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50 STATES

51 amazing university and college buildings across the USA

Sarah Sekula
Special to USA TODAY
From Gothic-inspired relics to shiny modern-day buildings, there are many iconic structures on campuses across the nation that are worthy of adding to your next road trip. Click through this gallery for a glimpse of one impressive campus building in every state. Alabama: The striking glazed façade at Auburn University at Montgomery’s Wellness Center creates a dramatic campus entrance.
From Gothic-inspired relics to shiny modern-day buildings, there are many iconic structures on campuses across the nation that are worthy of adding to your next road trip. Click through this gallery for a glimpse of one impressive campus building in every state. Alabama: The striking glazed façade at Auburn University at Montgomery’s Wellness Center creates a dramatic campus entrance.
Perkins + Will And HOK
Alaska: The University of Alaska Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center is a hub for events.
Alaska: The University of Alaska Anchorage’s Alaska Airlines Center is a hub for events.
James R. Evans, University Of Alaska Anchorage
Arizona: The Cronkite School building at Arizona State University features television studios, newsrooms and computer labs. The building also is home to Arizona PBS, which is operated by the Cronkite School and features a digital video plant with transmissions reaching 1.9 million households.
Arizona: The Cronkite School building at Arizona State University features television studios, newsrooms and computer labs. The building also is home to Arizona PBS, which is operated by the Cronkite School and features a digital video plant with transmissions reaching 1.9 million households.
Arizona State University
Arkansas: Old Main was the first permanent building erected on the University of Arkansas campus. The south tower contains a clock and the north tower houses the bell.
Arkansas: Old Main was the first permanent building erected on the University of Arkansas campus. The south tower contains a clock and the north tower houses the bell.
Arkansas Department Of Parks And Tourism
California: The Anderson Collection at Stanford University houses modern and contemporary American paintings and sculptures.
California: The Anderson Collection at Stanford University houses modern and contemporary American paintings and sculptures.
Tim Griffith Photography
Colorado: Polaris Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy is named for The North Star and home to the Center for Character and Leadership.
Colorado: Polaris Hall at the U.S. Air Force Academy is named for The North Star and home to the Center for Character and Leadership.
VistCOS.com
Connecticut: One of the world's largest libraries devoted entirely to rare books and manuscripts, the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library is Yale's principal repository for literary archives, early manuscripts and rare books. They even have the original pilot script for "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."
Connecticut: One of the world's largest libraries devoted entirely to rare books and manuscripts, the Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library is Yale's principal repository for literary archives, early manuscripts and rare books. They even have the original pilot script for "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air."
Jack Devlin
Delaware: The 10-story Tower at Star is a shared space for the University of Delaware's College of Health Sciences and private companies designed to inspire collaboration.
Delaware: The 10-story Tower at Star is a shared space for the University of Delaware's College of Health Sciences and private companies designed to inspire collaboration.
Jay Greene Photography
Florida: Hotel Ponce de Leon in St. Augustine, which opened in 1888, is now the centerpiece of the Flagler College campus.
Florida: Hotel Ponce de Leon in St. Augustine, which opened in 1888, is now the centerpiece of the Flagler College campus.
Zach Thomas, Monarch Studios
Georgia: Berry College, founded in 1902, sits on 27,000 acres of woodlands, meadows and streams. The English Gothic Ford Buildings were a gift to Berry College in the 1920s from Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, and his wife, Clara.
Georgia: Berry College, founded in 1902, sits on 27,000 acres of woodlands, meadows and streams. The English Gothic Ford Buildings were a gift to Berry College in the 1920s from Henry Ford, the founder of Ford Motor Company, and his wife, Clara.
Brand Sanderlin
Hawaii: Hawaii Hall at the University of Hawaii houses the campus’ administrative offices.
Hawaii: Hawaii Hall at the University of Hawaii houses the campus’ administrative offices.
University Of Hawaii
Idaho: The stained glass windows and Tudor-style archways in the University of Idaho’s historic Administration Building only add to its charm.
