Looking for universities with a drug-free environment and excellent academics?

[woogzmama]

The OP is extraordinarily qualified academically, and should approach college from that standpoint. I knew teetotallers and people who never smoked pot, even back in the wicked, wicked 1970s. I think you’re likelier to find a straitlaced population in the sciences than elsewhere. Students in those fields are very competitive academically, and often come from conservative (in the “lower-case,” social sense of the word, if not in terms of political affinities) backgrounds. If he cares more about an abstemious student body than about academic reputation, then he should focus on religious-affiliated colleges like BYU, but he should have no trouble finding like-minded students at MIT, CalTech, Washington U, Harvey Mudd, Columbia SEAS, Olin, et al.

[N_s_Mom]

No need to be so judgmental of OP. Several people I know who chose sub-free housing - and have a low tolerance for the drug/drinking scene - come from families that have suffered the consequences of a family member (or several) with substance addiction issues. They want to avoid an environment they know all too much about. Since you don’t know the back story on everyone who makes this choice, it would be better to assume it’s not a ‘holier than thou’ situation.

[warblersrule]

@woogzmama

I think you’re likelier to find a straitlaced population in the sciences than elsewhere. Students in those fields are very competitive academically, and often come from conservative (in the “lower-case,” social sense of the word, if not in terms of political affinities) backgrounds.

Substance abuse is by no means less prevalent in the sciences. In fact, Adderall abuse in particular is arguably worse among STEM majors.

@TheDidactic

I don’t think it’s such a terrible thing that OP desires a drug/alcohol free environment. A lot of people generally assume that once you hit college, drinking/doing drugs is a commonplace activity, but technically a lot of the recreational use is underage or illegal.

Sure, you could say it’s the “real world” and bash OP for seeming sheltered. But he shouldn’t be faulted for wanting to abide by the law.

If legality is the issue, then don’t drink or do drugs. That’s simple enough. Being bothered by other people doing them is a very different issue. Substance-free housing was a good suggestion.

At my undergrad, a top private university – which has a reputation as a “work hard, party hard” school, mind you – 55% of students reported in a campus climate survey that virtually none of their social time with friends was spent drinking. A similar percentage reported themselves non-drinkers. That is PLENTY of people to hang out with.

[WasatchWriter]

Since you don’t mention religious schools as an option, I cast another vote for substance-free dorms/corridors. And, yes, a larger school (6000+) will give you more options.

[Marsian]

OP – As someone who has never used any kind of substance stronger than caffeine, I sympathize. I would also recommend substance-free housing at a larger university. BYU is an option, but I understand that the social environment can be very difficult for students who are not Mormon.

There have been a number of threads on this very subject in the past few years. I think there is a real market for a substance-free university without a specific religious affiliation.