Ghouls, Ghosts, and Great Degrees: Haunted College Campuses with Top Academic Offerings

As Halloween approaches, it’s not just costumes, candy, and haunted houses that stir up spooky excitement. That’s right—many college campuses have their own eerie histories, with legends of ghostly apparitions, mysterious occurrences, and haunted dorms. Many of these schools aren’t just famous for their haunted reputations; they’re also renowned for outstanding academic programs. Here’s a look at the most haunted college campuses in the U.S., along with the academic programs that make them stand out.

University of Georgia (Athens, Georgia)

The university of Georgia (UGA) is one of the oldest public universities in the U.S., and it also happens to be one of the most haunted. The most famous ghost story centers around a campus dormitory called “The Old College.” Students and staff have reported sightings of a Confederate soldier roaming the halls and strange noises during the night. Another infamous ghost is Alice, who is said to haunt the Demosthenian Hall, where her footsteps can be heard by those brave enough to listen after dark.

UGA is widely known for its Terry College of Business, which offers top-rated undergraduate and graduate business programs. UGA is also home to the highly esteemed Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication, producing some of the nation’s top journalists and media professionals. Additionally, their programs in agriculture and law are highly regarded across the U.S.

Ohio University (Athens, Ohio)

Ohio University, located in Athens, Ohio, has earned a place on many “most haunted” lists due to Wilson Hall, one of the campus dormitories with an especially eerie reputation. Students claim that Room 428 is haunted by a former student who practiced dark rituals (eek!), leading to paranormal events such as objects moving on their own and mysterious writing appearing on the walls. The entire Athens region is considered to be one of the most haunted areas in the country, due to its proximity to several old cemeteries.

Despite its ghostly reputation, Ohio University is highly regarded for its academic offerings. It features the exceptional Scripps College of Communication, home to one of the top journalism schools in the nation. The university also excels in health sciences and education, attracting students from all over the country for these programs.

Fordham University (Bronx, New York)

With its Gothic architecture and long-standing history, it’s no surprise that Fordham University’s Rose Hill campus is rumored to be haunted. The most notorious building is Keating Hall, where numerous reports of ghost sightings have occurred, including shadowy figures and unexplained cold spots. The university itself was built over what was once a hospital and a morgue, adding to the campus’s spooky allure.

Fordham’s academic strengths lie in its School of Law, which is ranked among the top law schools in the U.S. Its Gabelli School of Business is also well-respected, with strong programs in finance, marketing, and accounting. Additionally, Fordham offers robust programs in the liberal arts, including philosophy, literature, and theology.

University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame, Indiana)

The University of Notre Dame is as famous for its architecture and sports teams as it is for its ghostly inhabitants. One of the most legendary hauntings is that of Washington Hall, where students claim the ghost of George Gipp, a former football player, roams the halls. Gipp, whose story was immortalized by the famous line “Win one for the Gipper,” is said to return to Washington Hall to relive his glory days.

Notre Dame is highly respected for its Mendoza College of Business, known for producing top-tier financial professionals and entrepreneurs. Additionally, Notre Dame’s School of Engineering and Law School are among the best in the country, attracting students with an eye toward academic excellence.

Pennsylvania State University (State College, Pennsylvania)

Penn State’s Schwab Auditorium is a hotspot for ghostly sightings. Many have reported seeing a woman in Victorian clothing wandering the halls. In addition to this, Fisher Hall also has its own legend—it’s said that the ghost of Frances Atherton, wife of former university president George Atherton, keeps watch over her husband’s grave, which lies in close proximity to the administrative building, Old Main.

Penn State is renowned for its College of Engineering, which ranks consistently among the top engineering programs in the U.S. Its School of Business is also highly respected, particularly for supply chain management. Along with this, Penn State’s programs in agricultural sciences and earth and mineral sciences are well-regarded across the country.

Gettysburg College (Gettysburg, Pennsylvania)

Located adjacent to one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, Gettysburg College is a hotbed of paranormal activity. The most famous story is about Stevens Hall, where students claim to have seen ghostly soldiers marching in formation. Another spooky location is Pennsylvania Hall, where an elevator is said to have taken staff members to the basement, only to reveal a scene from a Civil War hospital—talk about getting off on the wrong floor!

Gettysburg College boasts stellar political science and history programs, with a focus on public policy and the Civil War. The school also has a notable reputation in the liberal arts, with strong offerings in English, philosophy, and psychology.

University of Tennessee (Knoxville, Tennessee)

The University of Tennessee is home to its own ghostly residents, with Hoskins Library being one of the most notorious spots. Some students and faculty claim that the library is haunted by a former librarian who appears after hours, making her presence known with random cold spots and faint whispers in the quiet of the night.

The University of Tennessee is perhaps best known for its programs in supply chain management and logistics, which are regularly ranked among the top in the country. Its nursing and education programs are also highly regarded, drawing students who aspire to become leaders in their respective fields.

These haunted campuses not only serve up spine-chilling stories but also offer top-notch academic programs that attract students from around the globe. Whether it’s business, engineering, journalism, or history, these schools have much to offer both in terms of education and paranormal intrigue. So, if you’re a student looking for a challenge—both academically and supernaturally—these might just be the schools for you. Happy Halloween!