Study names Austin as Best College Town in America
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin, Texas, was named the Best College Town in America for 2026, according to a study published Tuesday.
The study said Austin, which is home to schools like the University of Texas at Austin, Huston-Tillotson University, St. Edward’s University and Concordia University, had a great economic environment, citing the city’s low unemployment rate and annual job growth rate.
According to the study, the job growth rate allowed students to find work while still in school or immediately after graduation.
“Austin ranks 18th in the nation for the quality of higher education among more than 400 cities,” the study said. “It also has the 85th-cheapest in-state tuition (including room and board), at $31,433 per year.”
The study also cited Austin’s high number of attractions, sports clubs, and shopping centers as a means to help students destress.
Other cities in the top 5 include: No. 2 - Ann Arbor, MI, No. 3 - Orlando, FL, No. 4 - Tampa, FL, and No. 5 - Raleigh, NC.