New Chapter Unlocked: These Are the Best College Towns for 2025

• Bozeman, MT, takes the crown of the best college town in the U.S. for second year in a row.  
• East Lansing, Provo, Ann Arbor, and Stanford are newcomers in the top 10. 
• Western and Midwestern college towns dominate the top 20, with a total of 15 cities among the best in the nation.  

Calling all high school graduates ready to enter the next chapter of their lives and embrace academia! As you prepare to choose a place that will nurture you during your college years, remember that this new adventure is not just about the school you go to, it’s also about the people you will meet along the way and, notably, the town you’ll call home.  

Do you see yourself studying on a blanket, on a large campus, surrounded by trees, with amazing mountain views? You’re describing one of the best college towns in the country! To determine the top locations to attend college in 2025, we based our ranking not only on the academic accolades of the universities, but on the things that college-age people today value most. We analyzed 12 different factors, including cost of living, tuition fees, graduation rates, natural amenities, air quality, entertainment options and many more. 

Gen Zs heading off to college want more than a good university

Many of the people heading for college this year are part of Generation Z. We have long looked at this age group, and we’ve gathered a lot of data to understand who they are and what they want. With Gen Z in mind, we selected places where quality education meets affordability, proximity to nature, and a welcoming community. This is the balanced lifestyle those headed for the college doors want: a tight connection with their town, fun and affordable experiences, fresh air and good coffee, and a chill background where they can learn and live out their best college life.  

2025’s ranking sees newcomers, adding academic flair to top 10 

• Bozeman and Pullman are the #1 and #2 positions for two years in a row
• Gainesville climbed up two spots, rounding up the top 3 best college towns 
• East Lansing, Provo, Ann Arbor, and Stanford joined the top 10 

The entries in the ranking this year are Western and Midwestern cities, reflecting the same migration pattern we noticed last year. However, they are slightly larger areas, close to bigger cities that would promise more diverse employment opportunities. Towns like Ann Arbor and Stanford are homes to very prestigious, highly ranked universities, which highlights the interest of high school graduates in high quality education. Nevertheless, the trend we noticed last year — beautiful destinations that offer proximity to nature, minimal pollution, and affordable good education — describes this year’s college towns too.  

The top 20 best college towns in the U.S. in 2025

The college towns that made our top 20 are generally home to one large academic institution, meaning there is a strong connection between the town and academia. College spirit is the soul of the town, so students are usually welcomed with open arms. As these universities often shape the town’s identity, local businesses and organizations actively collaborate with academic institutions to make sure that both thrive together via good town-gown relations.  

As smaller communities, the physical design of these college towns include highly walkable layouts and very good public transit systems, allowing high mobility and an enhanced sense of community. With such a young and active population, these towns are generally hubs for cultural events, festivals, art exhibits, and a strong sports culture. Museums, libraries, and cultural institutions often serve as intellectual hubs for students to learn in and take part in academic events and discussions. Plus, compared to the large urban areas that host many elite schools such as NYC, these smaller communities are  more affordable, with a generally lower cost of living and lower tuition fees.

1. Bozeman, MT 

Ranks high thanks to:

•  affordability of education
•  a highly educated population
• abundance of natural amenities

Bozeman, MT, is crowned the best college town in the U.S. for the second year in a row, which is not surprising given its blend of natural beauty, affordability, and quality education. Home to Montana State University (MSU), Bozeman is a town that mixes career opportunities with high quality of life to offer students a balanced academic experience. MSU offers strong programs in biotech and engineering, with an emphasis on research and innovation. The presence of startups and major employers, especially in the fields of healthcare and renewable energy, drives the economic growth of the area and promises students opportunities for internships and career development.  

What makes Bozeman stand out is the balance between academics and the town itself. Bozeman is truly a community, fostered by the presence of students, which leads to a population with a high share of young adults. Its low crime rates and walkability are core traits that help both students and their families feel safe.  

Looking beyond the classroom, Bozeman offers its residents various cultural amenities and opportunities for recreation, especially outdoors. With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, Bozeman locals enjoy hiking, biking, skiing, and more. Plus, the local airport connects to many urban hubs, making travelling back home and vacationing easy for students. Its location and natural beauty combined with the good air quality are also factors that contribute to the popularity of Bozeman.  

2. Pullman, WA 

Ranks high thanks to:

• an affordable cost of living
• healthy environment
• quality education

Maintaining its position as the second-best college town in our ranking, Pullman, WA, is the quintessential college town. Home to Washington State University (WSU)’s flagship campus, the academic presence is strong in Pullman, as the boundaries between WSU and the town are seamlessly integrated. With one of the youngest populations in the top, Pullman is defined by a youthful energy and enthusiasm, and the academic programs focused on research offer plenty opportunities for professional development. 

