The Top 10 College Towns
Population: 102,544
Colleges: Cornell University, Ithaca College
If you can brave the harsh winters, this town ranks first on AIER measures of entrepreneurial activity and research and development, plus it has a high number of college-educated residents. “You can find more than 100 waterfalls, lakes, and gorges dotting the landscape near Ithaca college,” according to AIER.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Population: 91,140
College: Iowa State University
This town has the highest student concentration among the top 20 towns, including a large percentage of international students. While Iowa may be known for farming, the college caters to students looking at other careers. “Majors include everything from aerospace engineering to women’s studies, and the variety of clubs and intramural sports on campus reflect a student body with diverse interests,” AIER writes.
Wikimedia Commons
Population: 86,430
College: Oregon State University
Corvallis ranks first on for residents working in innovative fields, and second in city accessibility. “Outside the city boundaries, the rolling hills of the Willamette Valley are dotted with roadside fruit and vegetable stands during the spring and summer,” AIER writes.
Business in Focus Magazine
Population: 157,231
College: University of Iowa
This town ranks near the top of the list thanks to strong scores on unemployment and academic research and development. Students pay just $850 for a two-bedroom apartment.
Flickr/Alan Light
Population: 155,171
College: Pennsylvania State University
Known as “Happy Valley,” State College benefits from a strong student concentration and research and development. More than 16 percent of employees in there bike, walk, or take public transportation to work.
Wikimedia Commons
Population: 216,312
College: North Dakota State University
Fargo earns its spot on this list thanks to a low cost of living, high earning potential, and lots of leisure activities. “Fargo is an ideal town for college-bound students looking for an active and low-cost social life,” AIER writes.
Wikimedia Commons
Population: 234,072
College: University of Illinois
The cities, which house the sprawling University of Illinois, are surrounded by cornfields, which makes their cultural offerings and downtown all-the-more appealing. “With more than 44,000 students, the university is a small, captivating city in itself,” AIER writes.
Wikimedia Commons
Population: 178,801
Colleges: Stephens College, University of Missouri, Columbia College
Strong entrepreneurial activity helps this small city snag a top spot on the list. “The city also has a reputation for progressive politics, a high emphasis on education, and appealing public art,” AIER writes.
Wikimedia Commons_Wikimedia_Commons.jpg)
Population: 110,977
College: University of Montana
This scenic Rocky Mountain town appears on the list thanks to a high concentration of cultural and leisure activities. “The University of Montana calls itself a city within a city, giving the students the opportunity to enjoy a varied cultural atmosphere while also enjoying available outdoor recreation,” AIER writes.
Wikimedia Commons
Population: 233,135
College: Texas A&M University
Relatively low unemployment and a highly educated population secure this Texas town’s spot on the list. The latter reflects the school’s grants from NASA, the National institutes of Health and the National Science foundation.
BCS Builders