Top Colleges for Drugs

This year’s list of the Top 30 Druggiest Colleges is out, and it is getting mixed reviews by colleges and students alike. While it might actually hold some sway for parents and their college-aged kids who are looking into colleges, most people dismiss the list as inaccurate and unreliable.

The Daily Beast, an affiliate of Newsweek, puts out this list every year, and every year readers are amazed and confused at the results. This year’s “Top Druggiest College” is the University of Colorado at Boulder. No college wants the title, but this year’s winner does not seem surprised at the results. Bronson Hilliard, a spokesman for the university, said the report doesn’t provide any new information. “We’re perfectly aware of this problem, and we’ve taken more measures to work against it in the last five years than in any time in the university’s history,” he said. (1)

An Unwanted Title

Other colleges that made the list this year or in the past are frustrated to be named, and criticize the Beast for coming up with the list. The University of New Hampshire is also on this year’s list – number 19, which drops them down from number 1 last year. Still, school officials are not impressed. “These types of lists are good only for passing amusement, ” said Anne Lawing, dean of students. “They are neither reliable or credible for UNH or any campus. We have always done our best to educate students about drugs (of which alcohol is the one that is most used) and provide high quality law enforcement. We will continue our efforts.” (2)

Selection Criteria

Colleges first of all question the method the Beast uses to rank the schools. The three data points are: the “drug scenes” grade listed on College Prowler, a student-rating database; on-campus arrests for drug violations at each college; and each campus’s surrounding environment, using data from the 2008-2009 U.S. Department of Human Services National Survey on Drug Abuse. (2)

Working to Keep Campuses Drug-Free

A school that works hard to enforce a zero-tolerance policy for drugs or is located in an area known for high drug rates may fall into an unreasonably high position, as Eckert College in St. Petersburg, Florida (ranked 12th) does. “They use our own data against us,” Eckert Director of Security Adam Colby said of the Beast list. “If we decided we just wanted to turn a blind eye, we’d actually get a better rating. It’s frustrating.” (3)

While the list is unreliable and most people dismiss it as only good for entertainment, it may actually be harming the colleges that make the list. Parents may shy away from sending their child to a college that is listed as one of the “top druggiest” colleges. Students who are looking for a good time rather than solid academics may choose these colleges, bringing students onto the campus who are less than serious about education.

What this list can do is help colleges take a closer look at their student body and their enforcement practices to ensure they are doing everything possible to keep their campuses drug-free.

Topping this year’s list is the University of Colorado, followed by Denison University. Dartmouth College came in third.