With one of the lowest costs of living and the best air quality in our ranking, Pullman is a popular destination for many. The combination of academic excellence, safety, cultural opportunities, and natural beauty makes Pullman an ideal college town. 

3. Gainesville, FL 

Ranks high thanks to:

• a young population
• high admissions yield
• affordable education

Having climbed up a spot from last year, Gainesville, FL, now rounds out the top three best college towns in the country. Gainesville hosts a highly ranked institution, the University of Florida, which offers over 250 academic programs and has very high graduation rates. The town is shaped by this young community of student organizations, who are hosting regular art exhibits, festivals, and cultural events.  

Compared to other major Florida cities, Gainesville has a lower cost of living, so for those who prefer a Southern college town, this would be a top choice. It is also the most populous city in our top 10, so if you prefer a more urban feel and a larger community, Gainesville would be a good fit. Besides the eclectic energy and fun community, the town is also home to a strong startup ecosystem, so business and innovation are right at home. Students will have many opportunities to start a career here and further develop their professional lives.  

4. Boone, NC 

Ranks high thanks to:

• abundance of arts, entertainment, and recreation options
• beautiful surroundings
• breathable air

Boone, NC, also climbed up a spot compared to last year, being home to one of the best ranked institutions – the Appalachian State University – which holds a 94 university score. With over 20,000 students and a 500-acre campus spread throughout downtown, the university’s presence shapes the town’s identity. The town-gown relations are also positively influenced by the high contributions the university makes to the regional economy. With over 270 student organizations and affordable student discounts for many businesses, there’s something in it for the students as well. 

Besides the quality of the academic experience, Boone also offers students a beautiful setting for living and learning, as it is located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, close to many hiking trails, ski resorts, and the New River.  

5. Clemson, SC 

Ranks high thanks to:

• a highly educated population
• natural amenities
• high graduation rates

Despite moving down two spots in our top, Clemson, SC, is still one of the best college towns in the country, in which the university and the city cooperate to enhance the unique character of the town. With the second highest share of young adults from total population, Clemson is a youthful town with a strong sports culture and entertainment opportunities boosted by the over 400 student organizations fostered by Clemson University. The area’s downtown is filled with shops, restaurants, and other student-oriented businesses, and there are frequent cultural events and activities. And if the downtown area gets too familiar, Clemson is conveniently located between Atlanta and Charlotte, for a day out in the city. 

Clemson also ranks among the top college towns in terms of graduation rates, as many students see their academic journey through, probably inspired by the picturesque campus filled with redbrick buildings and old oak trees. The natural beauty does not stop here, as the town is located at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and along the shores of Lake Hartwell.  

6. East Lansing, MI 

Ranks high thanks to:

• affordable quality living
• artistic venues and entertainment establishments
• an innovative environment

The first newcomer in our top for 2025’s best college towns is East Lansing, MI. It is also the first Midwestern town to make an appearance, propelled by its affordability, as the cost of living in East Lansing is generally low, and many of the students who attend Michigan State University’s East Lansing campus receive some form of scholarship or financial support.  

It is also a young town with a highly educated population, which fosters an intellectual climate and plenty of opportunities for elevated fun. This combination of affordability, cultural opportunities, and a young, diverse population makes East Lansing particularly attractive for college students seeking a balanced lifestyle and good professional opportunities. 

7. Moscow, ID 

Ranks high thanks to:

• low cost of living
• natural beauty
• extensive research and innovation programs

Home of University of Idaho’s flagship campus and the most beautiful college in the state, Moscow, ID, takes the seventh spot in our ranking this year. The campus spans over 1,500 acres and hosts an array of amenities, including botanical gardens and gorgeous arboreta. The beauty of the place extends beyond the campus, as Moscow is located among the rolling hills of the Palouse region, probably explaining why it has the second-best air quality in our top.  

Beauty is not all that Moscow, ID, has to offer, as the educational programs are extensive with a strong emphasis on practical education. There are good research programs, especially focused on sustainable extraction and environmental studies, as well as space exploration. The research facilities are modern and there is an emphasis for internships and industry partnerships, making sure that students receive a well-rounded educational experience.  

8. Provo, UT 

Ranks high thanks to:

• high quality education at affordable rates
• diverse outdoor recreation opportunities
• gorgeous surroundings

Another newcomer in our top 10, Provo, UT, has climbed to #8 thanks to the high admission yield and low tuition fees at Brigham Young University. Notably, Provo is the youngest college town in our top, with 52% of the total population being aged between 20 and 29 years old. This young energy spreads throughout the city where numerous art galleries and cultural events take place, such as the Art Stroll or concerts at the Velour Live Music Gallery.  

