In 2003, Wesleyan University was the first institution of higher education to implement and offer gender-inclusive student housing. Gender-inclusive housing is a housing option that allows for multi-gender roommate or housemate pairings at the request of the student(s) involved. In the last two decades, more colleges have been following in Wesleyan’s footsteps by offering student housing that isn’t restricted to the limits of the gender binary and offers a safe space for students regardless of their gender identity. Here we’ve rounded up 10 of our favorite colleges and universities that offer gender-inclusive housing.

Rice University

In addition to stellar programs in the natural sciences, architecture, and engineering, Rice University features 11 unique residential colleges, which approximately 75% of the student body calls home. Incoming students are randomly assigned a residential college upon matriculation and will continue affiliation with the college if they continue living on campus or not. Each of the colleges is gender and sex-neutral and is self-governed. 

Admit Rate: 10%

Cost of Attendance: $69,557

Bates College

A fully residential college in Lewiston, Maine, Bates College strives to cultivate diverse, collaborative, and inclusive living and learning communities. On-campus housing is guaranteed for all four years and students, and the college has offered open-gender housing since 2012. Bates students can choose among over 25 housing options from converted Victorian-style suites to more traditional dormitories. 

Admit Rate: 14%

Cost of Attendance: $75,680

Colorado College

Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, with the Garden of the Gods in view, Colorado College is a prestigious liberal arts college that offers all incoming students a collaborative and communal residential experience. Only seniors are given the option of living off-campus, and 83% of the study body calls campus facilities home. All campus housing options, from traditional halls to renovated apartments offer students gender-inclusive housing options, and themed living and learning communities (LLCs) cater to a variety of interests and lifestyles. 

Admit Rate: 13%

Cost of Attendance: $78,080

Dickinson College

Located 20 miles from the Pennsylvania state capital, Dickinson College in Carlisle is a liberal arts college best known for blending the liberal arts with real-world applications. Top programs include environmental studies, international studies, and foreign languages. The college features 58 unique housing options from traditional residence halls to themed houses to living and learning communities. 

Admit Rate: 51%

Cost of Attendance: $74,447

University of Vermont

A state flagship university of a more manageable size than its peer institutions, the University of Vermont is located in the terrific college town of Burlington. At UVM, about half of all students live on campus and are required to do so for their first two years. All incoming freshmen are affiliated with one of nine residential learning communities with exciting themes like Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Sustainability, and Outdoor Experience.  All learning communities provide gender-inclusive housing options and the majority make gender-neutral bathrooms available as well. 

Admit Rate: 71%

Cost of Attendance: $60,770 (out of state)

University of Wisconsin-Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison boasts some of the lowest housing rates for freshmen compared to its peers in the Big 10. Approximately 26% of students live on campus, the majority (about 90%) of whom are first-year students. In addition to dormitories and apartments, Wisconsin also offers Learning Communities to enhance and individualize students’ campus experience. Students seeking gender-inclusive living arrangements can choose between several affinity communities or request a room in one of the gender-inclusive dormitories. 

Admit Rate: 57%

Cost of Attendance: $55,046 (out of state)

University of Massachusetts Amherst

The University of Massachusetts is home to one of the nation’s largest campus housing systems, with over 14,000 students calling one of the school’s 52 residences home. First-year students are supported through the Residential First-Year Experience program that assists new students as they transition to the academic and social rigors of college. UMass also offers several residential options for students seeking gender inclusion, including double rooms, suite and apartment-style residences, and gender-inclusive bathrooms (with showers!). 

Admit Rate: 65%

Cost of Attendance: $52,156 (out of state)

Michigan State University

The largest institution of higher education in the state of Michigan, Michigan State guarantees housing for all freshmen students, and a total of 39% of students stay in on-campus housing. The university organizes its housing communities into 6 distinct “neighborhoods” that host 3-10 unique residence halls. Each neighborhood is home to many academic support resources and campus life amenities like dining halls and recreation facilities. Gender-inclusive housing resources are built into each residence facility. 

Admit Rate: 76%

Cost of Attendance: $54,536

The University of Hawaii at Manoa

Each of the University of Hawaii’s residence halls is home to various student communities and residential learning programs for students to share in academic, co-curricular, and personal interests. In addition to committing to meet the emotional and safety needs of non-gender-conforming students, UH also provides residences in the Rainbow Village, a supportive and gender-inclusive residential community that provides educational and social programming. 

Admit Rate: 83%

Cost of Attendance: $51,893

UT Austin

Our state’s flagship university, UT Austin features 14 campus residence halls that accommodate approximately 18% of undergraduate students. The University also features several Living and Learning Communities. More recently, UT Austin announced a two-year gender-inclusive housing pilot program, called the Family and Friend Expanded Roommate Option, that allows students the option to choose a roommate regardless of gender identity.   

Admit Rate: 31%

Cost of Attendance: $28,928 (in-state)