Best States for Car Drivers
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High school seniors face a laundry list of tasks when getting ready for college. Between standardized tests, essays and financial-aid applications, the final months before orientation can be difficult. One of the most important steps in the process is the campus visit, which often includes a tour of the city or town that will serve as the student’s home for several years. Experts have argued that a school’s geographical location is just as important as a strong curriculum and supportive school environment to a student’s academic success and personal development.
To help prospective college students narrow down their school choices and to follow up our report on 2018’s College & University Rankings, WalletHub compared more than 400 U.S. cities of varying sizes based on 28 key indicators of academic, social and economic opportunities for students. Our data set ranges from cost of living to quality of higher education to crime rate. Below are our findings, additional expert commentary and a full description of our methodology.
Overall RankingsEmbed on your website<iframe src="//d2e70e9yced57e.cloudfront.net/wallethub/embed/43012/geochart-college1.html" width="556" height="347" frameBorder="0" scrolling="no"></iframe> <div style="width:556px;font-size:12px;color:#888;">Source: <a href="http://ift.tt/2B8oXDE;
Best College Towns & Cities
|
Rank (1=Best) |
Large City Name (Score) |
Rank (1=Best) |
Midsize City Name (Score) |
Rank (1=Best) |
Small City Name (Score) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Austin, TX (55.85) | 1 | Orlando, FL (59.28) | 1 | Ann Arbor, MI (59.65) |
| 2 | Las Vegas, NV (55.81) | 2 | Scottsdale, AZ (55.49) | 2 | Rexburg, ID (58.78) |
| 3 | Tampa, FL (54.70) | 3 | Gainesville, FL (53.91) | 3 | Provo, UT (56.43) |
| 4 | San Diego, CA (54.55) | 4 | Plano, TX (52.93) | 4 | West Lafayette, IN (54.82) |
| 5 | Seattle, WA (53.20) | 5 | Irvine, CA (52.58) | 5 | Storrs, CT (54.10) |
| 6 | Portland, OR (53.09) | 6 | Madison, WI (52.33) | 6 | East Lansing, MI (53.99) |
| 7 | Los Angeles, CA (52.98) | 7 | Pasadena, CA (52.02) | 7 | Amherst Center, MA (53.87) |
| 8 | Atlanta, GA (52.71) | 8 | Salt Lake City, UT (51.68) | 8 | Orem, UT (53.68) |
| 9 | Miami, FL (52.49) | 9 | Tempe, AZ (51.18) | 9 | Berkeley, CA (53.27) |
| 10 | Chicago, IL (51.96) | 10 | Chandler, AZ (51.01) | 10 | College Station, TX (53.17) |
| 11 | San Francisco, CA (51.70) | 11 | Henderson, NV (50.73) | 11 | Charlottesville, VA (53.06) |