Idaho: The stained glass windows and Tudor-style archways in the University of Idaho’s historic Administration Building only add to its charm.
University Of Idaho
Illinois: Northwestern University’s Ryan Fieldhouse and Walter Athletics Center has views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.
Illinois: Northwestern University’s Ryan Fieldhouse and Walter Athletics Center has views of the Chicago skyline and Lake Michigan.
Perkins + Will And HOK
Indiana: Built in 1926, the majestic bell tower, Le Mans Hall, marks the center of the Saint Mary’s College campus in Notre Dame. The castle-like residence hall also houses administrative buildings.
Indiana: Built in 1926, the majestic bell tower, Le Mans Hall, marks the center of the Saint Mary’s College campus in Notre Dame. The castle-like residence hall also houses administrative buildings.
SMC
Iowa: C.Y. Stephens Auditorium on the Iowa State University campus in Ames was named the state's building of the century by the Iowa chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
Iowa: C.Y. Stephens Auditorium on the Iowa State University campus in Ames was named the state's building of the century by the Iowa chapter of the American Institute of Architects.
Iowa State University
Kansas: Sheridan Hall on the campus of Fort Hays State University in Hays.
Kansas: Sheridan Hall on the campus of Fort Hays State University in Hays.
Kelsey Stramel
Kentucky: Founded in 1855, Berea College offers a scenic setting for students just outside of Lexington.
Kentucky: Founded in 1855, Berea College offers a scenic setting for students just outside of Lexington.
Berea College
Louisiana State University’s Student Recreation Complex includes an outdoor aquatic and adventure center and a leisure pool spelling out the letters LSU.
Louisiana State University’s Student Recreation Complex includes an outdoor aquatic and adventure center and a leisure pool spelling out the letters LSU.
Christy Radecic/HOK
Maine: The lobby for Husson University’s Gracie Theatre is illuminated by a rooftop skylight. When the theater is not hosting a performance, students use the lobby area to study.
Maine: The lobby for Husson University’s Gracie Theatre is illuminated by a rooftop skylight. When the theater is not hosting a performance, students use the lobby area to study.
Husson University
Maryland: Bancroft Hall houses the U.S. Naval Academy's 4,000 midshipmen. A must-see for visitors is the noon meal formation, a ceremony held daily during fall and spring semesters.
Maryland: Bancroft Hall houses the U.S. Naval Academy's 4,000 midshipmen. A must-see for visitors is the noon meal formation, a ceremony held daily during fall and spring semesters.
Visit Annapolis
Massachusetts: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Ray and Maria Stata Center for Computer, Information and Intelligence Sciences was designed by renowned architect Frank O. Gehry.
Massachusetts: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Ray and Maria Stata Center for Computer, Information and Intelligence Sciences was designed by renowned architect Frank O. Gehry.
Tony Webster
Michigan: The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University is a contemporary art museum that serves as both a teaching institution and a cultural hub.
Michigan: The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum at Michigan State University is a contemporary art museum that serves as both a teaching institution and a cultural hub.
Michigan State University Communications And Brand Strategy
Minnesota: The Weisman Art Museum on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis is known for its Frank Gehry-designed building, as well as exhibits running the gamut from modernist American paintings to photography, ceramics, design and installations.
Minnesota: The Weisman Art Museum on the University of Minnesota campus in Minneapolis is known for its Frank Gehry-designed building, as well as exhibits running the gamut from modernist American paintings to photography, ceramics, design and installations.
Kristine Leuze, Explore Minnesota
Mississippi: Mississippi State University’s Davis Wade Stadium features modern elements while still complementing the campus’ historic architecture.
Mississippi: Mississippi State University’s Davis Wade Stadium features modern elements while still complementing the campus’ historic architecture.
Christy Radecic, HOK
Missouri: The Foster Recreation Center received the Honor Award for Architecture from the AIA Central States for 2014.
Missouri: The Foster Recreation Center received the Honor Award for Architecture from the AIA Central States for 2014.
Office Of Visual Media, Missouri State University
Montana: Main Hall at the University of Montana.
Montana: Main Hall at the University of Montana.
