If you’re drawn to colleges that proudly wear purple as a primary color but want to avoid any red in their palette, this list is for you. Purple is often associated with creativity, wisdom, and ambition—qualities many students seek in their college experience. Here, we highlight ten notable U.S. colleges and universities whose official colors include purple but exclude red, helping you find a school that matches your style and spirit.
Northwestern University
Located in Evanston, Illinois, Northwestern’s official colors are purple and white, with no red involved. Known for its highly ranked programs in journalism, engineering, and business, Northwestern combines a vibrant campus life with rigorous academics. The purple color symbolizes the school’s regal tradition and strong identity in NCAA Division I athletics, especially its Wildcats teams.
James Madison University
James Madison University (JMU) in Harrisonburg, Virginia, uses purple and gold as its official colors. Purple reflects the school’s commitment to leadership and innovation, while gold adds a touch of prestige. JMU is well-regarded for its programs in health sciences, education, and business, and it has a growing reputation for research and community engagement.
University of Washington
Seattle’s flagship university, the University of Washington (UW), proudly sports purple and gold as its colors. Purple is central to UW’s identity, representing dignity and excellence across its extensive research institutions and professional schools. The Huskies’ athletic teams are a prominent feature of the school spirit, competing in the Pac-12 Conference with a strong purple presence but no red.
Western Washington University
Based in Bellingham, Washington, Western Washington University’s colors are purple and gold. The university is known for its focus on environmental sciences, education, and liberal arts, making it a perfect fit for students interested in sustainability and community impact. Purple here symbolizes creativity and ambition without any incorporation of red hues.
University of St. Thomas (Minnesota)
The University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, features purple and gray as its official colors. This private Catholic university blends a strong liberal arts tradition with professional programs in business, education, and law. The purple signifies dignity and tradition, and the absence of red helps the school maintain a distinctive visual identity in collegiate athletics and branding.
Berry College
Berry College, located in Mount Berry, Georgia, uses purple and white as its official colors. Known for its stunning campus—the largest contiguous college campus in the world—Berry emphasizes a liberal arts education with a strong commitment to sustainability and community service. Purple here stands for creativity and leadership, with no red in sight.
Presbyterian College
Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina, features purple and white as its school colors. It is a small liberal arts college with a strong emphasis on personalized education and community values. The purple reflects a proud tradition in athletics and academics, while the lack of red helps the Blue Hose athletic teams stand out uniquely in the Big South Conference.
Trinity University (Texas)
Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas, uses purple and gold as its primary colors. Known for its rigorous academics and strong undergraduate research programs, Trinity also boasts a vibrant campus culture with a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The purple color symbolizes ambition and creativity, paired with gold’s prestige, without any red in its palette.
Southwestern University
Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas, proudly displays purple and white as its colors. As the oldest university in Texas, Southwestern combines a rich history with a focus on undergraduate liberal arts education. The purple color embodies the school’s commitment to intellectual curiosity and leadership, with no red incorporated into its branding or athletics.
Clark University
Located in Worcester, Massachusetts, Clark University’s colors are purple and gold. It is known for its strong programs in psychology, geography, and international development. Clark’s purple represents creativity and ambition, while the gold adds a touch of prestige. The university’s branding and athletic teams emphasize these colors exclusively, with no red used.
How to Choose
When selecting a college based on colors like purple without red, it’s important to remember that school spirit colors are just one element of your decision. Consider academic programs and their quality, campus culture, location, financial aid options, and extracurricular opportunities. Purple may symbolize creativity or tradition, but the best fit depends on how well the school’s offerings align with your goals. Visit campuses if possible, talk to current students, and evaluate factors like class size, faculty expertise, and career support services. Colors can enhance your connection to a school, but the substance of your education and experience is what truly matters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do some colleges choose purple as a primary color?
Purple is often associated with royalty, creativity, and ambition, making it a popular choice for colleges aiming to convey prestige and uniqueness.
Q: Are there many colleges with purple and red together?
Yes, several schools combine purple and red (like Kansas State or LSU with red accents), but this list specifically excludes those to focus on purple-only palettes without red.
Q: Does school color affect admissions or academic quality?
No, colors are symbolic and do not impact admissions decisions or academic standards.
Q: Can I find merchandise or apparel easily for these schools?
Yes, all these universities have a wide range of branded apparel featuring purple prominently, often paired with white, gold, or gray.
Q: Are these schools mostly public or private?
They include a mix of both public and private institutions, so you’ll find a variety of campus environments and funding models.
Q: How does purple influence campus culture?
Purple can foster a sense of pride and tradition, but campus culture is shaped more by people, programs, and history than by color alone.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a college with purple but no red in its color scheme can help you find a unique identity and aesthetic that resonates with your personal style. From large research universities like Northwestern and University of Washington to smaller liberal arts colleges like Presbyterian and Southwestern, this palette represents a variety of educational experiences. Ultimately, focus on what the school offers academically and socially, but enjoy the pride and spirit that come with a school color you love. Purple is a bold, creative choice—just like your future.
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