The Texas Capitol dome is located in the state capitol, Austin.
Ken Herman
USA TODAY NETWORK
When students choose where to go to college, they are selecting not only a school but also where they will live for the next four years.
WalletHub recently conducted a report that ranks the best college towns in the U.S. for 2025. The report was based on cities with the best wallet-friendliness, social environment, and academic/economic opportunities.
“Towns with a low cost of living, plenty of activities, and large student populations can make your college experience a lot less stressful and a lot more enjoyable. In addition, cities with a great economic environment can make it easier to get a job during or immediately after college.” says Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst.
The divided lists between large, mid-sized and small cities. Austin ranks at No. 1 for the best large city, and College Station at No. 4 for best small city.
Let’s see how other Texas cities ranked on WalletHub’s best college towns and cities in America.
What makes the Texas college towns special?
Texas fans react late in the fourth quarter of the loss to Georgia at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium Saturday October 19, 2024. Jay Janner USA TODAY NETWORK
The best large Texas cities for college
At No. 1, not just for large cities but also overall, is Austin.
The city has several universities like University of Texas at Austin, Concordia University and St. Edward’s University. The city has a very low unemployment rate, as well as great economic opportunities for post-grad. The average in-state tuition is $30,138, according to WalletHub.
In addition to this data, Austin also has plenty to keep students busy when they are not going to school. There is access to D1 sporting events, shopping, and nature.
Where did Fort Worth rank?
Behind Austin on the best college towns list for large cities were seven others, including Fort Worth, which ranked No. 31.
Ella Gonzales is a service journalism reporter for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. She is part of a team of local journalists who answer reader questions and write about life in North Texas. Ella mainly writes about local restaurants and where to find good deals around town.
