The best college town in every US state

Austin, Texas, was ranked as the best college town in the US in a WalletHub study.

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• College towns across the US can vary from sleepy towns with charming downtowns to major cities.
• A WalletHub study ranked over 400 college locations across the US.
• Austin was ranked as the best college town in the US, with Ann Arbor and Orlando following.

A college town can shape a student's experience as much as academics, athletics, and campus life.

Beyond being the backdrop for college memories, a school's setting often determines what students do outside class and the opportunities and experiences they have access to as they pursue their degrees.

In a study released in October, WalletHub analyzed over 400 college locations across the US and ranked the cities and towns based on their affordability, social scene, and academic prospects for students in 2025.

While some states had many of their college towns listed — California had 90 locations on the list, and Florida took up five of the top 15 spots — others were barely represented, and Maine had no entries at all.

WalletHub defined college towns as cities with a college student population of over 7,500 students, and ranked each location across three categories: wallet-friendliness, social environment, and academic and economic opportunity.

The analysis considered factors such as housing and higher education costs, the share of residents ages 18 to 35, nightlife and dining options, higher education quality, and graduates' earning potential to determine each location's rank across categories.

The study used data from federal agencies, including the US Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the National Center for Education Statistics, as well as from companies such as TransUnion, TripAdvisor, and Yelp, along with other WalletHub research.

For this list, we took the highest-ranked place in each US state to determine the best college town or city in every state.

ALABAMA: Huntsville

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National rank (in WalletHub's report): #52

Schools: University of Alabama in Huntsville; Alabama A&M University

Huntsville's college scene is closely tied to the city's aerospace and research economy. Home to the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Alabama A&M University, it was Alabama's top-ranked city in the WalletHub study, ranking 52nd among college towns nationwide.

ALASKA: Anchorage

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National rank: #191

School: University of Alaska Anchorage

Urban yet outdoorsy, Anchorage and its unique natural setting make for Alaska's best college town. The city, home to the University of Alaska Anchorage, has a rich outdoor scene, with snowy mountains in the background and access to hiking trails.

The city ranked 191st in WalletHub's national ranking.

ARIZONA: Tempe

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National rank: #6

School: Arizona State University

Shaped by Arizona State University's student life, Tempe ranked sixth among the best college towns in the US. The city has a bustling downtown and nightlife scene, and sports energize the local population.

ARKANSAS: Fayetteville

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National rank: #139

School: University of Arkansas

With a lively downtown and energetic SEC sports culture as well as access to the natural landscapes of the Ozarks, Fayetteville ranked as Arkansas's best college town.

The city, which is home to the University of Arkansas, benefited from its high wallet-friendliness score in the study.

CALIFORNIA: Sacramento

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National rank: #21

School: California State University, Sacramento

Home to California State University, Sacramento, the California capital ranked as the 21st-best college town in the US and was the highest-ranking in the state.

Sacramento, which also ranked 19th nationwide for its social environment, also offers students opportunities beyond academics in areas such as government, policy, and healthcare.

COLORADO: Fort Collins

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National rank: #48

School: Colorado State University

With a classic college-town feel, Fort Collins offers students a lively culture, with breweries and outdoor activities shaping student life beyond the classroom.

The city, home to Colorado State University, ranked 48th among the best college towns in the US.

CONNECTICUT: New Haven

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National rank: #20

School: Yale University

New Haven, Connecticut, the home of Yale University, ranked 20th among the best college towns in the US.

Casual eateries, student neighborhoods, and a historic campus give the town its distinct student identity.

DELAWARE: Newark

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National rank: #54

School: University of Delaware

Newark, Delaware, was ranked 54th among America's college towns.

The town, which is home to the University of Delaware, offers a student experience shaped by a vibrant, walkable Main Street and a campus-centered layout.

The city came 20th nationwide in the study's social environment rank, which considered factors such as students per capita, student gender balance, and nightlife options, cafés, and sports clubs per capita.

FLORIDA: Orlando

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National rank: #3

School: University of Central Florida

Orlando ranked as the third-best college town in the US and was the highest-ranking in Florida, despite fierce competition in the state, which had five cities ranking within the top 15.

The city ranked sixth nationwide for its social environment, with students benefiting from a major metro setting shaped by entertainment, hospitality, healthcare, and tourism.

