Studying at American universities is the dream of all teenagers. After watching colorful Western shows and movies, you want to get into an environment where team spirit reigns, sports events are held, cheerleaders perform, and student parties are held.
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. Sales of apparel, stationery, and souvenirs can be an additional source of revenue. 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 the leading universities in America. 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.
The university’s emblem was designed by former student Randall Johnson in 1936. The shield symbolizes higher education and academic excellence, while the cougar indicates the strong spirit of all those 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 is one of the universities with the highest percentage of black students. The institution came into existence after the Civil War and the abolition of slavery. One of the reasons for its emergence was the great need for an educated population capable of working in the industrial sector. 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. 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 can also be seen, reproduced below in Latin as “Urim v’Thummim or Lux et Veritas” (Light and Truth). The Hebrew inscription is a tribute to the university’s early years, when this language was a compulsory subject of study. The main colors, black, gray, and blue, are used on the official website and other communication channels.
Arizona State University
The famous university not only has a recognizable logo but also 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. It was founded in 1963 and 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 image was first presented in 1968. Its creators are Jim Shattuck and Norman Van Meter. The president of the educational institution, Charles Millikan, and his colleagues chose from 50 options. The pegasus symbolizes openness to knowledge and limitless possibilities. A star is above the Pegasus’ head, referring to 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.” The image is also available in various colors. John Scotford designed the concise logo, which appears on the school’s paraphernalia and website.
The old pine tree is a symbol of Dartmouth College. In the early 1800s, it was a frequent gathering place for seniors, and less than 100 years later, it was cut down. The cause was lightning and storm damage. The university’s motto is “Vox clamantis in deserto,” which means “The eye 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 whole system of units scattered throughout the five boroughs of New York, with the main campus in the center of 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 is reminiscent of modern art 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, different fonts are used: the more modern Benton Sans, the elegant Georgia Pro, and the 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 msubtleshades 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 around the world, and requires a high passing score.
The logo is completely blue, containing the name and a lion on a shield. The abbreviation Penn State is used even in official documents because of its excessive recognizability. A few years ago, the image of the lion changed, leaving only the head. Some students were thrilled with the new design; others sighed and drew parallels with strange associations.
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). A coat of arms with graphic elements and the inscription below it, “Dei sub numine viget” (“Thrive under the power of God”), can also be seen. 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.