10 of the most queer-friendly colleges for students seeking a rural campus experience

At college, learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. For many LGBTQ+ people, campuses can be spaces for community-building and self-discovery, especially when schools support queer learners.But not all students want the same type of college, according to Ross von Metzke, head of marketing and development for It Gets Better, an LGBTQ+ storytelling nonprofit. LGBTQ+ students may seek rural schools, for example, due to cost, location, or personal preference.“Some kids want to move to Los Angeles or New York,” von Metzke told The Advocate. “But some people don’t want to move to a big city.”To help students consider their options, It Gets Better partnered with Antioch College in Ohio to create an unofficial ranking of LGBTQ+-inclusive colleges across the rural United States. The Advocate has compiled that ranking, with insight into what helped each school make the cut.10. Grinnell CollegeLocation: Grinnell, IowaThis small, liberal arts college in Iowa may stand apart from others in the state for the visibility of its on-campus LGBTQ+ resources. Grinnell is home to the Stonewall Resource Center, which seeks to support and celebrate LGBTQ+ life on campus, according to the school’s website.“Grinnell is a strong option for students who want a campus where support feels steady and integrated into the institution,” the ranking says.9. Kenyon CollegeLocation: Gambier, OhioKnown for its creative writing and arts communities, this Ohio college also stands out for its institutional policies supporting LGBTQ+ students. Kenyon offers campus-wide single-occupancy bathrooms for trans students, hosts regular LGBTQ+ programming, and adheres to both campus and local policies against anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination, according to its website.“For students who want to arrive and quickly find the room, the people, and a consistent rhythm of community, Kenyon tends to make that process easier,” the ranking says.8. Oberlin CollegeLocation: Oberlin, OhioAlso representing