Lgbtq welcoming colleges

2025 Best LGBTQ-Friendly Online Schools

Why we appreciate them: FIU is #1 for entity the most LGBT-friendly online school. And in terms of online studies, there are over 14,800 students here studying 100% remotely. FIU offers a welcoming and affirming environment for LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff through its Identity festival Center. The university supports a range of LGBTQIA+-focused pupil organizations, including the Pride Student Union, oSTEM, Stonewall Legal Alliance, and Med GSA, providing society and advocacy across disciplines. FIU’s LGBTQA+ Mentorship Program matches students with affirming faculty and staff mentors for sustain and connection. The Pride Center also coordinates volunteer opportunities and major campus events like Transsexual Day of Remembrance and World AIDS Day, encouraging pupil leadership and campus-wide inclusion efforts.

"Florida International University provides dedicated support through its adept staff and professors. Their commitment ensures the necessary tools for future career triumph. The educational environment remains positive and empowering, fostering academic growth and improving practical applicability in further studies..."

Marianne D

Best Colleges for Gay Students in 2025

Many American colleges and universities go above and beyond to offer initiatives and resources supporting LGBTQ+ students (also referred to as LGBTQIA), from their first year to after graduation.

From LGBTQ-inclusive housing and healthcare options to LGBTQ+ communities and comprehensive support services, this article explores all the ways colleges help LGBTQ+ students. 

Get ready to discover LGBTQ-friendly colleges that are leading the way in creating inclusive and affirming environments for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities. 

10 finest LGBTQ+ colleges

The 10 colleges below are the top of the best (in no particular order) at supporting and protecting their LGBTQ+ students.

University of Maryland, College Park

  • Acceptance rate: 52%
  • Undergraduate enrollment: 30,922
  • In-state tuition: $10,955
  • Out-of-state tuition: $38,636
  • Six-year graduation rate: 88%

The University of Maryland (UMD) is known for its commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ students. 

UMD's LGBTQ+ Equity Center is a professionally staffed office at the Universit

The 10 most LGBTQ-friendly colleges

The University of Maryland is committed to providing a safe space for its LGBTQ students. The LGBTQ+ Equity Center supports UMD students, alums, and staff across all gender identities and sexual orientations and provides various resources and events on campus. For example, Quelcome is a long-running program that allows LGBTQ students to connect and contain fun. At the alike time, Q Camp enables learners to participate in activities that provide positive support in areas that include identity development and campus involvement.

In addition, the university also provides scholarships, awards, and internships that allow students to operate in community organizations that serve LGBTQ populations.

San Diego State University’sPride Center is an inclusive space that helps students with their sexual orientation, romantic orientation, gender identity, and gender verbalization development. The center also routinely hosts monthly events, including Trans Week of Empowerment, Lavender Graduation, and Black Gay Pride Week.

The institution also provides the peer mentorship program called Pride House, where mentees labor “with an upperclassman mentor who is inv

Top 50 LGBTQ-Friendly Colleges and Universities

  • 1. Stamps School of Art & Design—University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, MI): Spectrum Center, the hub of the LGBTQ+ world on campus; resources from mentoring and crisis intervention to academic tutoring and help navigating campus; fun social events, support groups, jobs, leadership opportunities, and connections with Homosexual alumni

    Yes, connect me!

  • 2. Ithaca College (Ithaca, NY): LGBTQ-specific course offerings; advisory committee dedicated to Homosexual issues on campus; ally programs for all students on campus to elevate awareness; Center for LGBT Education, Outreach & Services, with an LGBTQ+ resource library; LGBT Education Month; special guest speakers; resources for navigating the college experience

  • 3. University of Kentucky (Lexington, KY): Admission officers with specific training in helping LGBTQ+ students apply to the University; counseling staff to help students make the transition to college, including dedicated trans-inclusive counselors; LGBTQ+ campus police liaisons to aid students feel safe; special graduation ceremony for LGBTQ+ students and their allies

  • 4. University of Massachusetts Amherst (Amherst, MA): St

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