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See the full story · 2 sourcesAustin, Texas, was ranked as the best college town in the US in a WalletHub study. CRobertson/Getty Images
A WalletHub study ranked over 400 college locations across the US.
It ranked college towns and larger cities on affordability, social scene, and academic prospects.
Austin was ranked as the best place for students in the US, with Ann Arbor and Orlando following.
Where a student attends college can shape their experience as much as academics, athletics, and campus life do.
Beyond being the backdrop for college memories, a school's setting often determines what students do outside class and the opportunities and experiences they have access to as they pursue their degrees.
In a study released last October, WalletHub analyzed more than 400 college towns across the US — defined as cities with college populations over 7,500 students — in three categories: wallet-friendliness, social environment, and academic and economic opportunity .
While some states had many of their college locations listed — California had 90 locations on the list, and Florida took up five of the top 15 spots — others were barely represented, and Maine had no entries at all.
The analysis considered factors such as housing and education costs , the share of residents ages 18 to 35, nightlife and dining options, higher education quality, and graduates' earning potential to determine each location's rank.
The study used data from federal agencies , including the US Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and the National Center for Education Statistics, as well as from companies such as TransUnion, TripAdvisor, and Yelp, along with other WalletHub research.
For this list, we took the highest-ranked place in each US state to determine the best college town or city in every state.
ALABAMA: Huntsville
Sean Pavone/Getty Images/iStockphoto
National rank (in WalletHub's report): #52
Schools: University of Alabama in Huntsville; Alabama A&M University
Huntsville's college scene is closely tied to the city's aerospace and research economy. Home to the University of Alabama in Huntsville and Alabama A&M University, it was Alabama's top-ranked city in the WalletHub study, ranking 52nd among college towns nationwide.
ALASKA: Anchorage
Jacob Boomsma/Getty Images
National rank: #191
School: University of Alaska Anchorage
Urban yet outdoorsy, Anchorage and its unique natural setting make for Alaska's best college town. The city, home to the University of Alaska Anchorage, has a rich outdoor scene , with snowy mountains in the background and access to hiking trails.
ARIZONA: Tempe
Tempe, Arizona. Kruck20/Getty Images
National rank: #6
School: Arizona State University
Shaped by Arizona State University's student life , Tempe ranked sixth among the best college towns in the US. The city has a bustling downtown and nightlife scene, and sports energize the local population.
ARKANSAS: Fayetteville
BlazenImages/Getty Images/iStockphoto
National rank: #139
School: University of Arkansas
With a lively downtown, an energetic SEC sports culture, and access to the natural landscapes of the Ozarks, Fayetteville ranked as Arkansas's best college town, in part thanks to its high wallet-friendliness score in the study.
CALIFORNIA: Sacramento
f11photo/Getty Images
National rank: #21
School: California State University, Sacramento
Sacramento, which ranked 19th nationwide for its social environment, offers students opportunities beyond academics in areas such as government, policy, and healthcare.
COLORADO: Fort Collins
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National rank: #48
School: Colorado State University
With a classic college-town feel, Fort Collins offers students a lively culture, with breweries and outdoor activities shaping student life beyond the classroom .
CONNECTICUT: New Haven
New Haven, Connecticut. Ashley RK Smith/Getty Images
National rank: #20
School: Yale University
New Haven, Connecticut, the home of Yale University, ranked 20th among the best college towns in the US. Casual eateries, student neighborhoods, and a historic campus give the town its distinct student identity.
DELAWARE: Newark
Newark, Delaware Kirkikis/Getty Images
National rank: #54
School: University of Delaware
Newark, Delaware, offers a student experience shaped by a vibrant, walkable Main Street and a campus-centered layout. The city came 20th nationwide in the study's social environment rank, which considered factors such as students per capita, student gender balance, and nightlife options, cafés, and sports clubs per capita.
FLORIDA: Orlando
Ryan Tishken/Getty Images
National rank: #3
School: University of Central Florida
Orlando ranked as the third-best college town in the US and was the highest-ranking in Florida, despite fierce competition in the state, which had five cities ranking within the top 15.
The city ranked sixth nationwide for its social environment, with students benefiting from a major metro setting shaped by entertainment, hospitality, healthcare, and tourism.
GEORGIA: Atlanta
Sean Davis/Getty Images
National rank: #7
Schools: Georgia Tech; Georgia State University; Emory University; Spelman College; Morehouse College
Atlanta ranked second nationwide in social environment, reflecting its rich nightlife, sports, and dining scenes, as well as major employers and a large student network across the city.
The city, considered a major education hub in the Southeast, is also home to renowned HBCUs, such as Spelman College and Morehouse College.
HAWAII: Honolulu
SCStock/Getty Images
National rank: #129
School: University of Hawaii at Mānoa
In WalletHub's study, Honolulu ranked first nationwide for its social environment, offering students access to beaches, island culture , and a setting unlike any other college location in the study.
IDAHO: Boise
Boise, Idaho. knowlesgallery/Getty Images/iStockphoto
National rank: #23
School: Boise State University
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