Ohio has 2 of most beautiful US college campuses in 2026, US News & World Report says. 1 is top 5
U.S. News & World Report just released the 30 Most Beautiful College Campuses, and two Ohio schools made the list, with Denison University in Granville landing in the top five.
The rankings were based on “stunning architecture, picturesque settings and spectacular landscaping,” and first impressions have been known to sway students’ decisions about where to attend.
#4 Denison University, Granville
Denison University’s hilltop campus in Granville blends historic architecture with carefully planned landscapes and natural reserves.
Features of note:
- Founded in 1831, Denison University occupies about 900 acres in the village of Granville.
- The campus features signature architectural landmarks such as Swasey Chapel (completed in 1924 in the English Stuart Revival style) and Barney-Davis Hall (built in 1894).
- Swasey Observatory, constructed of white Vermont marble in 1909, was funded by telescope designer Ambrose Swasey and reflects his legacy in astronomical engineering.
- Beyond its buildings, Denison maintains a 550-acre biological reserve and a college cemetery that dates back to 1833.
- The campus grounds, designed by the Frederick Law Olmsted landscape architecture firm, have earned multiple national awards for beauty and sustainable maintenance, including the Olmsted Property Honor Award in 2024.
#14 Kenyon College, Gambier
Kenyon College’s rural hilltop campus in Gambier is defined by its age, Gothic character and layered building histories.
Features of note:
- Founded in 1824, Kenyon is the oldest private college in Ohio, set on a roughly 1,000-acre rural campus in central Ohio.
- The campus is known for its Gothic-inspired architecture and wooded surroundings that frame the hilltop setting.
- Rosse Hall, begun in 1829 and completed in 1845 in the Greek Revival style, served as the college’s first chapel.
- After a fire in 1897 and a stint as a gymnasium, Rosse Hall was renovated in 1975 to resemble its original appearance and now functions as a 600-seat concert and lecture hall.
- Ascension Hall, a Victorian Gothic “castle” completed in 1859, houses five academic departments as well as a study lounge
Ohio holding two of the 30 slots is genuinely worth noting. So which campus do you think should be on the list? Email me at srose@ledger-enquirer.com or find me on social media.
This story was originally published March 4, 2026 at 6:00 AM.