Austin, Texas, October 25, 2025
News Summary
For the sixth consecutive year, Austin, Texas has been recognized as the best college town in the United States by WalletHub. The ranking evaluates over 400 cities based on key indicators such as the cost of living, crime rate, and education quality. The University of Texas at Austin ranks No. 58 among colleges nationwide, reflecting the strong educational opportunities available in the city. Other cities in the top five include Ann Arbor, Orlando, Tampa, and Raleigh, while East Los Angeles was ranked the lowest. Austin’s vibrant atmosphere offers ample leisure activities and a favorable job market for students.
Austin, Texas has been ranked the best college town in the U.S. by WalletHub for the sixth consecutive year, according to the 2026 College & University Rankings. This list aims to assist high school seniors in choosing their college locations by evaluating over 400 U.S. cities across various important factors.
WalletHub utilized 31 key indicators to assess the academic, social, and economic opportunities available to students in these cities. Among the indicators were the cost of living, crime rate, and quality of higher education institutions. The University of Texas at Austin, a premier institution in the city, is ranked No. 58 among colleges in the country, highlighting the strong educational environment that Austin offers.
In the latest rankings, other cities that rounded out the top five include Ann Arbor, Mich. (2nd), Orlando, Fla. (3rd), Tampa, Fla. (4th), and Raleigh, N.C. (5th). On the opposite end of the spectrum, East Los Angeles, Calif., was identified as the bottom-ranked city of the 415 analyzed, with four of the bottom five positions occupied by California cities.
Among other Texas cities evaluated, College Station ranked No. 45, San Antonio at No. 65, Lubbock at No. 108, San Marcos at No. 123, Dallas at No. 132, and El Paso at No. 149. This positions Austin significantly ahead of its peers within the state, showcasing its attractiveness for college students.
Austin’s strong economic environment contributes to its top ranking, featuring one of the lowest unemployment rates in the United States. The city also boasts the 27th-best annual job growth rate, which enhances student employment opportunities during and after their college careers. Furthermore, Austin is rich in leisure activities, offering numerous attractions, sports clubs, and shopping centers, making it a vibrant place for students to live and study.
In terms of education quality, Austin ranks 18th in the nation. It is home to several notable institutions, including the University of Texas at Austin, Huston-Tillotson University, St. Edward’s University, and Concordia University. WalletHub emphasized Austin’s low average pizza prices among the appealing factors for college students, highlighting the affordability that accompanies living in this bustling city.
The combination of a strong local economy, quality education, and a lively social scene makes Austin an ideal location for students. With favorable conditions for job opportunities post-graduation, Austin solidifies its position as the best college town in America for the sixth year in a row.
FAQs
What city is ranked as the best college town in the U.S.?
Austin, Texas has been ranked the best college town in the U.S. by WalletHub.
How many years has Austin topped the list of college towns?
This marks the sixth consecutive year that Austin has topped the list of college towns.
What factors did WalletHub analyze for its ranking?
WalletHub analyzed over 400 U.S. cities using 31 key indicators evaluating academic, social, and economic opportunities for students.
Which other cities are in the top five college towns?
Other cities that rounded out the top five include Ann Arbor, Mich. (2nd), Orlando, Fla. (3rd), Tampa, Fla. (4th), and Raleigh, N.C. (5th).
What is the ranking of the University of Texas at Austin?
The University of Texas at Austin is ranked No. 58 among colleges in the country.
Key Features
| Feature | Austin Ranking | Other Notable Rankings |
|---|---|---|
| Best College Town | 1st for six consecutive years | Ann Arbor (2nd), Orlando (3rd), Tampa (4th), Raleigh (5th) |
| Quality of Higher Education | 18th in the nation | UT Austin at No. 58 among colleges |
| Economic Environment | Low unemployment rate | 27th-best annual job growth rate |
| Cost of Living | Low average pizza prices | N/A |
| Student Leisure Activities | Numerous attractions and sports clubs | N/A |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- Spectrum Local News: WalletHub Rankings
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- The Statesman: Best College Towns
- Google Search: Austin Texas College Town
- Houston Chronicle: College Town Rankings
- Google Scholar: Austin Texas College Rankings
- Austin CultureMap: Best College Towns 2026
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin Texas
- MSN News: San Antonio College City
- Google News: San Antonio College Cities 2026
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
