50 Colleges That Rival Ivy League Campuses in Beauty

49. Elon University – Red-Brick Harmony in North Carolina

Elon University has quietly built one of the most beautiful and cohesive campuses in the South. Its signature red-brick buildings, white trim, and symmetrical fountains give the grounds an almost colonial dignity. What sets Elon apart, though, is the attention to balance—between innovation and tradition, between nature and architecture. Brick walkways crisscross through gardens, under pergolas, and around scenic lakes, with seasonal blooms curated like a botanical calendar. At night, soft lamplight gives the campus a storybook calm. Elon’s emphasis on global engagement, sustainability, and undergraduate research makes it not just a pretty face—but a meaningful, modern experience.