GEORGIA: Atlanta

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National rank: #7

Schools: Georgia Tech; Georgia State University; Emory University; Spelman College; Morehouse College

Atlanta ranked second nationwide in social environment, reflecting its rich nightlife, sports, and dining scenes, as well as major employers and a large student network across the city.

The city, considered a major education hub in the Southeast, is also home to renowned HBCUs, such as Spelman College and Morehouse College.

HAWAII: Honolulu

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National rank: #129

School: University of Hawaii at Mānoa

In WalletHub's study, Honolulu ranked first nationwide for its social environment, offering students access to beaches, island culture, and a setting unlike any other college location in the study.

IDAHO: Boise

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National rank: #23

School: Boise State University

Boise, Idaho, is ranked the 23rd-best college town in the US and the highest-ranking in Idaho.

With the main campus sitting close to downtown and the Boise River, students have access to city life, outdoor recreation, and a growing local economy.

ILLINOIS: Champaign

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National rank: #28

School: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Located 2.5 hours from Chicago, the city of Champaign is ranked the 28th-best college town in the US.

The city's character is shaped by its student population, with a lively downtown scene and close connection to the city of Urbana defining the campus experience.

INDIANA: West Lafayette

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National rank: #25

School: Purdue University

West Lafayette, Indiana, is home to Purdue University, which shapes much of daily life in the city, from student housing and a widespread research culture to athletics and game-day traditions.

IOWA: Ames

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National rank: #116

School: Iowa State University

The highest-ranked college town in Iowa was Ames, ranking 116th nationwide.

The city, which has a classic college town feel, has a strong research focus and a local culture anchored by Iowa State University student life.

KANSAS: Lawrence

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National rank: #106

School: University of Kansas

Ranked 106th among college towns in the US, Lawrence is the highest-ranking college town in Kansas.

The city, home to the University of Kansas, is known for its local sports, downtown, and arts scenes, and ranks highest in the wallet-friendliness category.

KENTUCKY: Louisville

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National rank: #98

School: University of Louisville

Louisville, Kentucky, ranked 98th among US college towns and was the highest-ranked city in the state. Home to the University of Louisville, the city offers a large urban setting for students, with sports, healthcare, restaurants, and tourism shaping life beyond campus.

LOUISIANA: New Orleans

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National rank: #168

Schools: Tulane University; University of New Orleans

Beyond its rich local culture, New Orleans is also home to major schools such as Tulane University and the University of New Orleans.

New Orleans offers a lively social environment, with music, food, festivals, and tourism shaping the student experience.

MAINE: Portland

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School: University of Southern Maine

While no Maine college town made WalletHub's ranking, Niche's 2026 Best College Locations lists Portland as the best college town in the state, based on "key statistics and student reviews."

Portland, which is home to the University of Southern Maine, offers students a coastal city setting with a strong food scene, arts and culture, and easy access to the waterfront.

The city's student experience is shaped by its walkable downtown, independent shops and restaurants, and proximity to beaches, islands, and outdoor recreation.

MARYLAND: BaltimoreBaltimore, Maryland.

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National rank: #196

Schools: Johns Hopkins University; University of Maryland, Baltimore

Home to Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, as well as other smaller schools, Baltimore ranked 196th among college towns in the US and was the highest-ranking in Maryland.

The city's student life across campuses is closely tied to medicine, research, and the arts.

MASSACHUSETTS: Cambridge

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National rank: #37

Schools: Harvard University; Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Cambridge, Massachusetts, is a prestigious educational hub, home to institutions such as Harvard University and MIT. Cambridge ranked 37th among the best college towns in the US and was the highest-ranking in the state.

The city ranked fifth nationwide for academic and economic opportunities, reflecting its high concentration of top institutions, innovative startups, and ambitious research.

MICHIGAN: Ann Arbor

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National rank: #2

School: University of Michigan

The second-best college town in the US, Ann Arbor is home to the University of Michigan.

The city's downtown, restaurants, arts scene, and Big Ten sports culture are closely tied to the university, and the city ranked highly for social environment and academic and economic opportunities.

MINNESOTA: MinneapolisMinneapolis, Minnesota.

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National rank: #35

School: University of Minnesota, Twin Cities

Ranked as the 35th-best college town in the US, Minneapolis is home to the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, and was the highest-ranked college town in the state.