| 12 | St. Louis, MO (51.60) | 12 | Cincinnati, OH (50.62) | 12 | Stevens Point, WI (52.80) |
| 13 | Tucson, AZ (51.50) | 13 | Peoria, AZ (50.38) | 13 | Champaign, IL (52.60) |
| 14 | Denver, CO (51.06) | 14 | Reno, NV (50.20) | 13 | Fayetteville, AR (52.59) |
| 15 | Pittsburgh, PA (50.74) | 15 | McKinney, TX (50.08) | 15 | Oxford, OH (52.40) |
| 16 | San Antonio, TX (50.59) | 16 | Fort Collins, CO (49.98) | 16 | Chapel Hill, NC (52.33) |
| 17 | Dallas, TX (50.27) | 17 | Gilbert, AZ (49.48) | 17 | Asheville, NC (51.53) |
| 18 | Long Beach, CA (49.92) | 18 | Killeen, TX (49.30) | 18 | Ames, IA (51.49) |
| 19 | Minneapolis, MN (49.81) | 19 | Vancouver, WA (49.28) | 19 | Bozeman, MT (51.20) |
| 20 | Kansas City, MO (49.62) | 20 | Carrollton, TX (49.27) | 20 | Charleston, IL (51.00) |
| 21 | Columbus, OH (49.35) | 21 | New Haven, CT (49.20) | 21 | Princeton, NJ (50.96) |
| 22 | Mesa, AZ (49.04) | 22 | Sterling Heights, MI (49.13) | 22 | Richardson, TX (50.91) |
| 23 | Sacramento, CA (48.95) | 23 | Charleston, SC (48.74) | 23 | Newark, DE (50.82) |
| 24 | Charlotte, NC (48.91) | 24 | Denton, TX (48.54) | 24 | San Marcos, TX (50.41) |
| 25 | Omaha, NE (48.82) | 25 | Grand Rapids, MI (48.44) | 25 | Green Bay, WI (50.35) |
| 26 | Louisville, KY (48.02) | 26 | Providence, RI (48.39) | 26 | San Luis Obispo, CA (50.29) |
| 27 | Nashville, TN (47.79) | 27 | Cary, NC (48.33) | 27 | Cambridge, MA (50.14) |
| 28 | Indianapolis, IN (47.51) | 28 | Boise, ID (48.28) | 28 | Stillwater, OK (50.01) |
| 29 | New York, NY (47.48) | 29 | Overland Park, KS (48.17) | 29 | Moscow, ID (49.90) |
| 30 | Phoenix, AZ (47.47) | 30 | Knoxville, TN (48.15) | 30 | Edinburg, TX (49.78) |
| 31 | Houston, TX (47.41) | 31 | McAllen, TX (48.12) | 31 | Mount Pleasant, MI (49.43) |
| 32 | Philadelphia, PA (47.34) | 32 | Buffalo, NY (47.87) | 32 | Athens, GA (49.41) |
| 33 | Colorado Springs, CO (47.20) | 33 | Cape Coral, FL (47.74) | 33 | Davis, CA (49.41) |
| 34 | Raleigh, NC (46.67) | 34 | Eugene, OR (47.71) | 34 | Boone, NC (49.33) |
| 35 | Washington, DC (46.48) | 35 | Springfield, MO (47.43) | 35 | Temecula, CA (49.25) |
| 36 | Lexington-Fayette, KY (46.41) | 36 | Roseville, CA (47.27) | 36 | Starkville, MS (49.06) |
| 37 | New Orleans, LA (46.36) | 37 | Lincoln, NE (47.09) | 37 | State College, PA (48.91) |
| 38 | Aurora, CO (46.12) | 38 | Fort Lauderdale, FL (46.99) | 38 | Pullman, WA (48.88) |
| 39 | Baltimore, MD (46.10) | 39 | North Las Vegas, NV (46.90) | 39 | Ithaca, NY (48.69) |
| 40 | Boston, MA (46.05) | 40 | Port St. Lucie, FL (46.82) | 40 | Isla Vista, CA (48.64) |
| 41 | San Jose, CA (45.70) | 41 | Laredo, TX (46.76) | 41 | Statesboro, GA (48.63) |
