40 Best Colleges for Jewish Students

Choosing the right college is a big decision for any student, but for Jewish students, finding a school with a welcoming community, cultural resources, and spiritual support can be especially important.

Colleges that offer vibrant Hillel and Chabad organizations, kosher dining options, and active Jewish student unions provide a sense of belonging that goes beyond academics.

In this guide, we highlight 40 of the best colleges for Jewish students across the United States. Each of these schools is known for having a supportive Jewish presence on campus, opportunities for cultural engagement, and resources that help students feel at home while pursuing their education.

Northeastern United States

1. Brandeis University – Founded by the Jewish community, Brandeis has one of the most inclusive and active Jewish student populations in the country.
2. Columbia University – Offers a strong Jewish Studies program and an active Hillel serving a large Jewish student body.
3. New York University (NYU) – Located in Manhattan, NYU provides countless opportunities for Jewish cultural, religious, and social engagement.
4. Cornell University – Features a vibrant Jewish community with one of the largest Hillel organizations in the U.S.
5. University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) – Home to a thriving Jewish community with kosher dining and active Jewish student organizations.
6. Princeton University – Offers a welcoming Jewish community supported by Hillel and Chabad.
7. Yeshiva University – As a private Jewish university, it combines rigorous academics with strong Jewish traditions.
8. Rutgers University – Known for one of the largest Jewish student populations in the country, with strong support organizations.
9. Harvard University – Offers a rich array of Jewish cultural and religious activities.
10. Boston University – Features an active Hillel and Jewish cultural life in the heart of Boston.

Midwestern United States

11. Northwestern University – Strong Hillel and active Jewish student life programs make it a top choice.
12. University of Michigan – Known for one of the most vibrant Jewish student communities in the Midwest.
13. Washington University in St. Louis – Offers a supportive Jewish community and multiple cultural organizations.
14. University of Wisconsin–Madison – Hosts a large Jewish student population with active programming.
15. Indiana University Bloomington – Features one of the largest Hillel chapters in the country.

Southern United States

16. Emory University – Strong Jewish student life with kosher dining and active cultural programming.
17. Tulane University – Known for a high percentage of Jewish students and a thriving Jewish community.
18. University of Miami – Offers strong Jewish student life with both Hillel and Chabad organizations.
19. Vanderbilt University – Active Jewish student groups and support resources.
20. University of Florida – Features one of the largest Jewish student populations in the South.

Western United States

21. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) – Home to a large Jewish student population and a dynamic Hillel.
22. University of Southern California (USC) – Offers strong Jewish student support and cultural programming.
23. Stanford University – Provides rich opportunities for Jewish student engagement and cultural study.
24. University of California, Berkeley – Features a large and active Jewish student community.
25. San Diego State University – Offers a supportive environment with Hillel and Jewish organizations.

Private Liberal Arts Colleges

26. Oberlin College – Known for inclusivity and strong Jewish cultural programming.
27. Wesleyan University – Offers Jewish learning opportunities and active student groups.
28. Barnard College – Strong Jewish presence and access to Columbia’s resources.
29. Skidmore College – Provides a close-knit Jewish community with cultural opportunities.
30. Vassar College – Active Hillel and inclusive Jewish student organizations.

Large Public Universities

31. University of Maryland, College Park – One of the largest Jewish student populations in the U.S.
32. Pennsylvania State University (Penn State) – Offers a vibrant Jewish community and student programs.
33. Ohio State University – Strong Hillel and active Jewish student life.
34. University of Illinois Urbana–Champaign – Features a large Jewish population and multiple cultural resources.
35. Michigan State University – Offers strong Jewish student engagement and community support.

Other Notable Colleges

36. Duke University – Known for active Jewish student life and a supportive campus environment.
37. Brown University – Strong Jewish cultural life and academic opportunities in Judaic studies.
38. Dartmouth College – Offers a close-knit Jewish student community.
39. University of Rochester – Active Hillel and welcoming community.
40. Case Western Reserve University – Provides Jewish cultural programming and student engagement opportunities.

Conclusion

For Jewish students, finding the right college means balancing academic opportunities with a sense of cultural and community support. The colleges listed above stand out not only for their academics but also for their commitment to fostering welcoming environments where Jewish students can thrive both personally and academically.

Whether through kosher dining, Jewish studies programs, or active student organizations, these schools ensure that Jewish life remains vibrant and accessible on campus.