Austin Crowned Best College City in America Again

Austin, TX, October 22, 2025

News Summary

Austin, Texas, has earned the title of the best college city in America for the fourth consecutive year, according to WalletHub’s latest report. The city was evaluated based on factors such as cost of living, crime rate, and the quality of higher education. Despite its top ranking, Austin faces affordability challenges due to high housing costs. It ranks well for job opportunities and social environment, making it an attractive destination for students and recent graduates.

Austin, Texas, has once again been crowned as the best college city in America, according to WalletHub’s latest report. This marks the fourth consecutive year Austin has held the title, having first topped the list in 2022.

The WalletHub report evaluated over 400 U.S. cities based on multiple factors, including cost of living, crime rate, and the quality of higher education. Other cities that followed Austin in the rankings include Ann Arbor, Michigan; Orlando, Florida; Tampa, Florida; and Raleigh, North Carolina.

The WalletHub report, titled “Best College Towns in America (2026),” classified cities into three population sizes: large (over 300,000 residents), midsize (125,000-300,000 residents), and small (fewer than 125,000 residents). Austin is noted for several characteristics contributing to its success, ranging from its diverse nightlife and thriving economy to its ample sport-watching opportunities.

In addition to securing the top spot, Austin ranks 10th for academic and economic opportunities for college graduates, and it is positioned 18th nationwide for the quality of higher education. The city is home to several esteemed educational institutions, including the University of Texas at Austin, Huston-Tillotson University, St. Edward’s University, and Concordia University.

Austin boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the United States, which reflects its 27th rank for annual job growth, facilitating job opportunities for students and recent graduates. The Austin Community College District has also been recognized for having one of the best corporate cultures in the nation.

Furthermore, Austin’s social environment is ranked 14th nationally, owing to its variety of attractions, sports clubs, and shopping centers that provide students with essential outlets to destress. However, the city also faces challenges, ranking 186th in terms of affordability or “wallet-friendliness” nationally due to its high housing costs and other living expenses.

The average in-state tuition costs in Austin are approximately $31,433 per year, which includes room and board, making it the 85th cheapest nationwide. Other Texas cities in the top 100 best college towns include College Station (No. 45), San Antonio (No. 65), Houston (No. 67), Fort Worth (No. 89), and Plano (No. 91).

In the rankings by city size, Austin emerges as the best large college town, while San Antonio ranks 21st and Houston 22nd. Additionally, San Marcos, located between Austin and San Antonio, is listed as the 51st best small college town in the United States.

Key Features of Austin’s Recognition

• Top Ranking: Best college city in America for four consecutive years.
• University Presence: Home to notable educational institutions.
• Job Market: Low unemployment rate and good job growth.
• Social Environment: High rankings for attractions and social outlets.
• Affordability Issues: High costs affecting overall affordability ranking.

FAQ Section

Chart of Key Features

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Austin Unveils Best Patio Restaurants for Al Fresco Dining
Frisco: A Booming Hub for Corporate Campuses
Austin’s Rental Market Faces Significant Downturn
Austin Invests in Education and Economic Development
Houston’s Health Care Sector Thrives with Growth
Central Texas High School Football Week 3 Highlights
University of Texas at Austin Ranks Among America’s Top Colleges
Pflugerville Football Highlights Strong Performances
Anderson Trojans Dominate McCallum Knights in Rivalry Game
Austin Ranked Eighth-Best College Football Town

Additional Resources

• CBS Austin: Austin Named Best College City in America
• Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
• i95 Rock: America’s Top College Cities
• Google Search: Best College Towns in the US
• The Houston Chronicle: Best College Town in Texas Ranking
• Google Scholar: College Towns Rankings
• The Washington Post: Best College Football Towns
• Encyclopedia Britannica: College Towns
• Scotsman Guide: Austin is the Best City for New College Graduates
• Google News: Austin College Town Ranking

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.