Best Colleges in the West for the Conservative and/or Liberal Student
Find out which colleges in the Western U.S. offer supportive environments for both conservative and liberal perspectives.
With today being Election Day, it seems only appropriate to create a post about politics and campus culture.
Pretty much every college and university focuses on fostering well-rounded students who are purposefully exposed to beliefs challenging their status quo.
But, there are some schools that are known for leaning a bit more in one political direction than the other. And, whether you lean conservative, liberal, or value an open and accepting environment, know that there are plenty of college options for you.
Last, remember that liberal arts doesn’t mean a liberal political leaning—many liberal arts colleges can have a distinctly conservative culture.
Liberal arts colleges are institutions that emphasise a broad-based education in the humanities, sciences, and social sciences, encouraging critical thinking and well-rounded learning. This is in contrast to many “professional” and/or research institutions – the former of which focus on pre-professional tracks (medicine, law, business) and the latter which focus on graduate and PhD research.
Here’s a look at West Coast colleges (because I live in the West :)) that most align with different political environments to help you find your best match. These aren’t the only such colleges — just a good starting point for your research.
10 Colleges for Conservative-Leaning Students
Seattle Pacific University - Seattle, Washington: A Christian university that emphasises traditional values and a conservative campus culture.
Brigham Young University - Provo, Utah: A private university owned by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, known for its strong emphasis on conservative values and a faith-centred environment.
California Baptist University - Riverside, California: A faith-based institution with a mission-driven focus on Christian values and a conservative worldview.
Westmont College - Santa Barbara, California: A Christian liberal arts college that integrates faith with learning; as the Fiske Guide puts it, “academics are taught from an unapologetic Christian perspective”.
Whitworth University - Spokane, Washington: A Presbyterian-affiliated university that encourages traditional Christian teachings and conservative perspectives.
Montana State University - Bozeman, Montana: Offers a more traditional campus culture, reflecting Montana's conservative social values.
George Fox University - Newberg, Oregon: A Quaker-founded university that maintains a conservative and faith-centred community.
Southern Utah University - Cedar City, Utah: Emphasises personal responsibility and conservative values, reflective of the surrounding community.
Pepperdine University - Malibu, California: A Christian university that promotes conservative values, with a focus on faith, service, and academic excellence.
Point Loma Nazarene University - San Diego, California: A Christian liberal arts college that emphasises traditional values and a close-knit, faith-based community.
10 Colleges for Liberal-Leaning Students
University of California, Berkeley - Berkeley, California: Famous for its history of activism and a progressive, liberal campus culture.
Reed College - Portland, Oregon: Known for its alternative approach to education and a politically liberal student body.
University of California, Santa Cruz - Santa Cruz, California: A laid-back campus environment with a strong focus on social justice and progressive values.
Evergreen State College - Olympia, Washington: A non-traditional college that prides itself on inclusivity, activism, and a liberal student body.
University of Oregon - Eugene, Oregon: A university with a vibrant, liberal culture and a strong focus on environmental sustainability.
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) - Valencia, California: An arts-focused college that fosters creativity and progressive, liberal thinking.
University of Washington - Seattle, Washington: Known for its liberal campus atmosphere and active student engagement in social issues.
Scripps College - Claremont, California: A women’s college that promotes a strong liberal arts education with a focus on empowerment and progressive values.
Lewis & Clark College - Portland, Oregon: A liberal arts college known for its commitment to social justice, environmental issues, and progressive ideals.
San Francisco State University - San Francisco, California: Located in one of the most liberal cities in the country, it has a diverse and politically active student body.
Photo of Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA
10 Colleges that Are Particularly Open-Minded and Accepting of All
Humboldt State University - Arcata, California: Known for its welcoming community and emphasis on sustainability, Humboldt fosters a highly accepting and open-minded campus environment.
University of San Francisco - San Francisco, California: A Jesuit university committed to inclusivity, diversity, and social justice for all students.
Western Washington University - Bellingham, Washington: Promotes a welcoming and open-minded campus environment that values diversity and acceptance.
University of California, Davis - Davis, California: Known for its accepting and friendly campus culture, with a focus on environmental and social issues.
Pomona College - Claremont, California: Encourages open dialogue and acceptance, with a diverse student body and a commitment to inclusivity.
Pacific University - Forest Grove, Oregon: A liberal arts college that values inclusivity, respect, and a supportive community for all students.
University of Colorado Boulder - Boulder, Colorado: Emphasises freedom of expression and acceptance, fostering a welcoming campus for all backgrounds.
University of Redlands - Redlands, California: A diverse and inclusive environment where students are encouraged to explore different perspectives.
University of Portland - Portland, Oregon: A Catholic university that values community, inclusivity, and respect for all beliefs.
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) - San Luis Obispo, California: Offers an accepting campus culture with a strong focus on collaboration, diversity, and open-mindedness.
So to sum up... no matter your preferences, there are plenty of colleges along the West Coast to consider.
Happy Election Day and happy college list building!