The students at these five universities forego many of the social and fiscal conventions normally associated with higher learning. Instead, many of them sign pledges or policies that commit them to living alcohol-free, and others are strongly discouraged from taking on debt of any kind, including student loans-facts you might want to keep in mind when sending out graduation cards and gifts.
1. Liberty University
As the largest Christian college in the nation, Liberty is noted for being both politically and socially conservative. Students at the Virginia-based campus receive an education that upholds a “synthesis of academic knowledge and Christian worldview” and “[encourages] a commitment to the Christian life [and] personal integrity.” The university prohibits sexual promiscuity, alcohol, and even College Democrats and openly rejects evolution as part of its doctrinal statement.
2. United States Military Academy at West Point
Conservatives are generally recognized for their support of a strong national defense, and, therefore, it should come as no surprise that most of the cadets at West Point are right-leaning. Students are expected to abide by a meticulous dress code, 11:30 curfew, and a no-alcohol policy in the dorms. Upon graduation, cadets become commissioned second lieutenants in the United States Army and serve on active duty for a minimum of five years.
3. Hillsdale College
This liberal arts college located in southern Michigan earns a spot among the top conservative colleges because of its commitment to institutional independence, liberty, and limited-government principles. In fact, Hillsdale does not accept federal or state subsidies for any of its operations and was the first American college to prohibit discrimination based on race, sex, or religion in its charter. Students at Hillsdale sign a “self-government” honor code, and many of them go on to work in conservative politics.
4. Brigham Young University
Consistently ranked as the top “stone-cold sober” school by the Princeton Review, BYU forbids sex outside of marriage and alcohol and holds its students to a stringent dress and grooming policy. The school is supported by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and it “seeks to develop students of faith, intellect, and character who have the skills and desire to continue learning and to serve others throughout their lives.”
5. George Mason University
More politically than socially conservative, George Mason is known as a school with libertarian leanings. Notable conservative alumni include Karl Rove, the former Deputy Chief of Staff to George W. Bush, and Matt Kibbe, a leading libertarian activist.
While many colleges and universities around the country have certain “party” reputations, these places of higher education have the most conservative reputations in the eyes of Americans.