The visual style of the brand develops like a person’s personality and destiny. Bright, strong, and charismatic personalities are always more recognizable and successful than quiet and unremarkable people that no one knows about.
Many people mistake visual identity for the image used in advertising, public relations, and marketing. However, this is only a superficial resemblance. The concept of visual identity is much broader and deeper.
What is Best University and College Logos?
Each university and college uses its visual identification system, of which the logo is part. In some educational institutions, it deserves special attention because sometimes the design has hidden symbolism and is associated with the history of the university or area.
Psychological tests have shown that a well-thought-out original logo is remembered in 5-7 seconds, which is much faster than using other contact points with the brand, even direct interaction. This can be seen in the example of the best logos of world-famous educational institutions. They greatly impact students – both future students and those who are already studying at this university. Despite the external design differences, there is an inextricable link between these symbols:
- they are all unique, understandable, noticeable, and well-remembered;
- adapted to the characteristics and concept of the brand of the educational institution;
- evoke positive associations even at a glance.
The University of Texas at Austin
The strongest and most athletic logo in the world belongs to The University of Texas at Austin. The symbol of this educational institution – a clear silhouette of a long-horned bull – is made in a monochrome color scheme. It was created in 1961 and has remained unchanged since then. Students say that if you often look at this sign, it gives confidence in your abilities and motivation.
The University of North Carolina
“Sea of Blue,” or Carolina Blue, is the name of the famous indoor university stadium Dean Dome in North Carolina. It was built in the 18th century. Its central element and decoration of the stands to this day is the logo in the form of intertwining letters C and N. This blue shade attracts the eye from the first minute, fascinates, and remains in the memory forever.
Ohio University
The common mascot of all sports teams of this university is a formidable attacking cat. In 2002, he replaced the red lynx, which has been the university’s symbol since its inception. At first, this simple logo design was perceived by many with hostility, considering it too aggressive. However, many saw a hidden meaning in the combination of inscriptions and pictures. The mustache forms the bottom line for the arch text. This means that the Ohio University graduate will win everywhere with her strength, knowledge, and drive.
University of Oregon
The most laconic logo of the University of Oregon in the form of the letter “O.” The concept behind this sign is ingenious in its simplicity. The letter “O” consists of a green main outline that mimics the shape of a treadmill at the huge Hayward Field, and its yellow border is the shape of the Autzen football field. The green-yellow combination of colors immediately attracts attention and pleases the eye.
University of Notre Dame
The most recognizable logo in the world belongs to the University of Notre Dame. This monogram is used with pleasure not only by students of one of the best universities in the United States but also by scientists and athletes, graduates of this university.
The dark blue N and D logo is versatile and presentable. It looks great on any branded product, attracts attention with its seriousness and accuracy, inspiring confidence. Another mascot of this educational institution is Fighting Irish – a sullen Irishman. It looks serious and vintage. It is used mainly by participants in sports competitions.
University of Miami
“One U among thousands of US universities.” This is what the journalist of the student newspaper of the University of Miami said about the logo in the form of the letter “U” Miami Athletics during one of his reports.
This brand name was developed in 1973 by Julian Cole, who was in the first edition of the radio and television department, and Bill Bodenhamer, a graphic artist. At first, a violent scandal arose around this idea. However, all attempts in 1979 to replace it with a more worthy option were unsuccessful. The students saw a hidden meaning in it. The letter “U” is similar to the hand position that athletes assume before a match – a powerful ritual to promote victory.
Clemson University
This is not just a drawing, but a clear but rough paw print of a real tiger with a scar obtained long before the impression was taken. It fits perfectly with the formal font of the university name. The logo’s position at a 30 ° angle indicates the start time of the football match – 13:00.
Bowdoin College
Bowdoin College is one of the oldest universities in the United States. It was created in 1794. Until 1971, only men studied there. Its first polar bear logo was chosen in 1913 in honor of Robert Peary, the famous graduate of this college, who led the expedition of polar scientists to the North Pole.