Google Street View
Nebraska: The cornerstone for St. John’s Church at Creighton University, a neo-Gothic landmark, was laid in 1887.
Nebraska: The cornerstone for St. John’s Church at Creighton University, a neo-Gothic landmark, was laid in 1887.
Creighton University
Nevada: The Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center on the University of Nevada, Reno campus is a gathering spot for many.
Nevada: The Mathewson-IGT Knowledge Center on the University of Nevada, Reno campus is a gathering spot for many.
UNR
New Hampshire: The view across Dartmouth Green from the historic Hanover Inn to the Baker-Berry Library at Dartmouth College in Hanover.
New Hampshire: The view across Dartmouth Green from the historic Hanover Inn to the Baker-Berry Library at Dartmouth College in Hanover.
Visit New Hampshire
New Jersey: The University Chapel at Princeton University was built between 1925 and 1928. The chapel contains a collection of stained glass by American artists and is used today for services of all faiths.
New Jersey: The University Chapel at Princeton University was built between 1925 and 1928. The chapel contains a collection of stained glass by American artists and is used today for services of all faiths.
Princeton University, Office Of Communications.
New Mexico: Opened in 2008, George Pearl Hall is the home of the University of New Mexico’s School of Architecture and Planning. It was designed by internationally acclaimed architect Antoine Predock.
New Mexico: Opened in 2008, George Pearl Hall is the home of the University of New Mexico’s School of Architecture and Planning. It was designed by internationally acclaimed architect Antoine Predock.
The University Of New Mexico
New York: At the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, get your fill of the arts and sciences all in the same building.
New York: At the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, get your fill of the arts and sciences all in the same building.
Paul Rivera, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
North Carolina: Duke University Chapel, with a tower that rises 210 feet, is built of multihued stones from a nearby quarry. Designed by Julian Abele and dedicated in 1935, the chapel represents last great collegiate Gothic projects in the United States.
North Carolina: Duke University Chapel, with a tower that rises 210 feet, is built of multihued stones from a nearby quarry. Designed by Julian Abele and dedicated in 1935, the chapel represents last great collegiate Gothic projects in the United States.
VisitNC.com
North Dakota: The Ralph Engelstad Arena on the University of North Dakota campus is home to the UND hockey team.
North Dakota: The Ralph Engelstad Arena on the University of North Dakota campus is home to the UND hockey team.
Visit Grand Forks
Ohio: The stainless steel curves of the Peter B. Lewis building at Case Western Reserve University are a sight to see.
Ohio: The stainless steel curves of the Peter B. Lewis building at Case Western Reserve University are a sight to see.
Case Western Reserve University
Oklahoma: The Prayer Tower on the campus of Oral Roberts University is a photo-worthy spot.
Oklahoma: The Prayer Tower on the campus of Oral Roberts University is a photo-worthy spot.
Lori Duckworth, Oklahoma Tourism
Oregon: The Karl Miller Center opened on Portland State University’s campus in September 2017. The iconic LEED Platinum building is home to the School of Business and features an all-glass, five-story atrium designed to foster community and collaboration.
Oregon: The Karl Miller Center opened on Portland State University’s campus in September 2017. The iconic LEED Platinum building is home to the School of Business and features an all-glass, five-story atrium designed to foster community and collaboration.
Portland State University
Pennsylvania: The Cathedral of Learning is a 42-story, Gothic revival-style skyscraper on the University of Pittsburgh campus. At 535 feet tall, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Pennsylvania: The Cathedral of Learning is a 42-story, Gothic revival-style skyscraper on the University of Pittsburgh campus. At 535 feet tall, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Richard Nowitz
Rhode Island: Situated along historic Newport’s famed Cliff Walk, Ochre Court is Salve Regina University’s main administration building.
Rhode Island: Situated along historic Newport’s famed Cliff Walk, Ochre Court is Salve Regina University’s main administration building.
Salve Regina University
South Carolina: The Cistern Yard at the College of Charleston is the center of campus. The raised, oval cistern was constructed in 1857 as a reservoir to provide water for fighting fires before the creation of the city's water system.
