The objectives of this study were to determine how university and surrounding area characteristics are associated with student vaccination rates and vaccine exemption stringency.

This study collected data from publicly available university-associated and government-associated websites. The university and surrounding area characteristics were evaluated to elucidate how they impact student vaccination rates and ease of exemption from vaccine mandates using statistical correlations and linear regression.

Lower student-to-faculty ratios and stricter university exemption strategies were significantly correlated with higher vaccination rates. Schools that did not allow for personal exemptions to vaccine mandates had significantly higher vaccination rates as compared to schools without vaccine mandates. Certain university and surrounding area characteristics, such as regional location and surrounding area vaccination rates, might serve as underlying factors in inconsistent vaccination rates on university campuses.

Associations were seen between some of the explanatory variables and student vaccination rates. However, more research needs to be conducted to better understand how these discussed factors affect university vaccination rates. This will allow public health professionals to be more prepared as new health concerns arise in the future.