Then various options were proposed – starting from a cartoon running and ending with an aggressively growling bear with an open mouth, but they did not take root. In 2008, the official version of the logo appeared with a calm polar bear, which put its paw on the letter B and proudly looks forward. This symbol inspires confidence and disposes of itself.
Hofstra University
The Hofstra Pride logo in the form of a family flock of lions was designed in 2005 only for the sports department but soon became the mascot of the entire university. This is a male and a female, which rush together in the same direction. Their eyebrows are furrowed, and their manes are tousled, a sign of determination and strength. Pride is a tight-knit team that works for the good of the group. This sign is also notable for the fact that it reflects the lions of both sexes. This means equal learning opportunities for male and female students.
Missouri Western State University
The griffin logo became the symbol of Western Missouri State University in 1973. The image of this mythical animal was not chosen by chance. In ancient legends, the griffin guarded treasures, and in the twentieth century, knowledge and education began to be valued as treasures.
But that’s not all – the outlines of a griffin with spread wings are similar to the outlines of Missouri. This design is effective even if you do not know and do not consider the geographical similarity.
Florida International University
The university’s original logo with a gold panther next to dark blue lettering with gold edging was created as the emblem of the varsity sports team in 1987. The Florida panther Rowry is an endangered species. According to the idea of the designers, it looks like it comes out of the logo and goes directly to the people who are looking at it. This composition looks atypical and mesmerizing.
University of Hawaii
The University of Hawaii logo was created with the spirit of life. In 2000, the symbol of the sports faculty of the University of Hawaii, and then of the entire university, became the letter “N” with a folk ornament, which is performed on fabric from tree bark and is called “Kapa.” It reads HA. It is translated from the Hawaiian dialect as “breath” or “the spirit of life, passed down from generation to generation.”
Yale University
American University was founded in 1701 and has graduated many successful people in business and celebrities. 5 US presidents graduated from it, including George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, actors David Duchovny, Paul Newman, Meryl Streep, Jodie Foster, Sigourney Weaver, Edward Norton. This university is considered one of the best not only in America but also in the world.
Despite the simple font, the absence of graphic decorative elements, bright drawings, and other embellishments, its logo looks bright and presentable. Translated from Latin, the inscription “Lux et Veritas” means “Light and Truth.”
Stanford University
Stanford University has created its typeface for its logo. This institution gave the world the founders of Yahoo, Google, and Hewlett-Packard. Its simple and straightforward logo is an homage to Stanford County.
The centerpiece of this famous brand name is the mahogany in the background of the letter S. In 2012, Stanford University officially announced the change of the logo font to a font that is more suitable for use in electronic documents, on websites, and mobile gadgets. The previous version was intended for static and print distribution. The old font was called Sabon. To use it in new locations, the institution had to pay license fees each time. Then the decision was made – to create your original font. It was developed by the creative design firm Bright. As a basis for the composition, the designers used the architectural elements of the university buildings, especially the arches of the main building. The famous seal, letter S, and mahogany remain unchanged.
Harvard University
Truth is at the heart of Harvard University’s symbology. The Harvard University logo is considered one of the oldest in the world. It is over 200 years old. It began to adorn the official seal immediately after the foundation of the university in 1636. In the foreground of the dark red coat of arms are three open books that make up the Latin word Veritas – truth. To this day, this image in various variations serves as the emblem of the divisions and schools of Harvard.
Despite their simplicity, the best American university logos fully reflect the mission, values of these educational institutions, and personality. This makes them recognizable in all countries of the world.
Can I use my universities logo?
In most cases, university logos are registered trademarks, so they cannot be used without the permission of the copyright holders.
Is it illegal to use college logos?
Yes, the use of logos, mascots, slogans without the permission of the management is a violation of the law because the educational institution has exclusive rights to all elements of the identity.
What makes a good college logo?
Good college logos have several qualities in common: 1. They evoke positive associations. 2. Their constituent parts are related to the concept of the educational institution. 3. Such symbols are remembered at first sight.
What is a university logo?
It is a special graphic sign that can reflect its history, mission, and other aspects. Such symbols are often used to attract new students or as decorations for souvenir goods that bring additional income to the educational institution.
