One of the hardest things parents have to do is start to let go of their children, and usually one of the first steps is sending them off to college. As a big step in being out on their own, parents hope they've instilled the things their child needs to "make it on their own", but as we know sometimes it can be out of their control.

College campuses are meant to be vibrant hubs of learning, growth, and community, where students can pursue their passions and prepare for the future. However, safety on campus is a crucial aspect that can't be overlooked. While universities strive to create secure environments, some face challenges that place them in the spotlight for the wrong reasons.

When it comes to campus safety, two Michigan universities are making headlines—and not for the best reasons. Degree Choices, a team of education researchers working together to provide valuable financial advice and guide prospective students to find schools and careers that best work for them, released their 2024 list of The 45 Most Dangerous College Campuses. Of those, two Michigan universities were in the top 25, with one landing in the #5 spot.

Before we go any further, keep in mind that these are NOT the views or opinions of Townsquare Media, but those based on Degree Choices and their methodology which you can view here.  While this might sound alarming initially, it’s essential to understand what this ranking means, how it was determined, and what steps are being taken to address these concerns.

"We used Campus Safety and Security data reported to and published by the U.S. Department of Education to analyze violent crimes on campus at public, private, and non-profit universities", Degree Choices said. 

They noted that because many universities own and operate properties around their main campuses, they focused only on violent crimes on campus. (To understand what constitutes a violent crime view the details here.)

What Michigan Universities Are Ranked Most Dangerous College Campuses in America?

The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor has been ranked as one of  America's most dangerous college campuses taking the #5 spot on the list. According to Degree Choices, there were a reported 78 violent crimes from the studied time frame. That position is an improvement over last year when U of M held the #1 spot.

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In the #24 spot was Eastern Michigan University in Ypsilanti having 38 violent crimes on campus for the studied time frame.

While these rankings may raise eyebrows, they underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to improve campus safety. It's crucial to stay informed and proactive when it comes to safety on and around campus.

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Motorcycle Helmet Laws by State / Fatal Crash Rate

Throughout the country, motorcycle helmet laws vary depending on which of the 50 states you're riding through. The legal team at Anidjar & Levine recently compiled data from the National Highway Safety Transportation Association (NHSTA) comparing the number of fatal crashes in each state that involved the rider wearing a helmet and those without. Here's an alphabetical look at Motorcycle Helmet Laws by State / Fatal Crash Rate.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow

 

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