The city's large urban setting offers lively music, nightlife, and sports scenes, with the lakes providing a natural landscape that contributed to the city's high ranking in the social environment category.

MISSISSIPPI: Starkville

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National rank: #64

School: Mississippi State University

The highest-ranked college town in Mississippi is Starkville, home to Mississippi State University.

The city is shaped by its strong SEC football culture, and its highest ranking in the study was for wallet friendliness.

MISSOURI: St. Charles

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National rank: #33

School: Lindenwood University

Located 20 miles outside St. Louis, St. Charles was ranked the 33rd-best college town in the US and the highest-ranking in Missouri.

The suburb is home to the private Lindenwood University and is known for its historic riverfront and easy access to the broader St. Louis area.

MONTANA: Missoula

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National rank: #55

School: University of Montana

In 55th place nationwide, Missoula is the highest-ranked college town in Montana.

The city has a mountain-town feel, with river trails, breweries, music, and outdoor recreation shaping student life.

NEBRASKA: Omaha

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National rank: #110

Schools: University of Nebraska Omaha; Creighton University

The highest-ranked college town in Nebraska is Omaha, home to the University of Nebraska Omaha and the private Creighton University, and ranked 110th nationwide.

Local healthcare and finance help anchor job opportunities, while sports and restaurants shape the student experience.

NEVADA: Reno

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National rank: #8

School: University of Nevada, Reno

Ranked as the eighth-best college town in the US, Reno is home to the University of Nevada, Reno, and ranks highest in the state.

The city offers a strong social environment for students with proximity to Lake Tahoe, outdoor activities, festivals, and casinos shaping life there.

NEW HAMPSHIRE: Manchester

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National rank: #328

School: University of New Hampshire at Manchester

Ranked 328th nationwide, Manchester is the highest-ranked college town in New Hampshire.

The city, which is home to the University of New Hampshire at Manchester, offers students a small urban setting and access to southern New Hampshire's job market.

NEW JERSEY: Princeton

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National rank: #159

School: Princeton University

Ranked 159th nationwide, Princeton is the highest-ranking college town in New Jersey.

It offers a classic college-town experience for students, with the historic university setting and a compact downtown shaping its campus-centered identity.

NEW MEXICO: Albuquerque

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National rank: #112

School: University of New Mexico

Albuquerque is the highest-ranked college town in New Mexico, coming 112th nationwide.

The city is home to the University of New Mexico and offers a mountain setting with food, arts, and breweries defining the local student life.

NEW YORK: Buffalo

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National rank: #44

Schools: SUNY's University at Buffalo and Buffalo State University

Ranked 44th nationwide, Buffalo, New York, is the highest-ranking college town in the state.

The home to the State University of New York system's University at Buffalo and Buffalo State University, the city offers a multi-campus student experience, with sports culture and food shaping life for locals.

The city ranked highly for both its social environment and wallet friendliness.

NORTH CAROLINA: RaleighRaleigh, North Carolina.

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National rank: #5

School: North Carolina State University

Ranked as the fifth-best college town in the US, Raleigh, North Carolina, is the highest-ranking college town in the state.

Home to North Carolina State University, the North Carolina capital offers access to state government jobs and the Research Triangle economy, which connects to nearby Durham and Chapel Hill.

NORTH DAKOTA: Fargo

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National rank: #30

School: North Dakota State University

Fargo ranked as the 30th-best college town in the US and was the highest-ranking in the state.

The city stood out in the study for wallet friendliness. A growing downtown gives students access to restaurants, bars, and arts venues as part of the local lifestyle.

OHIO: Columbus

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National rank: #24

School: Ohio State University

Ohio's capital city, Columbus, is also the state's highest-ranking college town.

The city combines a huge Big Ten campus with a capital-city economy, and sports, nightlife, and a large young-professional population define life for students and locals.

OKLAHOMA: Stillwater

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National rank: #49

School: Oklahoma State University

In Oklahoma, the highest-ranked college town is Stillwater, which is located an hour outside the state's capital.

The home of Oklahoma State University ranked highly for wallet-friendliness in the study and offers a classic college-town experience for students.

OREGON: PortlandNearby Portland, Oregon.

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National rank: #113

Schools: Portland State University; University of Portland; Reed College; Lewis & Clark College

An education hub on the West Coast, Portland was the highest-rated in the state.