| 42 | Oklahoma City, OK (45.59) | 42 | Torrance, CA (46.60) | 42 | Santa Monica, CA (48.59) |
| 43 | Albuquerque, NM (45.57) | 43 | Rochester, NY (46.44) | 43 | Bloomington, IN (48.40) |
| 44 | Anaheim, CA (45.48) | 44 | Richmond, VA (46.29) | 44 | Iowa City, IA (48.39) |
| 45 | Fort Worth, TX (45.31) | 45 | Glendale, AZ (46.16) | 45 | Blacksburg, VA (48.36) |
| 46 | Milwaukee, WI (45.20) | 46 | Columbia, SC (46.08) | 46 | Urbana, IL (48.35) |
| 47 | El Paso, TX (44.72) | 47 | Irving, TX (46.07) | 47 | Wilmington, NC (48.32) |
| 48 | Honolulu, HI (44.65) | 48 | Bellevue, WA (46.06) | 48 | Bellingham, WA (48.18) |
| 49 | Arlington, TX (44.32) | 49 | Lakewood, CO (45.97) | 49 | Oshkosh, WI (48.06) |
| 50 | Corpus Christi, TX (44.25) | 50 | St. Petersburg, FL (45.96) | 50 | Daytona Beach, FL (48.05) |
| 51 | Memphis, TN (43.95) | 51 | Garland, TX (45.94) | 51 | Clemson, SC (47.92) |
| 52 | Jacksonville, FL (43.81) | 52 | Brownsville, TX (45.85) | 52 | Bryan, TX (47.91) |
| 53 | Fresno, CA (43.34) | 53 | Durham, NC (45.83) | 53 | Athens, OH (47.78) |
| 54 | Virginia Beach, VA (42.97) | 54 | Thornton, CO (45.74) | 54 | Evanston, IL (47.70) |
| 55 | Tulsa, OK (42.80) | 55 | Rancho Cucamonga, CA (45.72) | 55 | Richmond, KY (47.68) |
| 56 | Bakersfield, CA (42.79) | 56 | Oceanside, CA (45.72) | 56 | Santa Barbara, CA (47.68) |
| 57 | Riverside, CA (42.69) | 57 | Amarillo, TX (45.62) | 57 | Whitewater, WI (47.67) |
| 58 | Santa Ana, CA (42.65) | 58 | Lubbock, TX (45.52) | 58 | Radford, VA (47.65) |
| 59 | Wichita, KS (42.41) | 59 | Grand Prairie, TX (45.36) | 59 | Rochester, MN (47.62) |
| 60 | Cleveland, OH (41.97) | 60 | Syracuse, NY (45.32) | 60 | New Brunswick, NJ (47.45) |
| 61 | Oakland, CA (41.21) | 61 | Tallahassee, FL (45.25) | 61 | Corvallis, OR (47.44) |
| 62 | Stockton, CA (41.03) | 62 | Salem, OR (45.17) | 62 | Flagstaff, AZ (47.42) |
| 63 | Detroit, MI (40.27) | 63 | Sioux Falls, SD (45.15) | 63 | Mankato, MN (47.41) |
| 64 | Sunnyvale, CA (45.07) | 64 | Stanford, CA (47.37) | ||
| 65 | Naperville, IL (45.01) | 65 | Murfreesboro, TN (47.22) | ||
| 66 | Cedar Rapids, IA (45.01) | 66 | Morgantown, WV (47.19) | ||
| 67 | Olathe, KS (44.99) | 67 | Muncie, IN (47.19) | ||
| 68 | Kansas City, KS (44.96) | 67 | Manhattan, KS (47.07) | ||
| 69 | Santa Rosa, CA (44.95) | 69 | Lawton, OK (46.91) | ||
| 70 | Huntington Beach, CA (44.90) | 70 | Logan, UT (46.86) | ||
| 71 | Chattanooga, TN (44.83) | 71 | Manchester, NH (46.72) | ||
| 72 | Corona, CA (44.82) | 72 | St. Charles, MO (46.67) | ||
| 73 | Warren, MI (44.72) | 73 | Laramie, WY (46.66) | ||
