Austin, October 23, 2025
News Summary
Austin has once again been recognized as the best college town in America for 2026, according to WalletHub. This is the fourth consecutive year that Austin has held this title, analyzing data from over 400 American cities on various indicators. Factors such as living expenses, academic opportunities, and the social environment were considered. Austin’s vibrant nightlife and thriving economy contribute to its appeal, making it a prime destination for college students.
Austin Declared Top College Town in America for 2026
Austin has been named the best college town in America for 2026, marking the fourth consecutive year that the city has held this prestigious title. The designation comes from WalletHub, which conducted a comprehensive study analyzing data from over 400 American cities on 31 academic, social, and economic indicators that contribute to an enhanced college experience.
Among the factors evaluated were students’ living expenses, academic and professional opportunities, and the overall social environment. WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo highlighted the significance of the surrounding college town on students’ comprehensive college experience, underscoring how essential such factors are to their success.
Austin has consistently ranked at the top of these lists, having previously secured the number one position in both 2025 and the inaugural ranking in 2022. The city is renowned for its vibrant nightlife, thriving economy, and plentiful sports-watching options.
Economic and Academic Landscape
Austin ranks 10th nationally for the academic and economic opportunities available to college graduates. The city boasts one of the lowest unemployment rates in the United States, complemented by a commendable 27th-best annual job growth rate. Additionally, it offers a diverse range of entertainment options, sports clubs, shopping centers, and notably, the lowest average pizza prices among U.S. cities.
The quality of higher education in Austin is rated 18th among the 400 cities assessed by WalletHub. The annual in-state tuition, including room and board in Austin, is approximately $31,433, ranking it as the 85th-cheapest in the nation.
Comparative Rankings of Texas Cities
Several other Texas cities were also recognized in WalletHub’s analysis. College Station was ranked 45th, followed by San Antonio at 65th, Houston at 67th, Fort Worth at 89th, and Plano at 91st. In the large college town category, Austin secured the first place, whereas San Antonio, Houston, and Fort Worth were ranked 21st, 22nd, and 27th, respectively. San Marcos stands out as the 51st best small college town in the U.S.
The study’s criteria focused solely on cities within their geographic boundaries, deliberately excluding surrounding metropolitan areas to ensure an accurate assessment of each town’s inherent college attributes.
Conclusion
The recognition of Austin as the top college town not only reflects its excellent facilities and opportunities for students but also indicates its commitment to enhancing the college experience further. As the city embraces this continued accolade, it remains a key destination for both current and prospective college students across the nation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What title has Austin received for 2026?
Austin has been named the best college town in America for 2026 by WalletHub.
How many years in a row has Austin held this title?
Austin has held this title for four consecutive years.
What were the criteria used in the WalletHub study?
The study analyzed data based on 31 academic, social, and economic indicators that enhance the college experience.
What is the annual in-state tuition cost in Austin?
The annual in-state tuition, including room and board in Austin, is $31,433.
Which other Texas cities were ranked in WalletHub’s study?
College Station at No. 45, San Antonio at No. 65, Houston at No. 67, Fort Worth at No. 89, and Plano at No. 91.
Key Features of Austin as a College Town
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Ranking | 1st for College Town in America 2026 |
| Unemployment Rate | One of the lowest in the U.S. |
| Job Growth Rate | 27th best nationally |
| Average In-State Tuition | $31,433 |
| Quality of Higher Education | 18th among 400 assessed cities |
| Additional Texas Cities Ranked | College Station (45), San Antonio (65), Houston (67), Fort Worth (89), Plano (91) |
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Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- Southern Living
- Google Search: Austin College Town
- CultureMap Austin
- Google Scholar: College Towns Ranking
- Houston Chronicle
- Encyclopedia Britannica: College Towns
- Quartz
- Google News: Austin Best College Town
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.
