College is a great opportunity to learn new things and start your career, but the environment may be detrimental in some cases. For example, many colleges have a party atmosphere. While most young adults can balance partying and their education, it can be hard for others to focus at a party school.
Parties can be a distraction for those who aren’t interested in drinking, and might be a trigger for individuals who are recovering from an alcohol or drug problem. Those who have struggled with drug or alcohol issues in the past may experience a risk of relapse in the average college environment. If you want the benefits of a college education without the pressure that comes from partying for any reason, you might want to consider enrolling in a sober college or university.
Sober Universities: Do They Exist?
A sober college or university has minimal on-campus partying and does not involve drug or alcohol use. At sober universities, students have to agree to refrain from alcohol, drugs, and sex in some cases. These campuses offer an alternative for prospective students who don’t want to go to a school that involves partying. While these types of colleges definitely exist, they are only in certain areas and are relatively few & far between.
A majority of these schools are either religiously affiliated universities or military academies due to their values and sets of morals. It is important to note that a small number of them, however, are called “dry” but may enroll some students who drink off campus or sneak alcohol into their living facilities. Some sober universities require students to participate in athletics and other activities year-round to ensure that they don’t have the time to drink or party.
The Purpose of Sober Universities
Sober universities are designed for people who want to prioritize learning over partying. These students may include individuals with conservative values or certain religious beliefs like Christianity. However, these schools could also serve as positive environments for students who are recovering from drug or alcohol abuse. They keep college students away from alcohol, which could serve as a huge source of pressure for individuals in this specific age range.
Examples of Sober Colleges & Universities
The Princeton Review makes an annual list of the top sober universities and colleges in the United States. While these rankings don’t necessarily mean that everyone at the most sober schools practices sobriety, they do indicate the colleges that put partying on the backburner.
Here are some of the most sober colleges in the country, according to the Princeton Review:
1. Brigham Young University in Utah — a Mormon university crowned the most sober school in the US for the past 17 years
2. Wheaton College in Illinois
3. US Military Academy in New York
4. Calvin College in Michigan
5. Thomas Aquinas College in California
6. US Air Force Academy in Colorado
7. US Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut
8. US Naval Academy in Maryland
9. Pepperdine University, California
10. College of the Ozarks in Missouri
Even though these sober schools rank among the most popular in the US, that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re the right choice for everyone looking for a sober university. It is important to spend time thoroughly researching all options before deciding on a university.
Choosing the Best Sober School for You
The best choice for you or your family member depends on several factors including:
● How close you are located to campus
● How far you are willing to commute
● If you are willing to relocate
● Your religious or spiritual beliefs
● Whether you want to commit to a military lifestyle
If you or a loved one is considering enrolling at a sober university or college, discuss your options with admissions counselors from the schools you’re interested in. It may also be beneficial to visit a few campuses to see if you like the environment. If you have a history of substance abuse and are thinking of attending a sober school, it is encouraged to talk with a psychologist or a doctor about your options.
To learn more about addiction, ask our team of substance abuse treatment representatives by calling 267.719.8528.
Sources
https://www.collegeatlas.org/most-sober-schools.html
https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/teen-addiction/related/most-sober-colleges/
https://www.cbsnews.com/pictures/nations-top-20-party-sober-schools/8/
https://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2014/0805/College-rankings-Who-s-on-the-Top-20-sober-schools-list
