Only one college in Washington made this list of the most beautiful campuses in America

Picking a college can be stressful as you try to weigh the pros and cons of each school to determine which factors matter the most. Some students care about athletics and financial aid, while others care about walkability, Greek life, and other factors.

But the atmosphere and setting of a school’s campus is also important. Especially when living in student housing, the beauty and aesthetic of the campus can have a major impact on your experience.

While the perfect environment varies by person, there are many colleges in America known for their beauty. A recent article from Condé Nast Traveler named the 54 most beautiful college campuses in the United States, including one right here in Washington state.

Most beautiful U.S. college campuses

Condé Nast Traveler named 54 college campuses that are considered the most beautiful, but they are not ranked 1 through 54. All of the schools are listed together, in alphabetical order. The methodology used by the award-winning luxury and lifestyle travel magazine to determine the list was not disclosed.

While the colleges mentioned are all across the country, campuses in New York and California were mentioned the most. Both states had six colleges on the list.

There were ten states with only one school mentioned, including Washington with Gonzaga University. The private liberal arts college is based in Spokane, one of only two Pacific Northwest institutions of higher education named. Oregon was singled out for the picturesque 137-acre Lewis and Clark College campus in Portland.

WA’s most beautiful campus: Gonzaga University

The Gonzaga campus covers 150 acres and includes 100 buildings, according to the university’s website. Over 7,000 students are enrolled, working toward one of the many degrees offered. The university has 16 undergraduate degree programs in 53 majors, 68 minors and 73 concentrations. They also offer 23 master’s programs and five doctoral degree programs.

In a statement for McClatchy, the university’s interim provost Mia Bertagnolli noted that students choose Gonzaga for many different reasons, and the campus’s beauty benefits all.

“The beauty of Gonzaga inspires students every day as they look out onto the Spokane River while studying in the Bollier Center for Integrated Science and Engineering, or walk past the beautiful flowering cherry trees along pathways on their way to a concert in our stunning Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center, or grab coffee with friends and sit on the grassy Quad,” Bertagnolli stated. “It certainly inspires our faculty and staff.”

Situated in the Logan residential neighborhood of Spokane, the campus gives students, faculty and visitors a direct view of the Spokane River. The downtown business district is less than a mile away, making it easy to check out the many local businesses. Gonzaga also offers an Immersive Outdoor Learning Program for its students to easily explore the area.

Historically a Jesuit college, Gonzaga offers nearly 200 faith services each year on its campus. According to the university’s website, 32 different faiths are represented on campus. Gonzaga stresses the importance of growing not just your education and professional life, but the entire person, including the spiritual, cultural, physical and emotional self.

Students might choose Gonzaga for this mission-centered approach to a “whole person” education, the emphasis on service, or for the school’s academic and research programs. Its NCAA Division 1 athletics, including the popular basketball teams that are part of the Pac-12 Conference, are also attractive factors.

The campus’s beauty is an added bonus no matter the overall motivation to attend.

“I’ve been lucky enough to spend over 35 years at Gonzaga as a student first and then as a professor of biology, and the beauty of this place is something that never fails to inspire me,” Bertagnolli said.

A campus map is available online, as is a virtual tour option. Virtual tours are not limited to prospective students, but do require email sign-up.

This story was originally published March 25, 2025 at 1:03 PM.