Are you looking for a sober college?
Whether you’re looking for a college that doesn’t allow drugs or alcohol altogether or one that simply encourages a sober lifestyle, finding the most suitable college for your needs can be overwhelming.
With so many potential institutions to choose from, weighing up the benefits and drawbacks of each can take a lot of work.
In this list we’ve compiled 11 of the best sober universities in the US, outlining the benefits of each and what type of college students they’re most suitable for. This way, you can hopefully find what you’re looking for with ease. Let’s get into it!
What are Sober Colleges?
Before we take a look at some of the sober colleges in the US, let’s clarify what exactly a sober college is.
Sober colleges are educational facilities where alcohol and drugs may be either banned for college students or strongly discouraged through their campus culture.
Many sober schools may also have religious or spiritual beliefs that underpin their sobriety, though some are designed to discourage consumption in individuals who may have addiction problems or who are likely to be distracted by a partying culture and atmosphere.
Therefore, sober schools can vary considerably in their atmosphere, and not all are suitable for everyone.
Let’s delve into some of the most popular sober colleges in the US to get a better sense of what each has to offer.
1. Brigham Young University
Brigham Young University in Utah has held the top spot for the most sober school since 1998.
The school follows the Church of the Latter Day Saints, with students enrolled at the college following faith-based learning.
Due to the religious beliefs of the school, there is a strict no alcohol or drug policy both on and off the campus. In addition to alcohol and drugs, the school also requires students not to consume tobacco, tea, coffee, or to vape.
Therefore, if you’re looking for an environment where there is a strict policy of zero mind-altering substances and a culture where this is followed and respected, then Brigham Young University is a sober school worth serious consideration.
However, if this sounds a bit too strict to you, then there are still plenty of other better-suited options out there for you!
2. College of the Ozarks
College of the Ozarks is a Christian college located in Missouri and comes in second place after Brigham Young University for the most sober college.
Like Brigham Young University, students are not permitted to consume drugs or alcohol either on or off campus.
College of the Ozarks also offers the opportunity for students to graduate debt-free through working through their college working program.
However, admission to the college is difficult, with only sixteen percent of applicants gaining entry to the college.
College of the Ozarks is a great place to consider if you want a strict sober environment based on Christian values. However, this may not be the college for you if you don’t have conservative views.
3. Wheaton College
Wheaton College is another Christian college and is located in Illinois. Wheaton College also bans the consumption of any alcohol or drugs for its undergraduate students.
Other adults on campus are also only permitted to consume alcohol discreetly, and not in the presence of undergraduate students.
Again, this is a college whose basis for abstinence lies in a faith-based learning system. Wheaton College is a great option if you’re looking for your time at college to be driven by Christian values, otherwise, this may not be an ideal option.
4. United States Naval Academy
The United States Naval Academy is where officers are trained for the US Navy and Marine Corps and is located in Maryland. Students attend the college for four years, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree.
The United States Naval Academy policy on drugs is one of no tolerance, and no form of controlled substance is allowed to be consumed at the college.
In terms of alcohol, the policy outlines that alcohol must be consumed only minimally and responsibly by those of legal drinking age.
However, the exception to this is all first-year students, who must not consume any alcohol while on the premises.
Therefore, The United States Naval Academy takes an approach to alcohol that minimizes its use without a complete ban.
If you’re looking for a college that promotes the responsible consumption of alcohol in college life, this could be a great option.
5. Gordon College
Gordon College is located in Massachusetts and is guided by Christian values.
This means that the college does not permit any drugs to be consumed by their students or members of the community, as well as not permitting the consumption or possession of any alcohol at the college.
The college also encourages students to practice abstinence as a personal choice in their lives outside campus.
Gordon College also does not allow any vaping, tobacco use, or possession or consumption of medical marijuana even with a prescription.
Therefore, Gordon College is a good option if you want to be surrounded by a community that abstains from all substances.
6. Thomas Aquinas College
Thomas Aquinas College is a Roman Catholic college with two campuses: a main campus in California, and a second campus in Massachusetts. This college education is unique in that it only teaches a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts degree.
Thomas Aquinas College also has a strict alcohol and drug policy. Students are not permitted to consume or possess any drugs or alcohol on campus, with the exception of supervised alcohol consumption at social events on campus.
Any irresponsible use of alcohol or drugs off campus is also strongly disapproved of and may result in expulsion. This college is another good option if you are looking for controlled alcohol consumption only.
7. Calvin University
Calvin University (previously known as Calvin College) is a Christian college in Michigan. Calvin University has a large range of both undergraduate and graduate study options available for students.
Calvin University’s drug and alcohol policy does not permit the possession or consumption of any substances on campus.
It also takes seriously any irresponsible use of alcohol by students off campus and encourages complete abstinence. Calvin University will appeal to those looking to be surrounded by others that also practice sobriety.
8. City University of New York, Baruch College
Baruch College is a public college located in New York City. The college offers a large range of degree programs, including undergraduate and graduate degrees and international exchange programs.
Baruch College prohibits the illegal consumption of alcohol and drugs on campus through underage drinking or by public consumption without a license.
Students living on campus are also prohibited from consuming alcohol in their residences, with the exception of graduate students who are of legal age.
Baruch College may be a good option for those wanting a sober campus with less conservative values. In particular, Baruch College also promotes diversity and inclusion and is highly LGBTQ+ friendly.
9. United States Military Academy (West Point)
United States Military Academy is located in West Point, New York, and trains students to enter the Army.
Students are enrolled for four years and complete a Bachelor of Science degree before entering employment in the US Army.
The United States Military Academy’s policy on drugs and alcohol outlines a number of alcohol consumption restrictions for various areas of the campus, which are dependent on the level of the cadet.
Consumption also requires the student to be of legal drinking age and to complete special training before they are allowed to drink.
If you’re looking for a college experience with discipline but without complete abstinence, then the United States Military Academy may be for you.
10. City University of New York, Hunter College
Hunter College is located in New York City and offers over 170 different study options.
Hunter College outlines in its drug and alcohol policy that theirs is a drug-free campus with no tolerance for underage drinking.
In addition, alcohol may only be consumed at campus events – and only with proof of legal age, without any existing signs of intoxication.
If you’re looking for a safe university with sober activities and a ton of study options, Hunter College is a great choice!
11. Berry College
Berry College is a private university located in Georgia and is driven by Christian values. Berry College also has the largest college campus in the world at 27,000 acres.
As a Christian school, Berry College prohibits the possession or consumption of any drugs or alcohol on campus according to its drug and alcohol policy. It also bans the use of any tobacco products including vaping.
Berry College is therefore a great place for those who want to be in space without temptations or others who are drinking around them.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, there is a large range of different sober schools across the US.
The majority of sober colleges are driven by religious values; however, there are some sober college campuses that discourage drug and alcohol use without the need to follow any specific religious views.
Either way, there’s a wide range of sober colleges to choose from to suit your specific needs and wishes of campus life.
Sources
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