Picking the right college town can instantly put you ahead of many other students. It will facilitate your academic growth while ensuring you thrive in other areas of your life as well. Since the US has plenty of college towns, RentCafe conducted a study on 236 college towns with a minimum student population of 10%. The study evaluated these college towns based on 12 metrics, divided into three main categories: affordability, livability, and education.
Let’s explore the 12 best American college towns that ranked the highest in this study.
Bozeman, Montana
Home to the prestigious Montana State University, Bozeman is crowned the best college town in America. Nearly all its students receive grants or scholarship aids, lowering their college fee burden. College students in Bozeman pay approximately $7,727 in tuition fees, which is comparatively lower than in many college towns. The easy availability of diverse arts, numerous degree programs, culture, sports, and entertainment establishments also make it favorable for students.
Pullman, Washington
Pullman is home to the famous Washington State University. While the tuition fee is slightly on the higher side at $ 12,701, the lower-than-average cost of living offsets it. Nearly 83% of college students receive grants or scholarship aids, which reduce their overall educational costs. Besides a promising educational environment, Pullman also offers clean air, scenic serenity, adventure activities, hangout spots, fun dining spots, etc., to all students.
Clemson, South Carolina
Anyone wanting the best academic experience and vibrant student life must choose Clemson for their college years. The town is home to the reputable Clemson University and is dominated by a relatively young population and natural beauty. The average tuition fee in this town is approximately $15,558, and the cost of living is around $2,985. Since 79% of college students receive grants and scholarship aids, their overall cost of education is reduced drastically.
Gainesville, Northern Florida
Home to the University of Florida, Gainesville is the fourth-best college town in America. It has a reasonably low tuition fee of approximately $5,535, and nearly 88% of students receive grants or scholarship aids for further fee reduction. The cost of living is almost $3,179, which might be slightly higher for some students, but it can be balanced with the lower educational cost. Gainesville also offers the best cultural hubs, endless adventure activities, parks, etc., to support a vibrant student life.
Boone, North Carolina
Boone is famous for its Appalachian State University, which boasts an impressive university score of 91. The town has an average cost of living of around $3,186 and an approximate tuition fee of $7,450. Nearly 47% of college students in Boone receive grants or scholarship aids to lower their educational costs. Besides premium education, Boone also offers students plenty of entertainment, arts, adventure, etc., opportunities.
Moscow, Idaho
Moscow is one of the best college towns in America, where nearly 100% of college students receive some grants or scholarship aid. This aid lowers tuition fee burden, which is approximately $8,396. Moscow is home to the famous University of Idaho, which is considered the most beautiful college in the entire state of Idaho. The average cost of living in Moscow is $2,886, relatively lower than many college towns.
Laramie, Wyoming
This mountain college town is home to the University of Wyoming and offers numerous undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs. It is known for its lower-than-average educational cost, with tuition fees being approximately $6,621. Since 91% of college students receive grants or scholarship aids, the educational cost is further lowered. The average cost of living in Laramie is nearly $ 3,069, making it affordable for most students.
Amherst, Massachusetts
Amherst is an intellectual epicenter known for its academic dynamism and suburban serenity. Numerous small colleges are located in this town, but the University of Massachusetts-Amherst remains the most prominent. The colleges offer programs in varying fields, but the tuition fee, averaging $16,952, might be too steep for some students. Since Amherst colleges offer scholarship aids or grants to nearly 85% of college students, education costs are significantly reduced. The cost of living in Amherst is approximately $3,487, and the reported graduation rate is 83%.
College Station, Texas
While the town has numerous small colleges, most students choose College Station for Texas A&M University, the state’s first public institution built for higher studies. This town is ideal for students desiring personal development and growth, academic excellence, and a dynamic student life. While the average tuition fee in these colleges is $13,239, students can apply for grants or scholarships to lower their educational costs. The cost of living is nearly $2,908, which is lower than many college towns.
Storrs, Connecticut
Home to the University of Connecticut, Storrs offers its college students a unique blend of rural and urban charm. Students can choose from numerous academic programs, but the steep tuition fee of $19,434 might be concerning for some. The town’s cost of living is also on the higher side at $3,686, but the quality of life, education quality, facilities, community, etc., make the investment worth every penny spent.
Athens, Ohio
This college town has the main campus of the famous Ohio University. It is known for offering the best college student life experience along with top-notch education quality. Athens ranks as the best college town in the Midwest region and offers generous grants and scholarship aids to nearly 96% of college students. The typical tuition fee in Athens colleges is $13,352, and the average cost of living is $2,990, making it affordable for most students.
Provo, Utah
Provo ranks among the best college towns in America because of its prestigious Brigham Young University. The college offers numerous premium courses in varying fields, like engineering, business, arts, etc., enabling students to pick a program of their interest. Its tuition fee is comparatively lower than other college towns at $6,304, and its average cost of living is approximately $3,156. The town offers scholarships and grants to nearly 46% of students, making education affordable for all. The easy availability of arts, entertainment, community, etc., adds to the student’s overall experience.