should think that students' loyalty to the school need not be questioned considering they willfully fill up a stadium that also houses a Siberian-Bengal tiger. So much spirit.
  • 6. University of Florida (Gainesville, FL): Another singing school! Gators fans sing "We Are the Boys from Old Florida" to rally together, especially after every third quarter of a football game. Die-hard fans, UF students perform the "Gator Chomp" with their arms, which looks a little unreal in mass of blue and orange.
  • 7. University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, IN): Visit Notre Dame and see "Touchdown Jesus," the mural of Jesus with raised arms near the football stadium, beloved by Notre Dame fans. The Fighting Irish go all out in green to show their support, which is never more evident than when students sing "Notre Dame, Our Mother" at the end of every football game.
  • 8. The Ohio State University — Columbus (Columbus, OH): Another botanical mascot, Brutus Buckeye leads the Ohio State Buckeye fans. Even more notable than their mascot, though, is their shock-and-awe marching band that kills the halftime show time and time and time again. Half of the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry that literally divides families.
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  • 9. Stanford University (Stanford, CA): Dressed head to toe in cardinal and white, Stanford fans have so much spirit that they don't even need a mascot. Well, not officially anyway. Unofficially, fans support the Stanford Tree, a walking, talking redwood tree that is surprisingly goofy and delightful.
  • 10. The University of Texas at Austin (Austin, TX): University of Texas students find ways to incorporate longhorns everywhere. On helmets, hats, and shirts, with a trademark hand gesture, or with their actual longhorn steer mascot, Bevo (now Bevo XIV), that makes appearances on game days.
  • 11. Indiana University Bloomington (Bloomington, IN): Most intense during basketball season, Hoosiers show typical Midwest manners until you insult their school. Then it¿s all "Go Big Red!"
  • 12. Auburn University (Auburn, AL): Auburn fans show school spirit by toilet papering what is called Toomer's Corner and hating everything about the University of Alabama. Also by wearing orange and blue tiger stripes.
  • 13. University of California — Los Angeles (Los Angeles, CA): Like most Californians, UCLA fans are happy, proud, and spirited. Watch out for the "Eight Clap," an elaborate cheer cherished by the students and alumni. You'll get the hang of it. Maybe.
  • 14. Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR): No, it's not Halloween. It's just the orange and black crowd of Oregon State Beavers showing their support. Fans are most crazy during the Civil War, the football game between Oregon State and Oregon, and I'm sure just as important as that other war you were thinking of.
  • 15. United States Naval Academy (Annapolis, MD): The Naval Academy takes two of the biggest passions--school and country--and wraps them into one. One half of the infamous Army-Navy game (consult this countdown so you won't miss it), this school shows mad spirit. I mean, you haven't seen game day uniformity until you've seen it conducted with military precision. It's serious.

Source: STEM Jobs. Used with permission.

Find Your Vibe: Colleges with Unmatched School Spirit

Choosing the right college is about more than just academics—it's about finding a campus culture where you feel at home. For many students, a key part of that experience is school spirit. A vibrant, enthusiastic student body can make all the difference, creating a sense of community that extends beyond the classroom and into the football stadium, basketball arena, and beyond.

Our list of colleges with the most school spirit is based on valuable insights from high school students who have experienced these campuses firsthand on tours. They know that true school spirit isn't just about winning teams; it’s about a shared sense of pride and camaraderie. From traditions passed down through generations to unique campus rituals, these institutions have something special that unites their students.

This list is organized by geographical region, making it easy to find spirited schools in the Northeast, South, Midwest, and West. Whether you’re looking for a college with a legendary football rivalry like Ohio State and Michigan, or a smaller school with an intensely loyal student body, you’ll find it here. These schools offer more than just a degree; they offer a sense of belonging and a community you’ll be proud to be a part of for life.

Remember, the best way to truly gauge a school’s vibe is to visit in person, but this list can provide a great starting point for your college search. The enthusiasm of the student body, the energy on game day, and the deep-seated traditions all contribute to the unique character of a campus. Explore this list to discover schools where a strong sense of pride and community spirit is a core part of the student experience.

List produced by the Experts . Want more information on how this list was compiled? Find out more about where our Lists & Rankings come from.

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