Two HBCUs Ranked ‘Prettiest Colleges’ In America

Universities are known for their impressive collections of buildings and architectural beauty.

However, only a few can be regarded as the most gorgeous college campuses in the United States. Many schools have beautiful features such as stunning libraries, immaculate dining halls, or otherworldly dormitories, but the institutions on the list below stand out in every aspect. These campuses are like a well-designed outfit, with everything from the entrance arches to the academic halls and well-manicured lawns working together to create a place that is both aesthetically stunning and academically enriching.

Recently, Architecture Digest surveyed the country’s most beautiful college campuses, taking into account both architectural heritage and surroundings. These two HBCUs were ranked the prettiest colleges in America!


Howard University, Ranked #60 — Washington, DC

Howard University, a private, federally chartered historically black research university in Washington, D.C.
Howard University is a private, federally chartered historically black research university in Washington, D.C.

Howard University‘s main campus is located in the Shaw neighborhood of the nation’s capital and spans 256 acres. The architectural style of this historically Black research university was influenced by Albert Cassell, who was the university architect and also headed the architecture department. Cassell designed several popular buildings on the campus, such as the Founders Library and Frederick Douglass Memorial Hall.

Spelman College, Ranked #63 — Atlanta, GA

Spelman College x Atlanta, Georgia
Spelman College is a private, historically Black, women’s liberal arts college in Atlanta, Georgia.

Spelman College was founded in 1881 under the name of Atlanta Baptist Female Seminary. Today, the HBCU is located on a beautiful 39-acre campus near downtown Atlanta, featuring red brick buildings in various styles. One of the most remarkable buildings is Rockefeller Hall, built in 1886 and listed on the National Record of Historic Places. Furthermore, the campus will soon have a new addition: the Studio Gang-designed Center for the Arts & Innovation is set to open in early 2025.


You can see the full list here.