Despite low affordability, the city ranked highly in the study's social environment ranking, in part thanks to its lively food, music, and coffee-shop scenes, as well as its transit-friendliness and access to parks.

PENNSYLVANIA: Pittsburgh

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National rank: #11

School: University of Pittsburgh; Carnegie Mellon University

Ranked 11th among college towns in the US, Pittsburgh is the highest-ranked in Pennsylvania.

The city gives students access to major research opportunities and a lively sports culture.

Pittsburgh ranked third-highest nationwide in the study's social environment rank.

RHODE ISLAND: Providence

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National rank: #147

Schools: Brown University; Providence College

The capital of Rhode Island is also its best college town, according to the WalletHub study.

Providence, home to Brown University and smaller schools like Providence College, ranked 147th nationwide and was the highest-ranked city in the state.

The compact city is known for a vibrant arts scene, restaurants, historic neighborhoods, and several campuses close to downtown.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Charleston

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National rank: #19

School: College of Charleston

Ranked as the 19th-best college town in the US, Charleston ranked ninth nationwide for its social environment, thanks in part to its historic coastal setting, restaurants, beaches, and tourism-driven local energy.

SOUTH DAKOTA: Sioux Falls

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National rank: #93

Schools: Augustana University; University of Sioux Falls

Home to Augustana University and the University of Sioux Falls, Sioux Falls is ranked as the 93rd-best college town in the US and highest in the state.

The city offers students a regional hub with healthcare, finance, parks, and a growing downtown.

TENNESSEE: Knoxville

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National rank: #46

School: University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Knoxville, Tennessee, is the 46th-best college town in the US and the highest-ranking in the state.

Student life in the city is shaped by SEC sports, live music, a lively downtown riverfront, and access to the Great Smoky Mountains.

TEXAS: Austin

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National rank: #1

School: University of Texas at Austin

Austin was named the best college town in the US in WalletHub's study.

The city, home to the University of Texas at Austin, offers students a mix of university life, music, tech, food, nightlife, outdoor spaces, and strong academic and economic opportunities.

UTAH: Salt Lake CityNearby Salt Lake City, Utah, just over 10 miles north of Midvale.

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National rank: #17

School: University of Utah

Home to the University of Utah, Salt Lake City ranked as the 17th-best college town in the US and was the highest-ranked in Utah.

The city offers students an urban setting with quick access to outdoor activities, such as skiing and hiking, as well as opportunities in healthcare and tech, and it performed especially well in the study's social environment ranking.

VERMONT: Burlington

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National rank: #236

School: University of Vermont

Despite being ranked 236th in the country, Burlington is Vermont's highest-ranked college town in the WalletHub study.

The city has a classic New England college-town feel and offers rich local music and food scenes as well as outdoor recreation.

VIRGINIA: Charlottesville

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National rank: #9

School: University of Virginia

The ninth-best college town in the US is Charlottesville, home to the University of Virginia and ranked highest in the state.

The city ranked highly in the study for both academic and economic opportunities and social environment, with historic architecture, restaurants, wineries, music, and access to the Blue Ridge mountains shaping the student experience.

WASHINGTON: Seattle

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National rank: #16

School: University of Washington

Home to the University of Washington, Seattle ranked as the 16th-best college town in the US and was the highest-ranked in Washington.

The major city offers students access to strong tech and healthcare industry sectors, as well as coffee shops, music, and water views.

WEST VIRGINIA: Morgantown

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National rank: #74

School: West Virginia University

Ranked 74th nationwide, Morgantown is home to West Virginia University and is the highest-ranking college town in the state.

The city ranked highly in the study's social environment and wallet-friendliness rankings, with sports, hilly Appalachian scenery, and a lively student scene.

WISCONSIN: Madison

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National rank: #18

School: University of Wisconsin—Madison

The 18th-best college town in the US is Madison, Wisconsin, home to the University of Wisconsin—Madison and the highest-ranked college town in the state.

The state's capital city blends student life at the flagship university with a state capital setting, offering students lake views, bike paths, farmers markets, and a lively downtown lined with bars and eateries.

WYOMING: Laramie

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National rank: #27

School: University of Wyoming

The highest-ranked college town in Wyoming is Laramie, which ranked 27th nationwide and is home to the University of Wyoming.

The small city is anchored by the college campus and ranked highly in the study's wallet-friendliness rank.

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