Studying at American universities is every teenager’s dream. After watching colorful Western shows and movies, you want to be in an environment where team spirit reigns, sports events happen, cheerleaders perform, and students party.
What are the top ten best logos of American universities and colleges?
This list includes logos of Washington State University, Howard University, Yale University, Arizona State University, University of Central Florida, Dartmouth College, City University of New York (CUNY), Indiana University, Penn State University, and Princeton University.
University logos and commercial companies get a lot of attention. Apparel, stationery, and souvenir sales can add an extra revenue stream. A strong brand can influence students’ choices and help them make headlines in the top media or on television. Like large companies, universities and colleges often have dedicated branding departments.
Washington State University
The university was founded in 1890 and is one of America’s leading universities. The educational institution’s main symbol is a cougar on a shield. If you look closely, the cougar’s head is depicted using the combination of “W,” “S,” and “U.” The logo is also complemented by the university’s name, which can be placed in three ways depending on the purpose and communication channel.
Former student Randall Johnson designed the university’s emblem in 1936. The shield symbolizes higher education and academic excellence, while the cougar represents the strong spirit of everyone involved in the educational process. The basic color palette consists of crimson and gray, which are complemented by orange, green, blue, and yellow.
Howard University
Howard University has one of the highest percentages of Black students. The institution was founded after the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. One reason for its emergence was the strong need for an educated population capable of working in industry. In addition, historical universities for black students came into existence because of racism and the reluctance of whites to associate with them.
The university demonstrates a strong civic stance and uses the colors of the U.S. national flag: Red Hex #E51937, Blue Hex #003A63, and Gray Hex #5F6062. The complementary color palette consists of blue, purple, yellow, gold, and orange. The logo itself resembles the seal used by US federal agencies.
Yale University
Yale University is part of the Ivy League, America’s eight most prestigious universities. It is one of the oldest educational institutions, founded in 1701. The institution’s logo fully demonstrates professionalism and the importance of quality teaching.
The logo represents an open book inside a blue shield. A Hebrew inscription is also visible, reproduced below in Latin as “Urim v’Thummim or Lux et Veritas” (Light and Truth). The Hebrew inscription honors the university’s early years, when this language was compulsory. The main colors, black, gray, and blue, are used on the official website and other communication channels.
Arizona State University
The famous university has a recognizable logo and a seal. The university’s main image features the acronym ASU and the sun at the center of the logo. The university’s mascot is a Sun Devil, and the sun in the logo also symbolizes a state with very hot summers, where temperatures can reach up to +52 degrees. The color palette includes burgundy (#8C1D40) and gold (#FFC627).
Corporate seals are rarely used for official documents such as diplomas, legal papers, various programs, and contracts. It has also turned burgundy. Students and athletic organizations use other emblems, such as the Sun Devil or the Sun Devil’s solar trident.
University of Central Florida
The second-largest university in Florida offers about 600 programs across various educational formats and has a student population of about 50,000. Founded in 1963, it produces qualified managers, marketers, psychologists, and specialists.
The university’s emblem is a golden pegasus. This creature appeared in ancient Greek mythology and served as a companion to heroes on great adventures. The university first presented the image in 1968. Jim Shattuck and Norman Van Meter created it. The educational institution’s president, Charles Millikan, and his colleagues chose from 50 options. The Pegasus symbolizes openness to knowledge and limitless possibilities. A star sits above the Pegasus’ head, reflecting the university’s motto, “Reach for the Stars.”
Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College is another Ivy League representative. The university unveiled a new logo: a pine tree inside a large green “D.” John Scotford designed the concise logo, which appears on the school’s paraphernalia and website.
The old pine tree symbolizes Dartmouth College. In the early 1800s, it was a frequent gathering place for seniors, and less than 100 years later, it was cut down. Lightning and storm damage caused it. The university’s motto is “Vox clamantis in deserto,” which means “The voice of the crying man in the wilderness.”
City University of New York (CUNY)
An unusual university deserves an original design. It is not just one building or campus, but a system of units scattered across New York’s five boroughs, with the main campus in central Manhattan. Representatives from 208 countries characterize the City University of New York.
The designers used no mascots in the logo, only the blue HEX #1D3A83 and gray HEX #636466. The university’s name is placed in a blue square. The design feels modern because of its simple shapes.
Indiana University
Indiana University in Bloomington also abandoned the mascot symbol and relied on the brevity and simplicity of its logo. The picture shows the university’s name and a red trident, formed from the letters “U” and “I.”
The font is bold with serifs. Depending on the purpose, the university uses different fonts: modern Benton Sans, elegant Georgia Pro, and informative Salvo Serif. The crimson PMS 201, with light and dark shades, represents the color palette: PMS 199 and PMS 188. It is also complemented by subtle shades of gold, mint, blue, and gray that do not clash with the main colors.
Penn State University
Pennsylvania State University, founded in 1855, is considered a worthy competitor to Ivy League universities. Here, students gain valuable knowledge and graduate as real specialists. The university has repeatedly ranked among the best in America and worldwide and requires a high score to pass.
The logo is entirely blue and features the name and a lion on a shield. The abbreviation Penn State is used even in official documents because it is so recognizable. A few years ago, the lion image changed, leaving only the head. Some students were thrilled with the new design; others sighed and drew strange parallels.
Princeton University
Princeton University is a private American Ivy League university. The university is known for its notable alumni and faculty, including Albert Einstein, Jeffrey Preston “Jeff” Bezos, Michael Eugene Porter, and William Craig.
The university’s mascot is the tiger, which is reflected in the logo’s Pantone orange (PMS 158). The coat of arms includes graphic elements and the inscription below it, “Dei sub numine viget” (“Thrive under the power of God”). The motto and logo refer to the university’s history, as the activity’s original direction was religious. Inside the shield is a book referencing Yale University, the alma mater of Princeton University’s founders.