With news stories of hazing gone wrong, assaults on campus and increasing violence in our colleges, choosing the right college has to be about more than tuition, standings or quality these days.  Now, when you consider your options for college, it is also a good idea to keep in mind the level of safety a college can provide.  These top ten colleges have scored big in terms of safety and are ranked among the safest colleges in America.

1.  Arkansas State University, Beebe Campus-- Beebe, AR

2.  Louisiana State University -- Eunice, LA

3.  The University of Virginia's College at Wise-- Wise, VA

4.  Lake Land College-- Mattoon, IL

5.  Central Texas College-- Killeen, TX

6.  Delgado Community College-- New Orleans, LA

7.  Erskine College and Seminary -- Due West, SC

8.  Southern University at New Orleans-- New Orleans, LA

9.  Virginia Western Community College-- Roanoke, VA

10. Edison State College-- Fort Myers, FL

I find it interesting to note that almost all of these colleges are in the south.  Maybe there is more to southern hospitality than northerners like myself are aware of.

The safety ratings that give these colleges their rankings are determined by the number of reports of :

• Assault
• Burglary
• Car Theft
• Murder
• Rape
• Robbery
• Theft

The number of reports are weighted by factoring in the total population of a college to determine an overall likelihood of a crime happening to each individual.

With safety an ever increasing concern in our country, these colleges can provide a safe haven of solid learning and low crime for students.