What Makes a College LGBTQ-Friendly

Not every college provides the same level of support for LGBTQ students. The most affirming campuses go beyond passive acceptance—they actively create inclusive environments through policies, practices, and programming. Here’s what to look for:

• LGBTQ+ resource centers with full-time staff and dedicated space.
• Gender-inclusive housing and bathrooms.
• Non-discrimination policies that include sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Processes for using chosen names and pronouns on campus records.
• Trans-affirming healthcare and mental health services.
• Celebrations such as Pride Week and Lavender Graduation.

The Campus Pride Index can be a useful tool for evaluating these factors.

20 LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges

Each of the schools below was chosen for its strong commitment to LGBTQ inclusion, support services, and campus culture. These are schools where the queer students we've worked with have found belonging, support, and communityThese descriptions highlight what makes each campus a strong option for queer and trans students.

Adelphi University (New York)
Adelphi has an active LGBTQ+ and Allies Committee and offers robust gender-inclusive housing options. The Garden City campus promotes visibility through year-round events and education.

Augsburg University (Minnesota)
Located in Minneapolis, Augsburg is deeply committed to intersectional inclusion and offers a Queer Indigenous and People of Color student organization. The Gender and Sexuality Student Services Office plays a visible and well-funded role on campus.

Carnegie Mellon University (Pennsylvania)
CMU supports LGBTQ+ students through a dedicated Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion and extensive research in gender and sexuality studies. Pittsburgh’s progressive urban setting adds another layer of support.

College of William & Mary (Virginia)
William & Mary offers gender-inclusive housing, a vibrant Lambda Alliance, and a major in Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies. The university is consistently praised for its inclusive policies.

Elon University (North Carolina)
Elon features a top-tier Gender and LGBTQIA Center with extensive student programming and advocacy. The campus hosts an annual Pride Fest and a Lavender Graduation ceremony.

George Mason University (Virginia)
Mason's LGBTQ+ Resources Center provides peer mentoring, education, and support services. The campus is known for its inclusive policies and a welcoming student culture.

Guilford College (North Carolina)
This small liberal arts school prioritizes student voice and social justice. The LGBTQIA Resource Center supports student-led programming and community-building.

Indiana University Bloomington (Indiana)
IU Bloomington has a long history of LGBTQ+ support through the GLBT Student Support Services Office and offers counseling, scholarships, and peer support programs.

Ithaca College (New York)
Ithaca is home to one of the first LGBTQ Studies programs in the country. The Center for IDEAS (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Social Change) anchors community support.

Northern Illinois University (Illinois)
NIU has a Gender and Sexuality Resource Center that advocates for LGBTQ+ rights and safety. They also offer Safe Zone training for the wider campus community.

Penn State University (University Park, Pennsylvania)
Penn State offers expansive LGBTQ+ support services across all campuses, including counseling, gender-inclusive housing, and a Pride Roundtable leadership group.

Rutgers University–New Brunswick (New Jersey)
Rutgers has one of the oldest LGBTQ+ centers in the country and supports a thriving community through events, mentorship programs, and specialized academic offerings.

San Diego State University (California)
SDSU offers a Pride Center, trans-affirming housing, and a minor in LGBTQ+ Studies. The school's location in an affirming city helps foster year-round visibility.

Southern Oregon University (Oregon)
SOU features an active Gender, Sexuality, and Women’s Studies department and a Queer Resource Center with regular programming and support.

Tufts University (Massachusetts)
Tufts offers a robust LGBTQ+ Center, inclusive health and counseling services, and student-led affinity groups. The campus community is highly engaged in social justice.

University of Colorado Boulder (Colorado)
CU Boulder has a thriving Pride Office and gender-inclusive policies across campus. They offer peer support groups, LGBTQ+ advising, and educational outreach.

University of Louisville (Kentucky)
UofL has one of the strongest LGBTQ+ programs in the South. The LGBT Center operates on both the main and health sciences campuses.

University of Maryland, College Park (Maryland)
UMD offers a strong Pride Alliance, multiple LGBTQ+ learning communities, and active support from campus leadership. The LGBTQ+ Equity Center is nationally recognized.

University of Massachusetts Amherst (Massachusetts)
UMass Amherst is consistently ranked among the top LGBTQ+ friendly campuses. They offer inclusive housing, a Stonewall Center, and extensive academic programming.

University of Vermont (Vermont)
UVM champions queer and trans inclusion with gender-inclusive housing, a well-funded Prism Center, and a student culture centered around equity and expression.

Visiting with Intention

When you visit a college—in person or virtually—be intentional about what you observe and ask. Look beyond the polished tour and pay attention to campus culture. What is the climate for trans students? Are there LGBTQ+ students visible in leadership roles? Are pronouns used in classroom introductions? Do your tour guides or admission staff seem well-informed about LGBTQ+ support?

If possible, schedule time with the LGBTQ+ center or ask to meet with a current LGBTQ+ student. Attend an open house designed specifically for queer and trans prospective students, or reach out to affinity groups on social media before your visit. These conversations offer a more honest look at whether a campus is as inclusive as it claims to be.

Also, ask about local community resources. Are there affirming therapists or clinics nearby? Are there Pride events in the city or town? College is not just where you live—it’s also who surrounds you off campus.

Safety, State Policy, and Mental Health

State laws vary widely and can deeply affect your experience. Schools in affirming states often offer better access to gender-affirming care, stronger nondiscrimination protections, and greater legal recognition of chosen name and gender markers.

When evaluating colleges, consider not just the campus but also the state’s climate. In some regions, queer and trans students face barriers in housing, healthcare, and legal rights. This makes it even more important to choose a college with a track record of advocacy and support.

Regardless of location, prioritize colleges that take mental health seriously. Look for inclusive counseling services, crisis response plans, and staff trained in LGBTQ+ cultural competence. Your mental and emotional wellbeing matter just as much as academics—and the right campus will protect and nurture both.



Wherever you go, make sure the college prioritizes mental health and provides culturally competent counseling. Crisis response plans, inclusive advising, and strong peer networks all make a difference.

Helpful Resources

• Campus Pride Index
• GLSEN College Resources
• The Trevor Project