Austin, Texas, October 23, 2025
News Summary
Austin, Texas, has been recognized as the premier college town in America for the fourth consecutive year, according to WalletHub’s latest study. The city excels in providing students a rich academic experience paired with extensive social and economic opportunities. Factors contributing to this accolade include low unemployment rates, robust job growth, diverse entertainment options, and quality education. Other Texas cities also made the list, but Austin’s consistent performance stands out, solidifying its reputation as an ideal destination for college students.
Austin Named Best College Town in America for 2026
Austin, Texas, has been recognized as the top college town in America for the fourth consecutive year in a study conducted by WalletHub. This ranking, which includes the years 2025 and 2026, highlights the city’s ability to offer students an enriching academic experience while providing numerous social and economic benefits.
The WalletHub study analyzed over 400 cities across the United States, focusing on 31 key indicators covering academic, social, and economic factors that enhance the college experience. These include living expenses, academic opportunities, employment prospects, and the overall social environment. The intention behind the study was to guide prospective college students in selecting an environment that would maximally benefit them during their education.
Key Factors in the Ranking
Austin’s consistent ranking as the best college town can be attributed to its low unemployment rate, which is among the best in the nation, alongside a robust annual job growth rate positioned at 27th in the country. This economic landscape supports college students looking for part-time jobs or internships while studying.
The availability of entertainment options plays a significant role in making Austin appealing to students. The city offers various attractions, including sports clubs, diverse shopping centers, and notably low average pizza prices, creating an enjoyable lifestyle for college students. Furthermore, Austin is home to colleges that offer opportunities for engaging in Division 1 athletics, incorporating popular sports such as basketball, baseball, soccer, and football into student life.
Education and Tuition
Austin ranks 18th when considering the quality of higher education among the studied cities. Although the average in-state tuition costs, including room and board, is approximately $31,433, ranking it as the 85th cheapest in the nation, the value derived from both educational quality and job prospects is significant. These factors contribute to Austin’s place ahead of many other American college towns.
Texas Cities in the Rankings
In addition to Austin’s top ranking, other Texas cities also received recognition in the WalletHub study for their college town benefits. College Station placed 45th overall, while San Antonio moved up eight spots from 2024 to rank 21st among large college towns for 2026. Houston, ranked 67th and 22nd among large college towns, Fort Worth at 89th and 27th, and Plano at 91st overall were also noted. San Marcos earned a designation as the 51st best small college town in the United States.
San Antonio’s ranking highlights its wallet-friendliness at 56th, along with 84th for social environment and 305th for academic and economic opportunities. This further emphasizes the competitive landscape of Texas cities in providing appealing options for college students.
Top College Towns in the U.S.
According to WalletHub, the top 10 college towns in the U.S. for 2026 are:
- Austin, Texas
- Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Orlando, Florida
- Tampa, Florida
- Raleigh, North Carolina
- Tempe, Arizona
- Atlanta, Georgia
- Reno, Nevada
- Charlottesville, Virginia
- Gainesville, Florida
Conclusion
Austin’s ongoing recognition as the best college town reflects its commitment to creating an environment conducive to both education and social experiences. Home to prominent institutions and a thriving job market, the city continues to attract students seeking a vibrant college experience.
FAQ
What criteria did WalletHub use to rank college towns?
WalletHub used 31 academic, social, and economic indicators, including living expenses, job opportunities, and the quality of education available.
Why is Austin considered the best college town?
Austin has a low unemployment rate, great job growth, numerous entertainment options, and opportunities for Division 1 athletics, making it an ideal environment for students.
How much does it cost to attend college in Austin?
The average in-state tuition, including room and board, is approximately $31,433.
What other cities were ranked in the WalletHub study?
Other notable Texas cities include College Station (45th), San Antonio (21st among large college towns), Houston (67th), and Fort Worth (89th).
Key Features of Austin’s College Town Ranking
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Unemployment Rate | Among the lowest in the U.S. |
| Job Growth Rate | 27th best in the country |
| Average In-State Tuition | $31,433 (85th cheapest in the U.S.) |
| Quality of Higher Education | Ranked 18th among studied cities |
| Pizza Prices | Among the lowest in the country |
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Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman: Best College Towns in Austin
- Wikipedia: Austin, Texas
- Southern Living: WalletHub College Town Rankings
- Google Search: College Towns in Texas
- CultureMap: Best College Towns for 2026
- Google Scholar: Austin College Experience
- Houston Chronicle: Best College Towns in Texas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas College Towns
- New Santa Ana: Santa Ana College City Ranking
- Google News: Best College Towns 2026
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos 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 the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
