College campuses have always carried a certain visual weight – and on Instagram, that translates into millions of posts.
Quads, libraries, stadiums, and palm-lined walkways aren’t just student hangouts. They’ve become instantly recognizable backdrops that live far beyond the campus gates.
This year’s rankings of the most Instagrammed schools in America bring some surprises. Arizona State University claims the No. 1 spot with 2.4 million posts, proving the desert setting resonates far beyond Tempe. Big public schools dominate – Ohio State, UCF, Texas A&M, and Michigan State all land inside the Top 10 – while the Ivy League still makes its mark with Harvard at No. 5.
Florida stands out with three entries (UCF, FIU, and UF), showing how the Sunshine State’s combination of weather, sports, and student life shines through online. Together, the list reveals just how national this trend has become.
Key Takeaways
📸 Arizona State University leads all schools with 2.4M Instagram posts, showing the power of the desert campus aesthetic
📸 Florida dominates, landing three schools in the Top 10: UCF, FIU, and UF
📸 Big public universities like Ohio State, Michigan State, and Texas A&M rival the Ivy League’s social media presence
📸 Harvard University remains the top Ivy, ranking No. 5 with 1.66M posts
📸 Georgia State University cracks the list, highlighting the Instagram appeal of an urban Atlanta campus
The Most Instagrammed Universities in the U.S.
(Post counts accurate as of Oct. 1/25)
| Rank | School | State | Posts (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona State University | Arizona | 2.4M |
| 2 | University of California, Los Angeles | California | 2.1M |
| 3 | University of Central Florida | Florida | 2M |
| 4 | Ohio State University | Ohio | 1.92M |
| 5 | Harvard University | Massachusetts | 1.66M |
| 6 | Michigan State University | Michigan | 1.6M |
| 7 | Texas A&M University | Texas | 1.5M |
| 8 | Georgia State University | Georgia | 1.5M |
| 9 | Florida International University | Florida | 1.3M |
| 10 | University of Florida | Florida | 1.2M |
Arizona State University
📊 Instagram Stats
Rank: #1
Estimated Posts: 2.4M
Popular Hashtags: #asu, #arizonastateuniversity
🌟 Why It’s So Photogenic
ASU’s desert setting, mountain backdrops, and sun-splashed campus deliver a unique Southwest aesthetic that thrives on Instagram.
🎯 Popular Shots
- “A” Mountain overlooking Tempe
- Palm Walk lined with trees
- Sun Devil Stadium on game day
📝 Fun Fact
ASU is one of the largest public universities in the country, with over 140,000 students enrolled across its campuses.
University of California, Los Angeles
📊 Instagram Stats
Rank: #2
Estimated Posts: 2.1M
Popular Hashtags: #universityofcalifornia, #ucla
🌟 Why It’s So Photogenic
From Royce Hall to Janss Steps, UCLA mixes California sun with collegiate architecture, plus Hollywood ties that amplify its recognition.
🎯 Popular Shots
- Bruin Bear statue
- Pauley Pavilion on game day
- Sunset views from campus hills
📝 Fun Fact
UCLA has appeared in more than 200 films and TV shows, making it one of Hollywood’s favorite backdrops.
University of Central Florida
📊 Instagram Stats
Rank: #3
Estimated Posts: 2M
Popular Hashtags: #ucf, #ucfknights
🌟 Why It’s So Photogenic
UCF’s sprawling Orlando campus blends subtropical scenery with modern architecture, making it both sun-drenched and sleek.
🎯 Popular Shots
- Reflecting Pond during Spirit Splash
- Spectrum Stadium filled with fans
- Palms and fountains across campus
📝 Fun Fact
With more than 68,000 students, UCF is one of the largest universities in the U.S. by enrollment.
Ohio State University
📊 Instagram Stats
Rank: #4
Estimated Posts: 1.92M
Popular Hashtags: #osu, #ohiostateuniversity
🌟 Why It’s So Photogenic
The Horseshoe, Mirror Lake, and historic brick buildings give Ohio State a mix of sports culture and collegiate tradition.
🎯 Popular Shots
- Ohio Stadium packed on Saturdays
- Oval green spaces in spring
- Mirror Lake at night
📝 Fun Fact
Ohio Stadium is one of the largest in the country, with a capacity of over 102,000 fans.
Harvard University
📊 Instagram Stats
Rank: #5
Estimated Posts: 1.66M
Popular Hashtags: #harvard, #harvarduniversity
🌟 Why It’s So Photogenic
Historic red-brick buildings, leafy quads, and iconic libraries give Harvard a timeless academic feel.
🎯 Popular Shots
- Widener Library steps
- Harvard Yard in autumn
- John Harvard statue
📝 Fun Fact
Founded in 1636, Harvard is the oldest institution of higher education in the U.S.
Michigan State University
📊 Instagram Stats
Rank: #6
Estimated Posts: 1.6M
Popular Hashtags: #msu, #michiganstate
🌟 Why It’s So Photogenic
From the Red Cedar River to Spartan Stadium, MSU offers natural beauty and Big Ten traditions in equal measure.
🎯 Popular Shots
- Spartan Stadium on game day
- Sparty statue
- Red Cedar in fall
📝 Fun Fact
MSU was the nation’s first land-grant university, founded in 1855.
Texas A&M University
📊 Instagram Stats
Rank: #7
Estimated Posts: 1.5M
Popular Hashtags: #gigem, #tamu, #texasam
🌟 Why It’s So Photogenic
Aggie traditions, Kyle Field, and the College Station spirit give Texas A&M plenty of visual identity.
🎯 Popular Shots
- Kyle Field on game day
- Academic Plaza
- Midnight Yell practice
📝 Fun Fact
Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets is one of the largest uniformed student bodies in the U.S. outside the military academies.
Georgia State University
📊 Instagram Stats
Rank: #8
Estimated Posts: 1.5M
Popular Hashtags: #gsu, #georgiastate, #georgiastateuniversity
🌟 Why It’s So Photogenic
Located in downtown Atlanta, GSU combines urban skyscrapers with campus greens and stadium energy.
🎯 Popular Shots
- City skyline views from campus
- Center Parc Stadium
- Library Plaza
📝 Fun Fact
GSU has one of the most diverse student bodies in the U.S., with students from over 170 countries.
Florida International University
📊 Instagram Stats
Rank: #9
Estimated Posts: 1.3M
Popular Hashtags: #fiu, #floridainternationaluniversity
🌟 Why It’s So Photogenic
With a Miami backdrop, FIU blends palm trees, fountains, and subtropical scenery into its campus identity.
🎯 Popular Shots
- Modesto Maidique Campus lakes
- Panther statue
- Blue-and-gold sunsets across campus
📝 Fun Fact
FIU is Miami’s first and only public research university, founded in 1965.
University of Florida
📊 Instagram Stats
Rank: #10
Estimated Posts: 1.2M
Popular Hashtags: #uf, #universityofflorida
🌟 Why It’s So Photogenic
The Swamp, Century Tower, and palm-lined paths combine Gator sports culture with subtropical charm.
🎯 Popular Shots
- The Swamp filled with fans
- Century Tower at dusk
- Palm-lined walkways
📝 Fun Fact
Ben Hill Griffin Stadium (“The Swamp”) is the largest in Florida, with a capacity of 88,000+.
