College newspapers are an integral part of the college experience. Not only do they serve as a medium for student opinion, they give budding journalists and artists a forum to practice their skills. College newspapers are often irreverent and independent outlets for students. Almost every college has a student newspaper.
In a recent survey The Princeton Review asked 120,000 students at 366 top U.S. colleges “How popular is Your College Newspaper?”

These are the top ten college newspapers:

1. The Daily Tar Heel: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Established in 1893, and becoming a daily in 1929 this independent student newspaper reports on student news and events, as well as local news. The paper distributes 20,000 free copies in the university and surrounding areas. The paper employs seven full-time professionals, about 75 paid part-time students, and more than 100 student volunteer writers.

2. The Harvard Crimson: Harvard University

The Crimson is run entirely by undergraduate students, and can boast notable alumni, some of which have won Pulitzer Prizes. The paper was established after the civil war, making it one of the oldest continuously published daily newspapers. The paper officially became The Crimson in 1875. The paper has been involved in serious breaking stories and several law suits. The paper has a long standing rivalry with The Harvard Lampoon.

3. Yale Daily News: Yale University

Since its inception the Yale Daily News is independent financially and editorially of Yale itself. The paper, along with The Dartmouth, competes with The Harvard Crimson for the title of the oldest daily published college newspaper. The paper also published the Yale Daily News Magazine and is available online.

4. The Diamondback: University of Maryland – College Park
The Diamondback was founded in 1910 and named after the school’s mascot this paper. After what was intended as a punishment, the paper became independent. The paper is divided into four segments: news, opinion, diversions and sports.

5. The Battalion: Texas A&M University-College Station

This paper is one of four at the university and was founded in 1893. It received an honorable mention at the 2004 National College Newspaper Convention, held by the Associated Collegiate Press.

6. The Daily Collegian: Pennsylvania State University-University Park
Free on campus and 35c elsewhere this paper is published during the fall, spring, and second summer semesters of the University’s schedules. The paper became officially The Daily Collegian in 1920.

7. The Hilltop: Howard University

This newspaper has a circulation of over 10,000 at the historically black Howard University. It was founded in 1924 be Harlem Renaissance writer Zora Neale Hurston. It has been named the Best Collegiate Newspaper by the Princeton Review.

8. The Independent Florida Alligator: University of Florida

The Alligator is the largest student newspaper in the United States, with a daily circulation of over 35,000

9. The Duke Chronicle: Duke University

As one of the most respected newspapers in the country the Chronicle has a budget of $1 million and employs a staff of 120. The average readership of the paper is 30,000 and the website gets over 70,000 hits a day.

10. The Daily Reveille: Louisiana State University

The Daily Reveille has a circulation of around 14,500. The paper has won the Editor and Publisher award in 2008 for Best College Newspaper Website.

If you think your school newspaper is the best, let us know!