College Guide FAQ

Hillel's College Guide offers detailed information on Jewish life at hundreds of colleges and universities around the world for current and prospective students, parents, and donors. The Guide can help you find the school that’s right for you and connect with the local Hillel.

Use the College Guide to learn about the size of Jewish student populations, kosher food, religious services, Israel programs, religious life, Jewish studies and more. Information listed may vary by school, and all numbers are approximate (see disclaimer for details).

We want Jewish students to have a richer college experience, complete with a meaningful connection to Jewish life, learning and Israel. The College Guide helps connect you to the school and Hillel that’s right for you.

The College Guide information is provided by the local Hillel professionals and administrators at the college or university. You are encouraged to speak to the local Hillel directly to confirm important facts about Jewish life. The College Guide information is subject to change.

No. While the College Guide lists over 900 schools, it does not include all colleges or universities. If you feel that a particular school should be added, please contact us.

Nothing is more helpful than visiting a campus in person. After attending an information session or taking a campus tour, contact the Hillel office or stop by the Hillel building to say hello and learn about the activities and initiatives that they offer. Contact the local Hillel well in advance to schedule your visit and explore your options.

While the College Guide is free to the public, our work is made possible by the support of generous donors. If you find the Guide a valuable resource, please consider helping us keep it available and free by supporting us.

The "Top 60" refers to the lists of colleges and universities with the largest Jewish undergraduate populations as published in the Hillel College Guide magazine. The lists are based on estimated population statistics reported by local Hillels. The lists includes the top 60 public schools, the top 60 private schools, and the top 60 schools based on percentage of Jewish students.

It is wonderful that you are interested in starting a Hillel student organization (HSO) on your campus! The first step in achieving this is to find out the rules for student organizations at your school. In order to become an HSO, you must first be registered in accordance with your campus rules. Once you have achieved that and found a faculty advisor, visit the Small and Mighty affiliation page and complete the easy registration form. Once your form has been received by the Schusterman International Center, someone will be in touch to confirm your HSO status.

Keep in mind that the size of the Jewish student population alone does not determine the vibrancy of Jewish life at a particular school. You are encouraged to contact the local Hillel to find out more about the Jewish experience available.

Your Hillel should support the Jewish life that you hope to lead. Take some time to think about what is most important to you. Talk to the local Hillel professional to discuss the options their Hillel offers. Keep in mind: if a Hillel does not currently run the program you’re looking for, you just might be the leader they need to start it! To learn more about what Hillel can offer you, visit what is a Hillel?

Absolutely! In fact, this is one of best ways to learn the specifics about Jewish life at a college or university. Visit the school’s College Guide listing to find contact information and get in touch with a Hillel professional on campus. In some cases, the campus Hillel will put you in touch with a current student who can answer any questions you may have from a different perspective.

Not necessarily!  Though a school may have a large Jewish presence, their Jewish population may not be active in Jewish life on campus, or in the extracurricular activities or programs that interest you. In fact, there are many benefits to choosing a smaller, more intimate Jewish community. Students on these campuses are able to acquire many leadership opportunities, mold their own experiences, and truly have an impact on their community. Whether you choose a school with a larger or smaller Hillel, you can contribute your talents to the Hillel community.

Registration is free and easy, and certain great College Guide features are only available to registered users. These include:

• Saving individual campus records and searches
• Side by side comparison of schools
• Viewing full contact information
• Adding comments

Not all campuses offer Hillel affiliated organizations. For more information on Jewish life at those schools, contact the university's student/religious life department or general admissions office.

If you belong to a Jewish student organization at a school that does not list an affiliated Hillel, learn how to become affiliated.

Hillel is committed to creating a welcoming environment to all students, regardless of practice, knowledge, or affiliation. We welcome and encourage all students to experience and explore Hillel. Hillel runs programs that are social, political, religious, and much more. Use the College Guide to find out more about what happens at each Hillel.

There is nothing like a home cooked bowl of chicken soup. But depending on your campus, you may be able to find something close! Kosher dining on campus varies greatly from school to school. On some campuses, students enjoy full kosher dining facilities or live in kosher residences. On others, students cook their own meals or take advantage of vegetarian options in regular dining halls. In every case, Hillel professionals are available to help students navigate dining on campus.

Contact your local Hillel to confirm the availability of kosher meals and for information about their kosher standards and supervision.

Not all of the schools included in the Guide are served by a Hillel. This information is provided to help make informed decisions about the colleges and universities that best fit your needs. To find out more about the Jewish experience available at a specific school, contact them directly.