Austin, Texas, ranks as the best college town in the United States, according to a comprehensive study released in October by WalletHub. The analysis evaluated over 400 college locations across the country based on affordability, social environment, and academic and economic opportunities to determine how a city’s setting shapes the student experience beyond the classroom.
How WalletHub Evaluated US College Towns
WalletHub defined qualifying college towns as cities with a student population exceeding 7,500 residents. Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the National Center for Education Statistics—alongside metrics from companies like TransUnion, TripAdvisor, and Yelp.
The rankings depended on three core categories:
- Wallet-friendliness, which factored in housing costs and higher education expenses.
- Social environment, measuring nightlife, dining options, and the share of residents aged 18 to 35.
- Academic and economic opportunity, assessing school quality and graduates’ earning potential.
Geographic representation varied widely across the country. According to the findings, California featured 90 locations on the list, while Florida captured five of the top 15 spots. Conversely, Maine had no entries represented in the study.
Top-Ranked College Towns Across the States
Across individual states, high-ranking locations reflect a mix of regional economies, local culture, and campus environments:
- Alabama (Huntsville): Ranking 52nd nationally, Huntsville’s student scene ties closely to its aerospace and research economy, serving students at the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Alabama A&M University, according to WalletHub.
- Alaska (Anchorage): Home to the University of Alaska Anchorage, the city ranked 191st nationally, offering an urban environment paired with snowy mountain backdrops and hiking trail access.
- Arizona (Tempe): Powered by Arizona State University, Tempe claimed the number six spot nationally, bolstered by a bustling downtown, active nightlife, and prominent sports culture.
- Arkansas (Fayetteville): Home to the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville ranked 139th nationally, drawing strong marks for wallet-friendliness, an active SEC sports culture, and access to the Ozarks.
- California (Sacramento): The state capital ranked 21st nationwide and 19th for its social environment, providing students at California State University, Sacramento with local access to government, policy, and healthcare sectors.