The 7 Best Dating Apps for College Students

1. Tinder

Tinder, the top college dating app, helps users find matches nearby by setting preferences for distance, sexual orientation, and gender. The Tinder U feature, requiring a .edu email, focuses searches on campus. With 85% of college students using Tinder, undergrads often find matches easily.

2. Bumble

Bumble empowers women by letting them make the first move in opposite-sex matches, reducing spammy messages. For same-sex matches, either person can start the conversation. The app includes safety features like photo verification and in-app chatting. Bumble also offers modes for finding friends and business mentors, helping college students connect with their community.

4. OkCupid

Launched in 2004, OkCupid allows users to upload photos, share personal details, and answer 15 questions to get a compatibility rating. After setting up a profile, you can match with others, like and comment on answers, and filter preferences.

5. Grindr

Grindr, designed for gay, bi, trans, and queer men, connects users with nearby matches. Users upload photos and bios, and the app lists matches by proximity. While some find long-term partners, Grindr is primarily for casual connections.

6. Coffee Meets Bagel

Coffee Meets Bagel avoids swiping by using an algorithm to suggest high-quality matches. Users review and like potential matches to start conversations. The app leverages social media and mutual friends, refining its picks daily based on user preferences.

7. HER

HER is a dating app for lesbian, bi, queer, nonbinary, trans, and gender nonconforming individuals. Created by queer people, it offers an inclusive space to connect. Users select from 16 sexualities and 18 gender identities to find matches, with additional features for social networking and LGBTQ+ events.