Academic reputation, campus culture, and extracurricular activities are common deciding factors when choosing a college. However, campus safety is another crucial aspect often overlooked. According to federal Clery Act data, Ohio State University reported the most violent crimes on campus among major US universities (111 in 2022), followed by UC Berkeley (105) and the University of Arizona (95). Some universities, despite their prestige, report significant crime, ranging from theft to violent crimes.
Below is a list of 20 US college campuses with the highest reported crime. We ranked them using Campus Safety and Security data, which covers incidents such as rape, murder or manslaughter, aggravated assault, and robbery. Raw counts rise with enrollment and reporting practices, so a high number doesn’t prove anything about any one school. Last updated November 2026.
College Campuses with the Highest Crime Rate 2027
1. The Ohio State University
Ohio State University, Columbus, reported 111 violent crimes on campus in 2022, the highest count among major US universities in the federal Clery Act data. The figure covers murder, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault, and it reflects a very large campus of more than 60,000 students. Theft, burglary,y and assaults near campus are also commonly reported. The university has added patrols and emergency alerts, and students are advised to stay aware when walking alone after dark.
2. University of California, Berkeley
The University of California, Berkeley reported 105 on-campus violent crimes in 2022, and its 2024 Clery report lists about 700 total reported offenses, among the highest of any large US campus. Theft, burglary, and assault are the most frequent concerns in a dense urban setting. The university has expanded emergency alerts and safety services, but students should stay vigilant on campus and in the surrounding blocks.
3. University of Arizona
The University of Arizona recorded 95 violent crimes on campus in 2022, along with burglary, vehicle theft,t and sexual assault reports. The Tucson campus has struggled with safety issues in surrounding areas. The university offers mobile alerts and security escorts, and students should be careful when off campus.
4. University of New Mexico
The University of New Mexico reported 89 violent crimes on campus in 2022, with motor vehicle theft and burglary also among the most common offenses. The university works with local law enforcement to improve safety. Students are encouraged to use safety apps, avoid walking alone at night, and use campus security services.
5. University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, reported 78 violent crimes on campus in 2022 under the Clery Act. Robbery, assault, burglary,y and sexual offenses on and near campus are the main concerns, and students are still advised to stay cautious, especially at night. Escort services and emergency alerts help reduce risk.
6. Texas A&M University, College Station
Texas A&M University, College Station, reported 64 violent crimes on campus in 2022 and about 730 total Clery-reported offenses in 2024, the most among 30,000-plus-student universities in one 2024 analysis. Burglary and alcohol-related offenses are common, per the annual security report. Students are encouraged to be cautious off campus and to use security escorts and emergency alerts.
7. Stanford University
Stanford University reported 55 violent crimes on campus in 2022, including sexual assaults and burglaries, according to its annual security report. Despite its prestige, the university prioritizes safety, offering escort services and personal safety workshops. Students are encouraged to use these tools in potentially unsafe situations.
8. University of Iowa
The University of Iowa reported 54 violent crimes on campus in 2022 and about 317 total Clery offenses in 2024, a high rate for its enrollment of about 30,000. Stalking, dating violence, and motor vehicle theft are among the commonly reported offenses. Despite increased law enforcement presence and awareness programs, students should use caution late at night and in isolated parts of campus.
9. University of Southern California
USC, in Los Angeles, reported 50 violent crimes on campus in 2022 and about 435 total Clery offenses in 2024. Burglary, robbery, and assault are issues common to urban campuses. The university has added patrols and safety apps, and encourages students to stay cautious in surrounding neighborhoods and use escorts and alerts to stay safe.
10. University of Alabama
The University of Alabama reported 43 violent crimes on campus in 2022. Burglary, assault, and alcohol-related incidents are the main concerns, per the university police crime log. Students are encouraged to use the emergency alert system and security escort services when moving around late at night.
11. University of California, Los Angeles
UCLA recorded about 474 total Clery-reported offenses in 2024, with theft, burglary, and vehicle-related crime the most common in the surrounding Los Angeles area. Violent crime on campus fell below the top 45 in 2022. The university has added security patrols and alert systems, and students should be careful at night and off campus.
