Updated: Wednesday, April 16, 2025
From Notre Dame’s leprechaun to Oregon’s duck, college mascots are more than just a figure on the sidelines — they are a treasured part of college life at many institutions. They embody the spirit, history, and identity of a college or university, rallying students, alumni, and fans alike under a shared banner. They evoke a sense of belonging and pride within the campus community and beyond.
While mascots shouldn’t factor into your college list, they are often an important part of campus culture and tradition. If you’re still doing college research, check out this guide to these campus icons.
The tradition of college mascots in the U.S. started in the late 1800s–early 1900s, evolving from simple team nicknames and live animals to the costumed figures we know now. In 1889, Yale University became the first school in the U.S. to adopt a mascot — Handsome Dan, a bulldog owned by a student. He was the first in a long line of Handsome Dans that continue to represent the Ivy League institution.
Live animal mascots became tangible symbols of school spirit, but their impracticality and unpredictability eventually led to the introduction of costumed figures. However, many schools besides Yale continue to use live mascots: Louisiana State University’s Mike the Tiger and the University of Texas at Austin’s Bevo the Texas Longhorn steer are just two well-known examples.
Over time, mascots became deeply ingrained in college culture, representing not just athletic prowess but also academic pride, institutional values, and a unifying symbol for the campus community. Over time, college mascots have evolved into iconic figures that are loved and celebrated far beyond their campus homes.
From animals and whimsical characters to historical figures, mascots are as diverse as the college landscape. Each has its own story and significance that contribute to the school’s history and traditions.
Traditional mascots have long been chosen for their imagery, symbolism, and ability to inspire pride and unity. In fact, some of the most well-known college mascots fall into this category.
Many colleges and universities break the mold when it comes to mascots, choosing quirky or unexpected characters that are distinctive and original.
Which college mascot is your favorite? Share in the comments below.
Colleges and universities are increasingly recognizing the importance of selecting mascots that resonate positively with all students, alumni, and fans, regardless of their background. This shift involves retiring mascots rooted in offensive stereotypes — particularly those related to Native Americans and the Confederacy — and thoughtfully choosing new ones that embody positive and unifying qualities.
Universities that have retired mascots in the recent past include the University of Illinois and University of Mississippi. The process of selecting mascots will likely involve greater community input and a commitment to creating symbols that promote inclusivity.
College mascots are a fun part of college culture, but you have much more to consider when it comes to selecting schools for your college list: size, location, academic programs, social climate, activities, research opportunities, and more. With thousands of options to choose from, this can feel overwhelming.
IvyWise college admissions counselors are experts at helping students find colleges that are a great fit for their needs and goals. And all of them have at least three years of experience working in college admissions at some of the top schools in the U.S. — so they know exactly what admissions committees are looking for. Learn how we can help you achieve college admissions success.
Spring ushers in new beginnings and high school senior rites-of-passage, such as prom and graduation. Fortunately, many colleges and universities also have deeply rooted traditions celebrating the end of winter, the new life of spring, and the campus community.
One of the fun aspects of researching colleges is to learn about their unique traditions, such as the fun ways these five schools celebrate spring.
If you’re a high school junior applying to college this fall, chances are you’ve been on a college visit or two and have spent a considerable amount of time researching colleges and universities. Many students who have only a limited view of what colleges are like are sometimes shocked to find out how vastly different most institutions are from one another in terms of size, campus life, academics, athletics, and more.
You have so many factors to consider during your college search. Students are thinking about everything from, “does this school offer the major I want to pursue?” to “will there be pick-up games of Ultimate frisbee on the quad?” Not to mention the cost of tuition, how far away from home campus will be, the selectivity and reputation of the school, and even how the size of the campus will impact all their priorities.
Have you ever dreamed of going to a certain college or university based on how much you love its sports team? If so, you’re definitely not alone. Research shows a connection between the success of a college football or basketball team and a spike in admissions to the school. This is known as the Flutie Effect.