| 74 | Pasadena, TX (44.56) | 74 | Conway, AR (46.61) | ||
| 75 | Modesto, CA (44.53) | 75 | Somerville, MA (46.53) | ||
| 76 | St. Paul, MN (44.45) | 76 | Eau Claire, WI (46.52) | ||
| 77 | Macon-Bibb County, GA (44.31) | 77 | Moorhead, MN (46.50) | ||
| 78 | Tacoma, WA (44.20) | 78 | Missoula, MT (46.46) | ||
| 79 | Pomona, CA (44.15) | 79 | Kalamazoo, MI (46.45) | ||
| 80 | Chula Vista, CA (44.15) | 80 | Ypsilanti, MI (46.40) | ||
| 81 | Fontana, CA (44.08) | 81 | La Crosse, WI (46.23) | ||
| 82 | Waco, TX (44.07) | 82 | Albany, NY (46.23) | ||
| 83 | Ontario, CA (44.05) | 83 | Medford, MA (46.22) | ||
| 84 | Fremont, CA (44.00) | 84 | Fargo, ND (46.15) | ||
| 85 | Spokane, WA (43.92) | 85 | Huntsville, TX (46.13) | ||
| 86 | Fullerton, CA (43.82) | 86 | Lawrence, KS (46.05) | ||
| 87 | Savannah, GA (43.67) | 87 | Bethlehem, PA (46.02) | ||
| 88 | Mesquite, TX (43.64) | 88 | DeKalb, IL (45.98) | ||
| 89 | Des Moines, IA (43.62) | 89 | Edmond, OK (45.98) | ||
| 90 | Newport News, VA (43.55) | 90 | Jonesboro, AR (45.91) | ||
| 91 | Elk Grove, CA (43.51) | 91 | Norman, OK (45.91) | ||
| 91 | Lancaster, CA (43.51) | 92 | Santa Clara, CA (45.82) | ||
| 93 | Winston-Salem, NC (43.43) | 93 | Wichita Falls, TX (45.76) | ||
| 94 | Huntsville, AL (43.12) | 94 | Lakeland, FL (45.66) | ||
| 95 | Palmdale, CA (42.90) | 95 | Boulder, CO (45.61) | ||
| 96 | Metairie, LA (42.84) | 96 | Columbia, MO (45.56) | ||
| 97 | Hollywood, FL (42.81) | 97 | Boca Raton, FL (45.50) | ||
| 98 | Topeka, KS (42.80) | 98 | Chico, CA (45.47) | ||
| 99 | Fort Wayne, IN (42.79) | 99 | North Charleston, SC (45.44) | ||
| 100 | Greensboro, NC (42.71) | 100 | West Palm Beach, FL (45.41) | ||
| 101 | Santa Clarita, CA (42.70) | 101 | Carbondale, IL (45.37) | ||
| 102 | San Bernardino, CA (42.58) | 102 | Grand Forks, ND (45.35) | ||
| 103 | Newark, NJ (42.55) | 103 | Lansing, MI (45.26) | ||
| 104 | Birmingham, AL (42.52) | 104 | Duluth, MN (45.18) | ||
| 105 | Coral Springs, FL (42.39) | 105 | San Marcos, CA (45.02) | ||
| 106 | Alexandria, VA (42.39) | 106 | Harrisonburg, VA (44.99) | ||
| 107 | Visalia, CA (42.36) | 107 | Murrieta, CA (44.95) | ||
| 108 | Lafayette, LA (42.24) | 108 | Nacogdoches, TX (44.93) | ||
| 109 | Hialeah, FL (42.21) | 109 | Greeley, CO (44.80) | ||
| 110 | Stamford, CT (42.11) | 110 | Hattiesburg, MS (44.77) | ||
| 111 | Moreno Valley, CA (42.06) | 111 | Auburn, AL (44.73) | ||
| 112 | Kent, WA (42.05) | 112 | Springfield, IL (44.73) | ||
| 113 | Aurora, IL (41.95) | 113 | Pearland, TX (44.58) | ||
| 114 | Garden Grove, CA (41.93) | 114 | Burlington, VT (44.54) | ||
