Two of Georgia's universities have just scored top spots on the "Prettiest College Campuses in America" list curated by Architectural Digest. According to the publication, Berry College and Spelman College are the most visually striking campuses in the state, making them stand out amongst 64 institutions that were recognized nationwide this April.
As per Architectural Digest, Berry College is celebrated for its connection with the natural world, with the magazine stating, "when it comes to a beautiful setting, Berry College can’t be beat." This private liberal arts institution, nestled near Rome, Georgia, prides itself on its picturesque 27,000 acres of forests, fields, and the majestic Lavendar Mountain. The campus also boasts English Gothic architecture, which is described by the magazine as "gorgeous." Landed at No. 48, Berry College is no stranger to such honors, having appeared on a previous list by the FOX 5 Atlanta.
Meanwhile, smack in the heart of Atlanta sits Spelman College, a historically black college which Architectural Digest claims is fused with history, giving it a special appeal. "The HBCU features redbrick buildings in a variety of styles, including the Rockefeller Hall, which was built in 1886 and is listed on the National Record of Historic Places," the writers at FOX 5 Atlanta cited Architectural Digest as saying.
Spelman's reputation is further highlighted by the upcoming Studio Gang–designed Center for the Arts & Innovation, slated to open in early 2025. The college, founded in 1881, encapsulates a 39-acre campus and was noted as No. 63 on the list. The institution also made headlines in January with a $100 million donation from a billionaire businesswoman and school trustee, marking the largest single donation given to an HBCU, as Atlanta News First highlighted.
Other noteworthy campuses that made the Architectural Digest cut include Yale, Baylor University, and Florida Southern, with the University of Hawaii at Mānoa taking the first position. The comprehensive list not only acknowledges the architectural marvels but also the harmonious blend of their aesthetic elements, creating environments as beguiling as they are educational.