South Carolina: The Cistern Yard at the College of Charleston is the center of campus. The raised, oval cistern was constructed in 1857 as a reservoir to provide water for fighting fires before the creation of the city's water system.
ExploreCharleston.com
South Dakota: Old Main is the oldest building on the University of South Dakota campus in Vermillion. In addition to being on the National Register of Historic Places, the building is home to classrooms, offices and a cozy auditorium known as Farber Hall.
South Dakota: Old Main is the oldest building on the University of South Dakota campus in Vermillion. In addition to being on the National Register of Historic Places, the building is home to classrooms, offices and a cozy auditorium known as Farber Hall.
South Dakota Department Of Tourism
Tennessee: Fisk University’s Jubilee Hall was the South’s first permanent structure built for African American education. Students at Fisk University, a site on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, were the backbone of successful, peaceful sit-in demonstrations in Nashville.
Tennessee: Fisk University’s Jubilee Hall was the South’s first permanent structure built for African American education. Students at Fisk University, a site on the U.S. Civil Rights Trail, were the backbone of successful, peaceful sit-in demonstrations in Nashville.
Jeff Adkins, Journal Communications Inc.
Texas: The Moody Center for the Arts at Rice University was designed by Los Angeles-based architect Michael Maltzan.
Texas: The Moody Center for the Arts at Rice University was designed by Los Angeles-based architect Michael Maltzan.
Nash Baker
Utah: Rice-Eccles Stadium at the University of Utah was the home of the 2002 Olympics opening and closing ceremonies.
Utah: Rice-Eccles Stadium at the University of Utah was the home of the 2002 Olympics opening and closing ceremonies.
Visit Utah
Vermont: The Alfond Draft Horse Barn, a timber frame structure built in 2014 with lumber from the surrounding woods, is part of Sterling College, a liberal arts college focusing on environmental stewardship. Sterling was one of the first colleges in the U.S. to offer a sustainable agriculture major and has had a campus farm since 1965.
Vermont: The Alfond Draft Horse Barn, a timber frame structure built in 2014 with lumber from the surrounding woods, is part of Sterling College, a liberal arts college focusing on environmental stewardship. Sterling was one of the first colleges in the U.S. to offer a sustainable agriculture major and has had a campus farm since 1965.
Sterling College
Virginia: The Rotunda, a half-scale interpretation of the Pantheon in Rome, is a signature landmark of the University of Virginia, and its Dome Room originally housed the University library.
Virginia: The Rotunda, a half-scale interpretation of the Pantheon in Rome, is a signature landmark of the University of Virginia, and its Dome Room originally housed the University library.
Keith Lanpher, Virginia Tourism Corporation
Washington: The famous reading room in Suzzallo Library at the University of Washington.
Washington: The famous reading room in Suzzallo Library at the University of Washington.
Dennis Wise, University Of Washington
Washington, D.C.: Healy Hall at Georgetown University is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
Washington, D.C.: Healy Hall at Georgetown University is recognized as a National Historic Landmark.
Jair Zuta La Rosa
West Virginia: West Virginia University’s Woodburn Hall is the campus’ most well known landmark.
West Virginia: West Virginia University’s Woodburn Hall is the campus’ most well known landmark.
West Virginia Tourism
Wisconsin: Union South is a student activity center located on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The space includes a movie theater; the Daily Scoop, where students can pick up the famous Babcock Dairy Ice Cream; and The Sett, a recreational area to climb, bowl, shoot pool, play games and hang out.
Wisconsin: Union South is a student activity center located on the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. The space includes a movie theater; the Daily Scoop, where students can pick up the famous Babcock Dairy Ice Cream; and The Sett, a recreational area to climb, bowl, shoot pool, play games and hang out.
University Of Wisconsin-Madison
Wyoming: Old Main is the oldest building at the University of Wyoming and home to the university’s top-level administrative offices.
Wyoming: Old Main is the oldest building at the University of Wyoming and home to the university’s top-level administrative offices.
University Of Wyoming
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