| 115 | Glendale, CA (41.89) | 115 | Kenosha, WI (44.53) | ||
| 116 | Yonkers, NY (41.71) | 116 | Troy, NY (44.53) | ||
| 117 | Baton Rouge, LA (41.48) | 117 | Indiana, PA (44.45) | ||
| 118 | Dayton, OH (41.40) | 118 | Rialto, CA (44.42) | ||
| 119 | Pembroke Pines, FL (41.40) | 119 | San Angelo, TX (44.41) | ||
| 120 | Rockford, IL (41.37) | 120 | Bowling Green, KY (44.35) | ||
| 121 | Miramar, FL (41.33) | 121 | Merced, CA (44.26) | ||
| 122 | Joliet, IL (41.29) | 122 | Costa Mesa, CA (44.12) | ||
| 123 | Hayward, CA (41.14) | 123 | Tyler, TX (44.01) | ||
| 124 | Little Rock, AR (41.12) | 124 | Victorville, CA (43.96) | ||
| 125 | Paterson, NJ (40.94) | 125 | Hawthorne, CA (43.96) | ||
| 126 | Mobile, AL (40.88) | 126 | Santa Cruz, CA (43.96) | ||
| 127 | Concord, CA (40.79) | 127 | Davie, FL (43.94) | ||
| 128 | Oxnard, CA (40.76) | 128 | Valdosta, GA (43.92) | ||
| 129 | Chesapeake, VA (40.71) | 129 | Clovis, CA (43.90) | ||
| 130 | Simi Valley, CA (40.47) | 130 | Cedar Falls, IA (43.86) | ||
| 131 | Jackson, MS (40.47) | 131 | Bowling Green, OH (43.85) | ||
| 132 | Toledo, OH (40.46) | 132 | Normal, IL (43.70) | ||
| 132 | Clarksville, TN (40.46) | 133 | Azusa, CA (43.65) | ||
| 134 | Escondido, CA (40.41) | 134 | Norwalk, CA (43.63) | ||
| 135 | Akron, OH (40.02) | 135 | Chino Hills, CA (43.63) | ||
| 136 | Worcester, MA (39.98) | 136 | Fairfield, CA (43.44) | ||
| 137 | Anchorage, AK (39.95) | 137 | Scranton, PA (43.41) | ||
| 138 | Orange, CA (39.90) | 138 | Lynchburg, VA (43.40) | ||
| 139 | Salinas, CA (39.81) | 139 | Durham, NH (43.31) | ||
| 140 | Columbus, GA (39.39) | 140 | San Buenaventura (Ventura), CA (43.14) | ||
| 141 | Springfield, MA (39.33) | 141 | Redding, CA (43.12) | ||
| 142 | Norfolk, VA (39.23) | 142 | Waltham, MA (42.84) | ||
| 143 | Fayetteville, NC (39.00) | 143 | Las Cruces, NM (42.84) | ||
| 144 | Hampton, VA (38.87) | 144 | El Cajon, CA (42.81) | ||
| 145 | Thousand Oaks, CA (38.57) | 145 | Alhambra, CA (42.76) | ||
| 146 | Augusta, GA (38.55) | 146 | St. Cloud, MN (42.74) | ||
| 147 | Montgomery, AL (38.45) | 147 | Rock Hill, SC (42.71) | ||
| 148 | Jersey City, NJ (38.02) | 148 | Downey, CA (42.64) | ||
| 149 | Shreveport, LA (36.51) | 149 | Rio Rancho, NM (42.61) | ||
| 150 | Bridgeport, CT (35.42) | 150 | Dearborn, MI (42.57) | ||
| 151 | Arlington, VA (34.89) | 151 | Arden-Arcade, CA (42.56) | ||
| 152 | El Monte, CA (42.47) | ||||
| 153 | Davenport, IA (42.37) | ||||
| 154 | Lowell, MA (42.28) | ||||
| 155 | Hartford, CT (42.21) | ||||
| 156 | Peoria, IL (42.15) | ||||