The academic presence is also important in Provo. Brigham Young University is a highly valued institution, known for the emphasis it places on international relations, offering plenty of study abroad opportunities and fostering an international environment on campus.  

9. Ann Arbor, MI 

Ranks high thanks to:

• quality education at a university with tradition
• youthful, educated population
• eclectic entertainment

Ann Arbor, MI, is well-known as a great college town, making our top 10 this year thanks to the strong academic presence and opportunities it offers its students. The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is established as a great public university with various programs and strong graduation rates. It is an important entity in the city, as 22% of the downtown area is owned by the university.  

With diverse entertainment options and plenty of cultural events such as the Ann Arbor Art Fair, students can benefit from an elevated free time spent in the walkable downtown of Ann Arbor. Plus, it’s close to many outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as large cities, for easy access to urban centers. Being a larger town, Ann Arbor also has a strong job market, especially led by tech companies — including Google — offering students robust opportunities for career development.  

10. Stanford, CA 

Ranks high thanks to:

• academic excellence
• innovation-nurturing community
• university appeal

A rather distinct entry in our top 10 is Stanford, CA, home to Stanford University, propelled to this position by the quality of the educational experience. It is the #1 college town by admissions yield, it has the second-best student-to-faculty ratio, and the fourth best graduation rates. The university also ranks among the 10 best by university scores.  

The city’s population is on par with the smaller college towns we see in our top, yet the county population is significantly higher, meaning students who go here are close to the busy urban center that is generally lacking from traditional college towns. This connection to Silicon Valley, however, offers students valuable opportunities for internships and entry to the job market.  

Stanford itself is a very youthful town (the third youngest in our top), and the leading college town in terms of percentage of the population holding a higher education degree. This is a testament to the importance of the university to the community. Beyond this, it is also a place where cultural amenities abound, home to world-class museums and performance venues, and well connected to the Bay Area.  

West and Midwest remain the regions with highest number of best college towns 

Just like last year, Western and Midwestern cities dominate the rank, offering new students not only a good academic experience, but also an affordable, qualitative lifestyle. Despite being home to Ivy league schools and generally considered top-tier educational hubs, cities in the Northeast did not make the top 20 because of higher costs of living and more competitive housing and job markets.  

When looking at the regional ranking, East Lansing, MI takes the first spot for the Midwest; Amherst, MA, for the Northeast; Gainesville, FL, for the South; and Bozeman, MT, for the West.  

Methodology  

RentCafe.com is a nationwide apartment search website that enables renters to easily find apartments and houses for rent throughout the United States. 

For this study, RentCafe’s research team analyzed relevant data using 12 metrics in three categories to rank the best college towns in the U.S. We defined college towns as towns with a minimum population of 10,000 and a maximum of 300,000, as well as with a minimum student population of 10% of the total population, based on U.S. Census data (395 towns). We then eliminated towns with no colleges/universities or if the colleges present had fewer than 3,000 students enrolled. We also eliminated towns where data was not available for all of the categories. The final list included 235 candidate college towns to enter the analysis. We selected universities with degree granting status only and an institution size over 1000. 

For the category of affordability, we considered data on: 

• tuition and fees (12% weight)* 
• the percentage of students receiving grants or scholarships (7% weight) 
• the cost of living at the metro or county level (12% weight)* 

For the category of livability, we considered data on the: 

• ratio of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments per 1,000 people (8% weight) 
• share of population older than 25 with a bachelor’s degree or higher (8% weight) 
• share of young adults aged 20 to 29 (8% weight) 
• county level of natural amenity rank (8% weight) 
• air quality at county level (8% weight)* 

For the category of education, we considered data on: 

• university score (8% weight) 
• student-to-faculty ratio (8% weight)* 
• graduation rate (8% weight) 
• percentage of students enrolled of those who were admitted (5% weight) 

* Categories that had an inversely proportional weight: The higher the numbers, the lower the corresponding score. 

Data sources: 

• The National Center for Education Statistics (tuition and fees; percentage of students receiving scholarships; student-to-faculty ratio; graduation rate; and admissions yield) 
• U.S. News & World Report (university score) 
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (air quality) 
• USDA (natural amenity rank) 
• U.S. Census (population, share of young adults; number of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments; share of population with a bachelor’s degree) 
• Economic Policy Institute (cost of living) 

In college towns where there was more than one university, a weighted average was calculated based on total enrollment for the following categories: tuition, scholarships, university score, student-to-faculty ratio, graduation rate and admission rate. For the final ranking, the city that obtained the highest total score was awarded 100 points and all total scores of the following cities were adjusted accordingly. 

Fair use & redistribution   

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