American University and Mount Allison University Voted Most Vegetarian-Friendly!

1. American University

Living up to its tradition of having one of the most motivated student populations in the nation, AU students rallied long and hard for this victory, and it shows. With countless healthy and delicious vegan options available on campus—from vegan Korean barbecue to spicy seitan in miso broth with noodles—it's clear where students get their energy!

2. Wesleyan University

Rarely have we seen a campus so enthusiastically embrace their meatless options the way that Wesleyan has. By setting up voting stations and even hanging large banners on campus reminding students to cast their ballots, the university was able to draw national attention to the many cruelty-free options available in its dining halls, such as barbecued tempeh wraps and seared tofu with broccoli over sticky rice.

3. University of Oregon

At a university that epitomizes the progressive attitude, it's no surprise that the dining halls at UO are light years ahead of mainstream America when it comes to vegan options. Featuring eye-catching choices like tempeh fajitas, tofu Philly sandwiches, and teriyaki tempeh skewers, it's no wonder that one dining-services representative said of the vegan options on campus, "[I]t is simply part of what we do and absolutely ingrained into our menus and culture."

4. Purchase College (SUNY)

After placing fifth in 2006, Purchase College has returned triumphantly to this year's list! Some of the many vegan options that have led to its success include breaded soy chicken, barbecued tofu, and portobello mushrooms stuffed with wild rice and cranberries. And don't forget about Terre Ve Café, Purchase's all-vegetarian hotspot. If these trends continue, we expect big things from Purchase in 2009!

5. University of California, Santa Cruz

With "going green" all the rage on college campuses, it should come as no surprise that schools like UCSC are leading the charge—starting with the food! Under the supervision of the student animal rights group, Banana Slugs for Animals, the university has dazzled its diners with vegan breakfast burritos, polenta lasagna, tofu scramble served on tomato-chipotle flatbread, and many, many more! Santa Cruz, your students, the planet, and animals all thank you!

6. Ohio University

Fueled by a flurry of local press coverage and on-campus promotions (see here and here), OU students are buzzing about the remarkable changes that they see taking place on their campus. Whether it's the vegan pizza Margherita with soy cheese, vegan Creole tofu po'boys, or vegan mussamun curry over quinoa, OU chefs continue to think outside the box to come up with creative and enticing meatless options, and they show no sign of slowing down!

7. University of Florida

After placing 10th last year, UF keeps movin' on up, thanks to a dedicated dining staff and a highly motivated student population! Of course, it's easy to stay positive when each dining hall on campus features a fully vegan station, offering choices like tempeh pizza, Asian sesame pasta, and vegan tacos. Go Gators!

8. University of Delaware

With a "blue hen" chicken mascot, it's no surprise that the University of Delaware has gone above and beyond to offer alternatives to eating chickens and other animals. Mouthwatering choices such as sweet and sour tofu, vegan chicken cacciatore, and vegan barbecue riblets mean UD vegetarians can proudly state that no YouDees died for their meals.

9. University of Texas

The local bumper stickers read, "Keep Austin Weird," but at UT, the only thing that would be strange would be not taking advantage of the vegan options. Under the watchful eye of one of the nation's premiere student groups, Students Against Cruelty to Animals, and with the support of monthly vegetarian focus groups, the school's menus offer dishes that even the most ardent Texan cowboy would enjoy. Vegan brownies, veggie barbecue riblets, and Italian "meatball" subs stand out as some of the many student favorites. They've even got the peta2 staff cheering, "Hook 'em, Horns!"

10. Georgetown University

Placing in the top 10 for the second year in a row, Georgetown has continued to win rave reviews from students and faculty alike. Some of the many highlights include barbecued veggie-riblet sandwiches, Asian sesame lo mein, and vegan tacos. No wonder Georgetown sits comfortably among the most prestigious universities in the country!

1. Mount Allison University

After a modest placement on our list two years ago, Mount Allison has risen to the top in 2008, powered by the most creative and delicious vegan options in all of Canada! Some of the many options that Allisonians rave to us about include the Italian tempeh mock sausage, the vegan enchilada bake, and vegan sloppy Joes. The university even offers a fully vegan dining station, with more than 100 vegan dishes to choose from! Go Mounties!

2. University of Victoria

With its third consecutive spot on our list, the University of Victoria has continued to improve year after year, and 2008 was no different! Offering mouthwatering choices like vegan lasagne, curried faux chicken, and potatoes stuffed with chili and soy cheese, students never have to travel far to find a delicious and cruelty-free meal!

3. McMaster University

Consistently ranked among the top universities in the nation, it's no surprise that McMaster's top-tier students eat the very best in meatless cuisine. We're talking about options like soy-chicken nuggets, tempeh tostadas, and Thai soy-chicken wraps, just to name a few. Toss in the school's all-vegetarian dining facility, Bridges Café, and it's understandable why Mac is reliably among the most vegetarian-friendly universities in the nation.

4. University of Western Ontario

When 30 percent of all dining options are vegan, you know that such an extensive supply is the result of high demand. At UWO, students can choose from options like vegetarian chicken and beef stir-fry, Cajun tofu balls, zucchini manicotti with fire-roasted tomatoes, and many, many more.

5. University of Toronto

While they weren't able to re-capture the top spot this year, U of T continues to satisfy the needs of its 59,000 students. The university features a wide variety of ethnic dishes to please diners from all backgrounds, including New Orleans–style blackened tofu, rosemary grilled-vegetable ragout, and vegan lasagne.