So far, there are 10 states that allow their students to open carry on college and university campuses. But that doesn’t necessarily mean there are no limitations to who can carry and when or where.

A Guide to Campus Carry

So far, there are 10 states that allow their students to open carry on college and university campuses. But that doesn’t necessarily mean there are no limitations to who can carry and when or where.

The topic of campus carry has been a hot topic lately, especially for those who live in the states where concealed guns on campus are allowed by law. To date, Colorado, Idaho, Tennessee, Texas and Utah are the states that concealed guns on campus is completely allowed by law. That means, everyone who has a permit to carry can have their firearm with them while on campus.

Another 5 states (Arkansas, Kansas, Mississippi, Oregon and Wisconsin), allows gun by law but with restrictions such as only certain locations on campus may allow firearms, and there may be certain restrictions on who, exactly, can carry. However, some states (such as Arkansas, for example) have chosen to “opt out”, meaning that some colleges and universities can choose not to allow any concealed weapons on campus.

There are 20 states where schools can decide on their own weapons policy, but the campus carry is not allowed by law there. Those states are: Washington, Nevada, Arizona, South Dakota, Iowa, Indiana, Alabama, West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Rhode Island, Alaska, Hawaii, and Delaware. So far, though, most of these states have no colleges or universities where concealed weapons are allowed on campus.

So far, there are 10 states that allow their students to open carry on college and university campuses. But that doesn’t necessarily mean there are no limitations to who can carry and when or where.

Another 10 states allow concealed guns only in parking lots and locked cars. Those states are: North Dakota, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Ohio, Kentucky, North and South Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Each state is also allowed to amend policies to their concealed weapon restrictions.

Concealed guns on campus are strictly prohibited by law in the remaining states, which are California, Wyoming, New Mexico, Missouri, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey. Most of these states also require that colleges and universities post notices that state it is unlawful to carry a firearm on campus.

For complete information on Campus Carry and guidelines for each state, please visit armedcampus.org

Featured

  • Electrified Latch Retraction Locks Key Benefits for Retrofits

    Building owners and facility managers increasingly rely on electrified hardware to enhance security while meeting accessibility standards. Among these technologies, electrified or motorized latch retraction locks are especially effective for retrofit projects where existing door and frame conditions complicate upgrades. Latch retraction capable locks combine security, accessibility and code compliance benefits, making them ideal for retrofitting fire-rated and non-rated openings in schools, healthcare facilities, commercial buildings and more. Read Now

  • How Cloud Security Solutions Are Transforming Campus Safety

    Campus administrators today face a challenging mandate: deliver stronger security across their facilities while working within tighter budget constraints. From school districts focused on student safety to hospitals protecting patients and staff, the question remains the same: how do you build security infrastructure that evolves with your needs without requiring massive capital investments? Read Now

  • Rethinking Campus Security From the Inside

    For decades, campus security strategies focused on keeping threats outside school walls. But since the tragedy at Columbine High School, data has shown that many attacks begin inside the building, often in classrooms and corridors. This shift has prompted schools to rethink security from the inside and place greater emphasis on interior elements such as classroom doors. This shift is evidenced by a new generation of classroom door systems engineered to delay inside intruders and an ASTM standard that raises the bar on how these systems must be designed to defend against attack. Read Now

  • AI in Security: Advancing Campus Safety and Considerations for Implementing

    Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to capture attention across every sector, and the physical security industry is no exception. Once seen as experimental, AI-enabled analytics now underpin how organizations monitor environments, detect threats, and make decisions. What was once futuristic is now a practical necessity for safety professionals managing growing volumes of data, tighter resources, and increasing expectations for faster, more accurate responses. Read Now