Defining 'Gorgeous': Top 20 Most Beautiful College Campuses in the US

I'm kind of a nature lover, and have recently seen a few lists of the top 20 most beautiful college campuses in America. This got me wondering, how are beauty rankings typically determined? Do they take into account natural elements on campus, like rivers, mountains, or the number of trees per square foot? Or is it more about the buildings and facilities?

These rankings often consider a combination of natural beauty and architectural appeal, as well as the layout of the campus itself. The process can be also somewhat subjective, as beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

When it comes to natural elements, many lists will consider the presence of bodies of water, mountain views, or lush green spaces. The University of Colorado Boulder, for example, is often praised for being nestled against the beautiful Flatirons. Dartmouth College is recognized for its rural setting and its close proximity to the picturesque Connecticut River.

As for architectural appeal, rankings often look at the design of the buildings, their historical significance, and how they complement the overall aesthetic of the campus. Campuses like Princeton University and the University of Virginia are often recognized for their historic, classically designed buildings.

The overall layout of the campus also plays a role. Colleges with easily navigable grounds or those designed with student well-being in mind, such as providing outdoor spaces for study and leisure, could be seen as more attractive.

There isn't a strict formula for these rankings, and they can vary from source to source. Ultimately, what makes a campus beautiful is a very personal decision. You might value a quiet, idyllic rural campus, or you might find a vibrant, bustling urban campus more interesting. Remember to consider what environment you would thrive in most when looking at colleges.