12. University of Washington, Seattle
The University of Washington in Seattle recorded about 356 total Clery-reported offenses in 2024. The urban environment contributes to theft, assault, and motor vehicle crime. On Oct. 2, 2022, Seattle police responded to reports of shots fired near Northeast 43rd Street and University Way. Students should stay aware, especially in high-traffic areas and late at night.
13. Michigan State University
Michigan State University recorded about 295 total Clery-reported offenses in 2024. A tragic shooting in February 2023 raised campus safety concerns, and the university has since tightened security. Assault, burglary and theft remain the most common crimes. Students are urged to avoid walking alone at night and to use escort services.
14. Auburn University
Auburn University publishes a public crime log that lists assault, theft, and alcohol-related offenses. Auburn did not reach the top 45 for on-campus violent crime in the 2022 federal data, so it ranks below schools with higher published counts. Regular patrols, emergency notifications and safety apps help students stay vigilant.
15. Temple University
Temple University, in Philadelphia, reports robbery, burglary, and assault as the most common offenses. Urban crime around the campus remains a concern despite patrols and partnerships with local law enforcement. We could not verify a current violent-crime count, so Temple ranks below schools with published figures. Students should be cautious in nearby high-crime areas.
16. Harvard University
Harvard University is an esteemed institution, but its urban setting brings frequent theft and burglary reports and occasional assaults. We could not verify a current violent-crime count, so it ranks below schools with published figures. Emergency notification systems and campus escorts are available, and students should stay aware of their surroundings.
17. New York University
Located in the heart of Manhattan, New York University faces crime challenges typical of large urban environments, including theft, burglary, and occasional assaults. We could not verify a current violent-crime count for its Clery geography. NYU has enhanced patrols and emergency alerts, and students should stay cautious in crowded areas.
18. University of Miami
In a bustling urban area, the University of Miami sees regular reports of burglary, theft, and assault. We could not verify a current violent-crime count, so it ranks below schools with published figures. Students are encouraged to use campus safety resources such as escort services and emergency notifications.
19. University of Illinois at Chicago
The University of Illinois at Chicago faces urban crime including burglary, robbery, and assault. The university has strengthened campus security, but off-campus areas remain a concern, and we could not verify a current violent-crime count. Students should be particularly careful when commuting or outside the campus security perimeter.
20. Howard University
Howard University, in Washington, D.C., reports burglary, theft, and assault, particularly in the areas surrounding campus. We could not verify a current violent-crime count. The university has security initiatives, and students should use escort services and stay aware, especially off campus. This completes the list of 20 college campuses with the highest reported crime. Ensuring personal safety while at university is crucial, and students are encouraged to use available resources and stay vigilant to minimize risks.
FAQ: Campus Crime in the US
Which US college campus has the most violent crime?
Ohio State University reported the highest number of on-campus violent crimes among major US universities in the 2022 federal Clery data, at 111 incidents, followed by UC Berkeley (105) and the University of Arizona (95).
What crimes count as violent crime on campus?
The Clery Act count used here includes murder and non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault reported on campus, including residence halls.
Do high crime numbers mean an unsafe campus?
No. Raw counts rise with enrollment and with how thoroughly a school reports. Larger campuses and schools with strong reporting systems often show higher numbers.
Where can I check a school’s crime statistics?
Every US college that receives federal aid must publish an annual security report, and the US Department of Education’s Campus Safety and Security database lets you compare schools.
How can students stay safe on campus?
Use campus alerts and escort services, avoid walking alone at night, keep residence doors locked, and stay aware of your surroundings when off campus.
College Campuses with the Highest Crime Rate 2027
- The Ohio State University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of Arizona
- University of New Mexico
- University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
- Texas A&M University, College Station
- Stanford University
- University of Iowa
- University of Southern California
- The University of Alabama
- University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
- University of Washington, Seattle
- Michigan State University
- Auburn University
- Temple University
- Harvard University
- New York University
- University of Miami
- University of Illinois at Chicago
- Howard University
Sources: U.S. Department of Education Campus Safety and Security (Clery Act) data; Degree Choices analysis of 2022 on-campus violent crime; Safe and Sound Security analysis of 2024 Clery data. UM World University Ranking
University Magazine is part of the 
