For years, the debate over which college in California has the best parties has raged on, with each school’s student body fiercely defending their institution as the reigning champion of fun.
After extensive research and careful deliberation, we have come up with what we believe to be the definitive list of the best party schools in California, based on factors such as:
- Alcohol consumption
- Parties per student ratio, and
- Overall nightlife reputation.
The countdown begins here!
What is a party school?
A party school is any college or university that has a reputation for heavy alcohol and drug use, as well as a student body where partying is one of the primary pastimes.
Every year, numerous publications compile lists of America’s best party schools.
The criteria can vary widely, but generally include factors such as:
- Drinking games
- Liquor law violations and
- How much school spirit there is on campus.
List of the Best Party Schools in California
Here are some of the notable California party schools for you to pick from;
- Santa Clara University
- San Jose Stae University
- The Los Angeles Film School
- California Institute of the Arts, Valencia CA
- University of California – Riverside
- Academy of Art University – San Francisco
- Stanford University
- Chapman University – Orange CA party school
- California State University – Fresno
- Pitzer College – Claremont CA
- California State University – Fullerton
- Claremont McKenna College – Claremont CA
- California State University – Sacramento
- Chapman University – Orange CA
- California State University – Northridge
- University of San Diego – San Diego CA
- Harvey Mudd College – Claremont CA
Santa Clara University
If you’re looking for a party school, then look no further than Santa Clara University, it is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in California and was established in 1851.
This Jesuit institution has several thousand students on campus and is located just south of San Jose and close to all that Silicon Valley has to offer.
The school boasts state-of-the-art facilities, plenty of activities, a well-respected sports team, great faculty, and a beautiful campus with amazing views.
Oh yeah, it also happens to be ranked as one of the top party schools in California.
San Jose State University
San Jose (or San Jose State University, as it’s officially known) offers a wide variety of academic programs and is considered one of the best California party schools.
San Jose State University is a public university in San Jose established in 1857 with over 30,000 students spread across the state.
It’s a perfect match if you want to start a career right out of college or want flexibility with your schedule.
The Los Angeles Film School
You’d think that students who study film would have a hard time getting excited about partying.
But The Los Angeles Film School is one of the best film schools in California and is committed to both education and fun, which is why it’s among one of the best party colleges in California.
Located inside LA Film Studios, students have plenty of hands-on film production experience. It even has its own radio station for broadcasting its original programming!
Students at LA Film School enjoy more than 400 different clubs, activities, and sports so there are always tons of ways to let loose during school breaks.
And even at night if you want! Some of its most popular events include Project X Backyard BBQ, Sushi Club, and Red Dirt Music Festival.
California Institute of the Arts, Valencia CA
People often overlook the California Institute of the Arts party school when compiling a list of California party colleges.
The campus may not be as large as others, but don’t let that fool you: CalArts is small and gorgeous, surrounded by plenty of art installations, sculpture gardens, and eclectic student works.
Students here love the music scene and the budding creative culture on campus.
If there’s one thing everyone can agree on, it’s that there are almost always events going on—and plenty of parties to be found.
University of California – Riverside
The University of California-Riverside is a public research institute and one of the campuses of the University of California system.
They’ve got enough going on with Greek life, sports, and school pride, students are proud of their university and active in their own community.
Students searching for top party schools in California can give this school a chance.
Academy of Art University – San Francisco
San Francisco-based art school Academy of Art University is a party school by virtue of location alone.
It’s located in one of America’s most party-friendly cities, and it enrolls thousands of college students who are there primarily for its fashion design program—the most prestigious degree offered at AU.
The program enjoys a national reputation for turning out top designers, which makes it a must-visit if you’re looking to attend a California party school that can lead you toward an outstanding career after graduation.
An added bonus: San Francisco is also home to hundreds of breweries and bars, meaning that even when students aren’t attending class or designing clothing, they’re probably drinking beer or painting pictures while they do it.
Stanford University
Popular by association, Stanford University is one of the most selective institutions of higher learning in America.
Located in Palo Alto, just 30 miles south of San Francisco and bordered by San Francisco Bay on one side and San Francisco National Forest on another, Stanford offers some extremely extracurricular opportunities that involve partying.
Fun fact: both Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg and Google co-founder Sergey Brin were students at Stanford.
The school’s Division I sports teams are also world-famous for their excellence and party culture. Just don’t expect to party as hard as you do at some other California party colleges if you go there.
One final point: also keep an eye out for Stanford’s fraternities and sororities—they’re world-famous too!
Chapman University – Orange CA
Chapman University is a private research institution in Orange, CA, and one of the top party schools in California.
This institution is also located within close proximity to Los Angeles, making it an ideal location for anyone who enjoys LA nightlife as well as living among other Southern California college students.
The university’s picturesque campus is surrounded by trees and includes two lakes that are perfect for swimming on hot summer days.
California State University – Fresno
Fresno State parties on a scale that would make most other California party colleges proud. CSU-Fresno is a top public school in Frenso, California.
The university is also one of America’s least expensive higher education institutions, helping it make our list of best party schools for college students.
This large school offers more than 100 student clubs and organizations for students who wish to stay busy with extracurricular activities. Fresno State does have one downside, however:
Pitzer College – Claremont CA
Pitzer College is a private liberal college in Claremont, this is also one of the top party colleges in California.
When it comes to parties, their bars and clubs are always busy with students looking for a good time. Pitzer College is one of those liberal arts colleges where extracurricular activities abound.
Like California party schools, many of its students travel across America and around the world during summer break; these trips serve as a good excuse for even more partying when they return.
Lots of freshmen attend from out-of-state, making the Claremont CA area one that offers plenty of diversity at Pitzer College.
California State University – Fullerton
If you’re looking for schools for party planning in California, chances are your search will lead you to California State University – Fullerton. CSU in Fullerton is a public research institution with over 40,000 enrolled students.
They host many student-run events throughout the year, including a pool party and concert during Welcome Week.
Weekly barbecues during the summer quarter, and even the Big Game, which attracts an estimated 5,000 revelers every other year.
Conclusion
Getting into college is a difficult task, but deciding which college to go to can be even more difficult.
This is why we created this article to assist students to make better-informed decisions.
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