The hidden gems on this list are known for their inclusive and supportive campus communities. If you're a prospective trans student looking for a welcoming place to spend your next four years be sure to check out these great hidden gem options.

Bard College (Annandale-on-Hudson, NY):

Bard has extensive resources for trans students and publishes a Trans Resource Guide for students. There are gender-inclusive bathrooms across campus, and students are allowed to change their names and gender markers without legal documentation. Bard offers gender-inclusive housing and seamless support for medical leave and re-enrollment for students transitioning.

Oberlin College (Oberlin, OH):

Oberlin has long been a leader in LGBTQ support and inclusion. It’s trans-inclusive policies, include preferred name and pronouns, gender-inclusive facilities, and health insurance coverage for trans services, such as hormone therapy and some gender-affirming surgeries. Oberlin also has gender-neutral housing and bathrooms across campus. Student organizations include the Transgender Advocacy Group.

Warren Wilson College (Asheville, NC):

Over 50% of Warren Wilson students identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, which is supported by robust programming from the Queer Resource Center. All gender restrooms are available in most campus buildings and students can choose to live in gender-neutral dorms. 

Hampshire College (Amherst, MA):

Hampshire is well-known for its progressive culture and interdisciplinary curriculum without specific majors. It has strong LGBTQ student groups and allows students to list their gender identity and chosen name on campus records without legal changes. Campus residential areas have gender-inclusive options with single bathrooms, and health services can provide referrals for trans-related medical care.

Goucher College (Baltimore, MD): Goucher is a leader in LGBTQA+ student support and offerings, from gender inclusive housing and bathrooms to trans-related healthcare and student groups and affinity spaces. The Gender Affirming Closet offers students free gender affirming donated clothing in a safe space. 

Clark University (Worcester, MA): Clark offers robust support for transgender students including a gender-inclusive housing policy where students can select to live with a roommate of a different gender. All gendered spaces are assigned based on students’ self-identified gender. The Trans and Gender Diverse Support and Discussion Group is co-facilitated by students and staff and meets bi-weekly.

The New School (New York, NY): The New School offers excellent support and resources for trans students, including gender inclusive housing and many all-gender bathrooms. Transgender and gender non-conforming (TGNC) students can have their preferred names seamlessly communicated across university systems. Plus, The New School's student health insurance plan covers hormones and gender-affirming surgery.

University of Vermont (Burlington, VT): The Prism Center at UVM provides advocacy, programming, and support for queer and trans students. The university has gender-inclusive facilities, housing, records policies, and gender-affirming healthcare. With its lived name and pronoun recognition policy, UVM strives for a supportive, inclusive environment where all community members are valued.

Macalester College (St. Paul, MN): This small liberal arts school has extensive resources and support for transgender students. The website includes a list of “Out and Proud” faculty members to provide a support network for students and community members. Admitted LGBTQA+ students can request to connect with one of these faculty members. Macalester allows students to change names/pronouns without legal approval and has gender-inclusive housing/bathrooms. 

Reed College (Portland, OR): Reed is known for its trans-friendly community. It offers gender-neutral housing, single occupancy bathrooms in most buildings with gender inclusive signage, gender-affirming healthcare including surgery, and students are welcome to participate in gendered sports teams that most align with the their self-identified gender.