Besides Texas Christian University (TCU), numerous colleges and universities across the United States incorporate purple as one of their official school colors. Purple is a distinctive and meaningful color in collegiate branding, often symbolizing royalty, ambition, and tradition. Whether you’re a prospective student, a sports fan, or simply curious, understanding which institutions use purple can provide insight into college identities and traditions.
Background: The Significance of Purple in College Colors
Purple is not the most common college color, but it carries a strong visual and symbolic presence. Historically, purple has been associated with royalty and prestige, which makes it an appealing choice for institutions seeking to convey tradition, excellence, or uniqueness. Many schools choose purple to stand out among more common colors like red, blue, or green.
Notable Colleges and Universities with Purple Colors
Several well-known colleges and universities feature purple as a primary or secondary color. Here are some prominent examples:
- Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois): Purple and white are Northwestern’s official colors. The university is known for the deep purple worn by its athletic teams and students.
- Kansas State University (Manhattan, Kansas): Known as the “Purple Wildcats,” Kansas State’s official color is royal purple, which is featured prominently in its branding and athletics.
- Furman University (Greenville, South Carolina): Furman’s colors are purple and white, and the school’s teams are called the Paladins.
- University of Washington (Seattle, Washington): Purple and gold are the official colors, with purple playing a significant role in the university’s identity and athletic uniforms.
- James Madison University (Harrisonburg, Virginia): JMU uses purple and gold, and the color is central to its spirit and branding.
- East Carolina University (Greenville, North Carolina): ECU’s official colors are purple and gold, and their teams are known as the Pirates.
- University of Central Arkansas (Conway, Arkansas): Purple and gray are the official colors, with purple featured in many aspects of campus life.
- Amherst College (Amherst, Massachusetts): Amherst’s official color is purple, and their teams are known as the Mammoths.
- Williams College (Williamstown, Massachusetts): Purple and gold are the official colors, and the teams are called the Ephs.
- Western Illinois University (Macomb, Illinois): WIU uses purple and gold, and the teams are called the Leathernecks.
- University of the South (Sewanee) (Sewanee, Tennessee): Sewanee’s teams are called the Tigers, and their primary color is purple.
- University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point (Stevens Point, Wisconsin): Purple and gold are the school’s colors.
This is not an exhaustive list; many smaller colleges and regional universities also use purple in their color schemes.
Why Do Colleges Choose Purple?
Colleges select their colors for a variety of reasons. Purple’s association with royalty, dignity, and ambition makes it appealing for institutions that want to project a sense of tradition and prestige. In some cases, the choice may be tied to historical events, local heritage, or a desire to stand out from neighboring schools. For example, Northwestern University adopted purple in the 19th century as a symbol of achievement and excellence.
How Purple Is Used in College Branding and Athletics
Purple is often used in athletic uniforms, merchandise, banners, and digital branding. It helps schools create a strong and recognizable visual identity. For athletic teams, purple can be a rallying point for fans and students alike. For instance:
- Northwestern’s football and basketball teams wear purple uniforms, and the color is featured prominently in their stadiums and arenas.
- Kansas State’s “Royal Purple” is a unifying element for students, alumni, and fans, and is used in nearly all athletic branding.
- University of Washington’s Husky Stadium is awash in purple during home games, and “Purple Reign” is a popular slogan for the fan base.
Beyond sports, purple appears in graduation regalia, official school seals, and marketing materials. It can also signify unity and pride among students and alumni.
How to Choose a College Based on School Colors
While school colors are rarely a primary factor in choosing a college, for some students—especially those interested in school spirit, sports, or marching band—they can be a consideration. Here are some tips for those who care about school colors:
- Consider School Spirit: If you want to be part of a vibrant fan base, look for schools where the color is central to campus traditions.
- Check Apparel and Merchandise: Some colors are easier to wear or find in stores. Purple is less common, which can make your gear stand out.
- Think About Personal Preference: If you love purple, you may enjoy seeing it everywhere on campus and at events.
- Research Traditions: Some schools have unique traditions tied to their colors, such as special events, chants, or rivalries.
- Balance with Academics: Ultimately, academic fit, location, and campus culture should outweigh color preference.
Comparing Purple Colleges: Unique Traditions and Rivalries
Many colleges with purple colors have developed unique traditions and rivalries. For example:
- Northwestern vs. Illinois: The rivalry between Northwestern (purple) and the University of Illinois (orange and blue) is a staple of Big Ten football.
- Kansas State vs. Kansas: The “Sunflower Showdown” pits Kansas State’s purple against the University of Kansas’ crimson and blue.
- Williams vs. Amherst: These two elite liberal arts colleges, both featuring purple (Williams: purple and gold, Amherst: purple and white), have one of the oldest football rivalries in the country.
- University of Washington vs. Washington State: The Apple Cup features Washington’s purple and gold against Washington State’s crimson and gray.
These rivalries often intensify school pride and highlight the importance of color in college identity.
Common Misconceptions About College Colors
A common misconception is that school colors are arbitrary or merely aesthetic. In reality, they often have deep historical roots or symbolic meanings. Some believe that purple is rare, but as shown, it is used by a significant number of colleges. Another misconception is that the exact shade of purple is the same everywhere; in fact, schools may use very different purples, from deep royal to lighter lavender tones.
Other Schools with Purple as a Secondary or Accent Color
While some colleges use purple as their primary color, others use it as a secondary or accent color. For example:
- New York University (NYU): NYU’s primary color is violet, a shade of purple, which is used in graduation robes and branding.
- University of Northern Iowa: Uses purple and gold as official colors, with purple prominent in athletics.
- Alcorn State University: Purple and gold are the school colors, with purple used in logos and uniforms.
- Albion College: Purple and gold are official colors, with purple prominent in banners and regalia.
Some schools may use purple for specific programs, honors societies, or events even if it’s not an official color.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is purple a rare color for colleges?
While not as common as blue or red, purple is used by a notable number of colleges, especially those that want to stand out or evoke a sense of tradition. - Do all colleges with purple use the same shade?
No, the shade of purple can vary significantly. Some use royal purple, others lavender, violet, or a custom hue unique to the school’s branding. - Why do some schools combine purple with gold or white?
Purple and gold or white are classic combinations that provide strong contrast and visual appeal, making them popular for athletic uniforms and branding. - Are there colleges outside the U.S. with purple colors?
Yes, but this article focuses on U.S. institutions. Internationally, some universities also use purple, but practices and traditions differ. - Does the school color influence student life?
Colors can influence school spirit, event themes, and merchandise, but academics, campus culture, and community are more important overall. - Can you suggest a small liberal arts college with purple colors?
Amherst College and Williams College are two well-known liberal arts schools with purple as a primary color.
Alternatives: Colleges with Unique or Unusual Colors
If you’re interested in colleges with unique color schemes beyond purple, consider:
- Stanford University: Cardinal red
- University of Miami: Orange and green
- Brown University: Brown and white
- Georgia Tech: White and gold
- Princeton University: Orange and black
Each of these schools has a distinctive color identity that contributes to its traditions and spirit.
Conclusion: Choosing a Purple College
Colleges with purple colors offer a sense of tradition, pride, and visual identity. From Northwestern and Kansas State to smaller liberal arts colleges like Amherst and Williams, purple unites students, athletes, and alumni. While school color is just one factor in the college experience, it can be an important symbol of community and spirit for many. If purple resonates with you, there are plenty of options to explore beyond Texas Christian University.