UCLA was ranked No. 1 on the Business Insider's list, but school officials say their the data is misleading.
The online article says crime was down in 2011, but "things are terrible at UCLA." The Business Insider averaged FBI data from 2008-2011 and divided it by student population.
The university says police take reports on and off the campus. The crime statistics used for the report include an urban area beyond UCLA. Emergency phones are provided on campus and police are quick to respond.
UCLA officials fired back in a statement.
"Safety is a priority at UCLA, and we are proud of our record," said Phil Hampton, UCLA director of media relations. "To conclude that UCLA somehow is dangerous is a reckless mischaracterization of data."
Students say they feel safe at their school.
"A random guy came into our dorm the other day, and police were on it immediately, they got that guy out of there," said Megan Thomas. "They're really strict about safety here."
Other students think the article is unfounded.
"I find that pretty hard to believe," said student Austin Kordic. "Whoever wrote that article obviously has some credibility issues."
The Business Insider also ranked UC Riverside as America's 24th most dangerous campus, prompting the university to issue its own response.
"Your headline, and the way you have used the statistics to brand certain college campuses as 'the most dangerous' is in fact a step in the wrong direction for crime prevention," UC Riverside Director of Media Relations Kris Lovekin said in a statement.
The Business Insider acknowledges its list is controversial, but says it's providing a useful perspective on crime on and near college campuses.