| 157 | Kent, OH (42.14) | ||||
| 158 | Quincy, MA (42.11) | ||||
| 159 | Sunrise, FL (42.06) | ||||
| 160 | Westminster, CA (42.00) | ||||
| 161 | Erie, PA (41.95) | ||||
| 162 | Johnson City, TN (41.80) | ||||
| 163 | Greenville, NC (41.75) | ||||
| 164 | Redlands, CA (41.63) | ||||
| 165 | College Park, MD (41.53) | ||||
| 166 | Terre Haute, IN (41.41) | ||||
| 167 | Brookings, SD (41.40) | ||||
| 168 | Elgin, IL (41.31) | ||||
| 169 | Tuscaloosa, AL (41.29) | ||||
| 170 | Abilene, TX (41.17) | ||||
| 171 | Brandon, FL (41.10) | ||||
| 172 | Beaumont, TX (41.09) | ||||
| 173 | West Covina, CA (41.01) | ||||
| 174 | Stony Brook University, NY (40.96) | ||||
| 175 | Coral Gables, FL (40.95) | ||||
| 176 | Vallejo, CA (40.90) | ||||
| 177 | Inglewood, CA (40.54) | ||||
| 178 | Whittier, CA (40.47) | ||||
| 179 | Huntington, WV (40.38) | ||||
| 180 | Compton, CA (40.18) | ||||
| 181 | Flint, MI (39.83) | ||||
| 182 | Albany, GA (39.67) | ||||
| 183 | Antioch, CA (39.67) | ||||
| 184 | Burbank, CA (39.58) | ||||
| 185 | Carson, CA (39.49) | ||||
| 186 | Allentown, PA (39.30) | ||||
| 187 | Daly City, CA (39.13) | ||||
| 188 | High Point, NC (39.11) | ||||
| 189 | Richmond, CA (38.96) | ||||
| 190 | Pueblo, CO (38.92) | ||||
| 191 | Towson, MD (38.45) | ||||
| 192 | Portsmouth, VA (38.42) | ||||
| 193 | Miami Gardens, FL (37.62) | ||||
| 194 | Columbia, MD (37.56) | ||||
| 195 | New Rochelle, NY (37.33) | ||||
| 196 | East Los Angeles, CA (36.98) | ||||
| 197 | Brookline, MA (36.97) | ||||
| 198 | Kendall, FL (36.41) | ||||
| 199 | Newton, MA (34.91) | ||||
| 200 | Silver Spring, MD (34.75) | ||||
| 201 | Germantown, MD (33.57) |
Colleges and universities drive their surrounding areas culturally, economically and intellectually, making those places an ideal place to live for both students and nonstudents. We asked a panel of experts to share their insight and advice on the various roles of college towns. Click on the experts’ profiles to read their bios and responses to the following key questions:
- In deciding which college to attend, how important is the surrounding city/town?
- What are the benefits nonstudents get by living in a college city/town?
- Are college cities/towns a good option for retirees? What about families?
- How can parents prepare their children for managing finances in college (e.g., student loans, credit cards, etc.)?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of going to college in-state versus out-of-state?
- How can local authorities make their cities/towns more appealing to both new students and other potential residents?
