To assess the situation of free speech in higher education, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression annually conducts surveys of college undergraduates. Collaborating with College Pulse (a research organization specializing in student surveys), the foundation compiles rankings based on the findings.

We have the rankings for 2024 at hand. Below we have rounded up a list of 30 American higher education institutions’ free speech scores. Continue reading for more details.

Colleges That Strictly Disapprove of Free Speech

Source: United Liberty

Here are the 15 colleges and universities that discourage free speech and even impose restrictions to the point of shutting down. We’ve jotted down some more statistical data for your better understanding of the situation.

15. Yale University

Source: Yale University

Overall score: 26.73/100

Rating: Poor

Highlights

  • 75% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 56% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 62% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 4 to 1.

14. University of Central Florida

Source: University of Central Florida

Overall score: 26.64/100

Rating: Poor

Highlights

  • 64% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 47% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 63% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 2.3 to 1.

13. Central Michigan University

Source: Central Michigan University

Overall score: 26.61/100

Rating: Poor

Highlights

  • 66% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 56% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 54% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 2 to 1.

12. University of California, Davis

Source: University of California, Davis

Overall score: 26.42/100

Rating: Poor

Highlights

  • 81% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 48% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 58% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 5.9 to 1.

11. Tulane University

Source: Tulane University

Overall score: 26.40/100

Rating: Poor

Highlights

  • 81% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 44% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 51% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 6.4 to 1.

10. University of Texas, Austin

Source: University of Texas, Austin

Overall score: 26.4

Rating: Poor

Highlights

  • 72% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 51% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 58% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 4 to 1.

9. Dartmouth College

Source: Dartmouth College

Overall score: 25.76/100

Rating: Poor

Highlights

  • 73% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 55% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 56% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 4.4 to 1.

8. Duquesne University

Source: Duquesne University

Overall score: 25.25/100

Rating: Poor

Highlights

  • 56% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 50% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 56% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 1.7 to 1.

7. Northwestern University

Source: Northwestern University

Overall score: 23.9

Rating: Poor

Highlights

  • 68% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 44% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 61% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 5.5 to 1.

6. Skidmore College

Source: Skidmore College

Overall score: 23.59/100

Rating: Poor

Highlights

  • 67% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 49% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 65% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 15.3 to 1.

5. Fordham University

Source: Fordham University

Overall score: 21.72/100

Rating: Poor

Highlights

  • 73% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 52% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 60% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 4 to 1.

4. Georgetown University

Source: Georgetown University

Overall score: 17.4

Rating: Very Poor

Highlights

  • 84% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 59% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 54% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 3.9 to 1.

3. University of South Carolina

Source: University of South Carolina

Overall score: 12.24/100

Rating: Very Poor

Highlights

  • 62% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 47% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 57% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 1 to 1.

2. University of Pennsylvania

Source: University of Pennsylvania

Overall score: 11.1

Rating: Very Poor

Highlights

  • 79% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 51% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 55% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 7.7 to 1.

1. Harvard University

Source: Harvard University

Overall score: 0.0/100

Rating: Abysmal

Highlights

  • 70% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 53% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 58% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 3.3 to 1.

Colleges That Are Less Restrictive Towards Free Speech

Source: United Liberty

Here are the 15 colleges and universities that not only allow but to some extent encourage free speech. These institutions ensure your voice is heard and you’re safe on campus.

15. Eastern Kentucky University

Source: Eastern Kentucky University

Overall score: 65.51/100

Rating: Above Average

Highlights

  • 55% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 49% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 52% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 1.8 to 1.

14. Mississippi State University

Source: Mississippi State University

Overall score: 65.61/100

Rating: Above Average

Highlights

  • 66% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 57% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 53% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 1.1 to 1.

13. University of Chicago

Source: University of Chicago

Overall score: 65.95/100

Rating: Above Average

Highlights

  • 69% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 47% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 60% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 3.9 to 1.

12. University of South Florida

Source: University of South Florida

Overall score: 66.08/100

Rating: Above Average

Highlights

  • 61% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 53% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 55% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 1.7 to 1.

11. North Carolina State University

Source: North Carolina State University

Overall score: 66.19/100

Rating: Above Average

Highlights

  • 72% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 55% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 52% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 3.5 to 1.

10. University of Colorado, Boulder

Source: University of Colorado, Boulder

Overall score: 66.54/100

Rating: Above Average

Highlights

  • 52% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 54% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 52% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 3.4 to 1.

9. University of North Carolina, Greensboro

Source: University of North Carolina, Greensboro

Overall score: 67.53/100

Rating: Above Average

Highlights

  • 69% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 52% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 47% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 4.7 to 1.

8. George Mason University

Source: George Mason University

Overall score: 67.65/100

Rating: Above Average

Highlights

  • 59% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 43% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 59% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 3.4 to 1.

7. Texas A and M University

Source: Texas A and M University

Overall score: 67.92/100

Rating: Above Average

Highlights

  • 51% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 57% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 53% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 1.03 to 1.

6. University of Virginia

Source: University of Virginia

Overall score: 68.00/100

Rating: Above Average

Highlights

  • 71% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 44% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 59% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 4.1 to 1.

5. Florida State University

Source: Florida State University

Overall score: 69.64/100

Rating: Above Average

Highlights

  • 60% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 52% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 58% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 1.2 to 1.

4. Oregon State University

Source: Oregon State University

Overall score: 71.56/100

Rating: Good

Highlights

  • 49% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 50% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 52% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 2.4 to 1.

3. University of New Hampshire

Source: University of New Hampshire

Overall score: 72.17/100

Rating: Good

Highlights

  • 57% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 56% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 51% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 2.4 to 1.

2. Auburn University

Source: Auburn University

Overall score: 72.53/100

Rating: Good

Highlights

  • 59% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 48% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 53% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 1.2 to 1.

1. Michigan Technological University

Source: Michigan Technological University

Overall score: 78.01/100

Rating: Good

Highlights

  • 48% of students think shouting down a controversial campus speaker is at least rarely acceptable.
  • 43% of students admit to self-censoring on campus once or twice a month.
  • 55% of students expressed concerns about tarnishing their reputation as a result of others on campus misunderstanding their words or behavior.
  • The ratio of liberal students to conservative students is approx 1.1 to 1.

What Do You Think?

In this post, we’ve looked at the college free speech rankings powered by FIRE. We walked through the colleges that uphold strict policies and which are more lenient about the right of free speech on campus.

Source: United Liberty

Given these findings, what do you foresee for the future of free speech in higher education? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section.