Penn State Ranks As Top 10 Party School In U.S.

Penn State has earned a dubious distinction, coming in 8th on a new list exploring the nation's "Top Party Schools." Data cruncher Niche.com recently examined the issue of party schools — specifically which are known for their vibrant party scene — through student feedback, census data, and other factors.

The result places Penn State in the top 10 of America's party schools.

The analysis determined Tulane University in New Orleans is the nation's biggest party school, followed by University of Georgia, Miami University of Ohio, University of Iowa, and Florida State University rounding out the top five. West Virginia University, University of Texas-Austin, Penn State, Indiana University-Bloomington and the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign were among the top 10.

So how exactly did analysts with Niche.com determine these schools are known for the party atmosphere?

The biggest factor was student reviews. That accounted for 70 percent of the ranking. Per capita access to bars and restaurants, determined using U.S. census data, accounted for 15 percent of the score. Niche.com athletics scores and Greek life scores were also taken into account.

While some students who reviewed Penn State on the Niche.com site were not shy in their description of the drinking culture, many others were lavish in their praise for the institution, saying it offers a well-rounded, exciting educational experience.

"Yes, it is absolutely a drinking school. It can be hard to ignore some of the rampant student drinking issues, but it is a very large university and campus. There are hundreds of various campus groups and student organizations that you can join and find your own niche away from all of the crazy," one student wrote.

Another said: "I love the atmosphere of Penn State. The academics are top-notch, and State College is a community like none other. Penn State seems like a big school, but when you’re here, it feels like a big small town."

You can read all the reviews for Penn State here.

Meanwhile, Penn State wasn't the only Pennsylvania college spotlighted for its party scene in the Niche.com ranking. Seven other colleges made the top 100.

Other Pennsylvania colleges that made the top 100 include:

• University of Pennsylvania (28th)
• Lehigh University (39th)
• Indiana University of Pennsylvania (53rd)
• Temple University (69th)
• University of Pittsburgh (73rd)
• Bloomsburg University (77th)
• University of the Arts (87th)

Click here to see the full list of top party schools.

Image via PennState