Introduction: University attendance is a known risk factor for alcohol use and misuse. While past research has shown the severity of this risk depends on several interrelated factors, including peer and family perceptions/ acceptance of alcohol, little research has been conducted into the role individual university culture plays in the initiation and continued use of alcohol.

Methods: Patterns of past 30-day alcohol consumption among students (N=303) attending two Southern California universities, Loyola Marymount University (LMU) and California State University Dominguez Hills (CSUDH), was measured via a cross sectional survey. An analysis was conducted to determine if a student’s perception of overall university alcohol use/acceptance mediated the relationship between peer perception/acceptance of alcohol use and a student’s overall alcohol consumption.

Results: Students attending a non- commuter, majority non-Hispanic white university, consumed significantly more alcohol than their peers attending a commuter, majority Hispanic university (past 30-day use: 70.2% vs. 46.8%; p<.001). The primary mediation model indicated university perception/acceptance was a significant mediator of the relationship between peer use perceptions and past 30-day alcohol use [OR: 2.02 (CI: 1.39, 3.22)].

Conclusion: This study provides evidence that overall university culture may influence and alter alcohol consumption patterns among students. A heightened awareness of peer and university perception of alcohol use may provide potential for universities to develop tactics that reduce alcohol consumption among their student populations.