Amy Aldous Bergerson Associate Dean for Undergraduate Studies, Director of the Student Success & Empowerment Initiative and Professor in the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy at University of Utah
Michael S. Harris Associate Professor of Higher Education and Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence at Southern Methodist University
Amanda Rutherford Assistant Professor in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University
Arthur Cohen Professor Emeritus at University of California - Los Angeles
Teboho Moja & Ann Marcus Clinical Professor of Higher Education at New York University, and Professor of Higher Education and Director of The Steinhardt Institute of Higher Education Policy at New York University, respectively
Linda Serra Hagedorn Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs in the College of Human Sciences and Professor in the School of Education at Iowa State University
Christopher B. Newman Assistant Professor in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences at University of San Diego
Shyama Venkateswar Distinguished Lecturer and Director of the Public Policy Program in the Hunter College at Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute
Ted Hershberg Professor of Public Policy & History and Director of Operation Public Education at the University of Pennsylvania
Andrew Furco Associate Vice President for Public Engagement and Professor in the Organizational Leadership, Policy & Development Department at University of Minnesota
John S. Adams Professor Emeritus of Geography, Environment & Society and of Planning & Public Affairs at University of Minnesota
Libby V. Morris Zell B. Miller Distinguished Professor of Higher Education and Director of the Institute of Higher Education at University of Georgia
In deciding which university to attend, how important is the surrounding city/town? Fit is one of the most important elements of selecting a college or university, and that includes the environment that the institution is in. Students should think about how well the campus and the surrounding area “get along,” what opportunities there are for interactions with the off-campus environment, and whether the town supports their personal needs. For example, a student of color attending a predominantly white institutions might look to the surrounding community for some support of their racial/ethnic identity if they’re concerned they might not get that on campus. Or, a student who is really interested in community service would want to see what kinds of opportunities exist for that. Or, if a student is considering attending a college or university where a lot of students commute rather than living on campus, they would want to know a lot about what it would be like to live in the community. How welcoming that campus and community feel to a student should be a significant consideration in their decision, and although it’s hard to quantify, research shows that fit is extremely important to students’ sense of belonging, long-term satisfaction with their college choice, and success with completing their degree. What are the benefits of living in a college city/town for non-students? In higher education, we refer to the relationship between higher education institutions and the places they are in as “town-gown” relationships. These relationships are complicated — some college students don’t interact with community members in positive ways, often putting off a “better than you” attitude towards those who live in the communities their colleges or universities are in. At the same time, college students represent a significant revenue source for local businesses, and institutions that have strong ties to the community through community engagement programs can provide lots of resources in their communities. Also, many institutions, particularly larger universities, offer opportunities for local community members to participate in cultural and athletic events that occur on campus. Most events, like plays, lectures, athletic events, and music and art are open to the community as well as the campus population. Are college cities/towns a good option for retirees? What about families? Again, locating in a community with a higher education can offer opportunities for people to interact with and benefit from college students’ presence. This might mean students who are in history courses with a community engaged learning component might be available to write personal histories for local retirees, or education students might be available to provide activities for local kids in an after school program. Many higher education institutions offer Osher programs to people over the age of 50. (See the Bernard Osher foundation website for more information on these programs that are in all 50 states). Osher programs provide continuing education, which can keep retirees engaged in learning and with other folks who are interesting in lifelong learning, greatly enhancing their quality of life. For families, the arts and culture as well as athletic event are terrific opportunities for parents to introduce their kids to the higher education environment. Research indicates that children who spend time on college campuses can more easily picture themselves going to college, which can increase their likelihood of actually enrolling in college. How can parents prepare their children for managing finances in college (student loans, credit cards, etc.)? This is a tough one. I think providing kids with the opportunity to learn how to budget before they get to college is a terrific start. Also, parents and kids need to get educated about the options available to them for financing their education. Many people don’t even apply for federal financial aid because they assume they won’t get it, or because they don’t want to take out loans. This means they may be missing out on grant aid as well as work-study jobs on campus. Students and parents need to know that they don’t have to take out the loans that are part of the financial aid package if they don’t want to — and that if they decide to take out a loan, they might not need to take out the whole amount their aid package suggests. In fact, they should only take out what they need. This will significantly reduce the amount of money they’ll owe at the end of their college journey. College students are definitely a market for credit card companies, and families need to think about whether they want to go down this path before the credit card offers start rolling in. And, once they end up with a credit card, they need to be very clear about