I don't think college campuses have a reputation for violent crime, though. I think the point is that maybe the students are ruining their own lives through drug abuse, but they aren't robbing/killing/maiming others.

Considering how safe I'd feel on a college campus at 2am on a Friday night compared to a rundown section of town, I'm tempted to believe that college does keep kids away from the worst of violent crime. I can't find any studies on the subject, unfortunately.

Not in every country. Please do not generalize.