Attending college is an exciting time for students, but it’s important to consider safety when making a decision about where to study. With violent crime on the rise in many parts of the country, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks before you enroll.
According to a recent report by the FBI, there were 32 homicides on college campuses in 2020. This is a significant increase from the 24 homicides reported in 2019. The majority of these homicides (69%) involved firearms.
Colleges with the Highest Murder Rates
While the overall homicide rate on college campuses is relatively low, there are certain colleges that have a higher rate of violent crime than others. According to the FBI report, the following colleges had the highest murder rates in 2020:
| College | Location | Number of Murders |
|---|---|---|
| University of Chicago | Chicago, IL | 3 |
| Temple University | Philadelphia, PA | 2 |
| University of Maryland, College Park | College Park, MD | 2 |
| Northern Arizona University | Flagstaff, AZ | 1 |
| University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | 1 |
| University of Georgia | Athens, GA | 1 |
| University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | Urbana, IL | 1 |
| University of Tennessee, Knoxville | Knoxville, TN | 1 |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond, VA | 1 |
Factors Contributing to the Murder Rate
There are a number of factors that can contribute to the murder rate on college campuses, including:
- Proximity to urban areas with high crime rates
- Lack of adequate security measures
- Presence of gangs or organized crime
- Substance abuse
- Mental health issues
What Students Can Do to Stay Safe
There are a number of things that students can do to stay safe on campus, including:
- Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night
- Report any suspicious activity to the police
- Use the buddy system when walking around campus
- Secure your belongings and don’t leave valuables in plain sight
- Avoid excessive drinking and drug use
- Get involved in campus activities and make friends with other students
Conclusion
Attending college is a great opportunity to learn and grow, but it’s important to be aware of the potential risks as well. By taking the necessary precautions, students can help to reduce their chances of becoming a victim of crime.
FAQs
- What is the most common type of homicide on college campuses?
According to the FBI report, the majority of homicides on college campuses (69%) involve firearms.
- What are the most common factors that contribute to the murder rate on college campuses?
The most common factors that contribute to the murder rate on college campuses include proximity to urban areas with high crime rates, lack of adequate security measures, presence of gangs or organized crime, substance abuse, and mental health issues.
- What can students do to stay safe on campus?
Students can stay safe on campus by being aware of their surroundings, reporting any suspicious activity to the police, using the buddy system when walking around campus, securing their belongings, avoiding excessive drinking and drug use, and getting involved in campus activities.
- What are some common mistakes that students make that increase their risk of becoming a victim of crime?
Some common mistakes that students make that increase their risk of becoming a victim of crime include walking alone at night, leaving valuables in plain sight, and excessive drinking and drug use.
- How can parents help to keep their children safe on campus?
Parents can help to keep their children safe on campus by talking to them about the risks of crime and how to stay safe, providing them with financial support for security measures such as self-defense classes or pepper spray, and encouraging them to stay connected with friends and family.
- What role do colleges and universities play in reducing the murder rate on campus?
Colleges and universities play a vital role in reducing the murder rate on campus by providing adequate security measures, counseling services, and other resources to help students stay safe.
By following these tips and tricks, you can help to lower the murder rate on college campuses and keep yourself and others safe!