5 LGBTQ College Planning Resources

Updated June 2024

For many students, finding the right university — and the overall college search — can feel hard and overwhelming. Everyone wants that perfect “fit,” so imagine the stress when you are trying to hone in on certain school characteristics, like specific majors, religiously affiliated, single-sex, or even LGBTQ+-friendly schools.

The good news is that resources exist for all of these categories. Today, more and more high school and college students identify as LGBTQ+. Many college search sites help empower, offer resources, provide support, and champion inclusivity for LGBTQ students.

College 101 for LGBTQ students

Look for LGBTQ-friendly colleges, dorms, Queer and Gender Studies Programs, campus associations, athletics, and scholarships. Here are a few to get you started:

1. Duke University's LGBTQI List

Duke University’s program in the Study of Sexualities provides a great list of LGBTQI and Sexuality Studies Programs located in Canada and the United States.

Some universities offer these programs as majors and/or minors; some are obtainable through all degree levels; and some have their own departments or are merged within existing departments for those students interested in researching topics under this area of study.

2. It Gets Better Project

The Georgetown University Hoyas created a poignant video of students coming together to share their stories and spread the message of hope for LGBTQ+ youth for the It Gets Better Project. This program advocates for teenagers in the LGBTQ+ community and reminds them that they are not alone.

3. Campus Pride Index

If you are looking for LGBTQ+-friendly schools, the Campus Pride Index is a campus climate index provider. Sign in to access the index and an abundance of information about best colleges and universities with a supportive culture for LGBTQ+ students. This site also provides links for scholarships, athletics, online college fairs, and lots of college planning information.

4. You Can Play Project

The You Can Play Project is a great place for student athletes to research colleges and universities who promote respect for all athletes. The Project strives to unite players, coaches and fans to take a stand and create an atmosphere of inclusion. There are wonderfully created videos that resonate strong supportive messages from a host of post-secondary institutions who have committed to take this stance.

5. HBCU Leadership Summit

The Human Rights Campaign’s HBCU Leadership Summit is a program that empowers LGBTQ+ Historically Black College and University students to be change-agents on their campus and lead resourcefully through the intersections of race, religion, gender identity, class and sexual orientation. An on-site video includes students sharing their experience with the program.

It's important to acknowledge that not all LGBTQ+ students will use these resources or identify with LGBTQ+ communities on campus. However, these resources are provided for those who seek a supportive and affirming environment. They're just the first step – there's a wealth of support available throughout the college search process specifically for LGBTQ+ high school students.