when it’s appropriate to use it and when it’s not. Again, I think starting this conversation a few years before college, helping students establish budgets, and increasing their responsibility for their own money over time will help them prepare to be more in control of their own finances when they get to college. Finally, many colleges and universities now have money management seminars or centers on campus who can provide support for students who are struggling to make ends meet. They don’t have funds to give out, but they provide excellent advice on managing resources to ensure that students have enough money to complete their degrees. The University of Utah has an amazing Personal Money Management Center, if you want to check one of these out (http://ift.tt/2BBtW0R). What are the advantages and disadvantages of going to college in state vs. out of state? Many students decide to stay in-state for college to keep costs low. I encourage students and their families to explore all the options — both in and out of state — before deciding. Most colleges and universities will do what they can to get out of state students to campus, and many will be able to offer financial aid packages that bring the cost of both options closer together. Fit is more important than cost when considering how students DO in college. The benefits of being an out of state student are that students will find that more of their life is focused on the campus, and if the campus is a good fit then this is not only fun, but it increases their overall satisfaction with college. For decades, studies have shown that the more engaged a student is on campus, the higher the likelihood of them staying in college and competing a degree. And, a student for whom campus becomes “home” is more likely to be engaged. This doesn’t mean that an in-state student couldn’t have the same experience, and to make that more possible, I’d encourage that in-state student to live on campus for at least the first year. For the many students for whom living on campus is not financially feasible, I would recommend that they find ways to engage deeply in their college experience. This can include: clubs and organizations; programs like campus mentors, peer advisors, orientation leaders or campus ambassadors; undergraduate research opportunities; community engaged learning (also called service learning) opportunities; or just study groups or social gatherings with students they meet in their classes. Many of these opportunities are paid positions, or offer stipends or tuition waivers. The more they can fit in their schedule that is related to their college or university, the better (within reason, of course — remember that being a student always comes first. How can local authorities make their cities/towns more appealing to both new students and potential residents? Students want to see opportunities for “fun” and engagement in their communities. More and more students are coming to college expecting to continue the community service they’ve engaged in during high school. So, communities that make it clear that students are welcome and considered “part” of the community will be more appealing to new students. This generation of students also likes to feel special or at the very least acknowledged, so anything a community can do to welcome students to campus — both for visits and at the beginning of the academic year — would be helpful. This might include special discounts for college students at businesses adjacent to campus, providing students with reduced-cost or free access to public transportation, special social media campaigns, and loyalty programs. For attracting non-student residents, partnerships between the higher education institutions and local authorities would allow the local government to more easily talk with potential residents about what is happening at the college or university that is accessible to residents. Local authorities should always talk about the general benefits of the employment opportunities and revenue that having a campus in the community can bring. Large universities, in particular, not only provide employment for many community members, but they also may create start-up companies, technological innovations, and medical care for the larger community. Maintaining a strong relationship between the community and an institution brings benefits to both students and local residents. Michael S. Harris Associate Professor of Higher Education and Director of the Center for Teaching Excellence at Southern Methodist University 
In deciding which university to attend, how important is the surrounding city/town? Prospective students often consider the local community when evaluating the possibility of attending a particular university. While a prospective students often think about the possibilities for social engagement outside of class, I suggest students and families consider the ways that cities can support the student’s education. For example, here at SMU, we are located in Dallas which has a thriving business community and arts scene. Our business students are able to easily intern with nearby companies and our music majors can work with the local theaters, operas, and associated groups. An SMU education is richer and better prepares students for life after college because of the advantages of being in Dallas. What are the benefits of living in a college city/town for non-students? Just as department stores serve as anchors within a mall, a college or university serves as an anchor institution for a city. Higher education institutions serve as a focal point for increasing the education level of the local workforce, home for the arts and culture, and as a source of employment. Faculty, staff and students provide a strong consumer and support base for local businesses, parks and nonprofits. How can local authorities make their cities/towns more appealing to both new students and potential residents? Local authorities, businesses, and higher education institutions should work together to strengthen civic indicators from educational outcomes, reduced crime rates, and more accessible public transportation. Affordable, high quality off-campus housing is a concern for students as well as residents. Universities and city leaders need to work in partnership to ensure safe, affordable and accessible housing options are available. Amanda Rutherford Assistant Professor in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University 
What are the advantages and disadvantages of going to college in state vs. out of state? The advantages and disadvantages will depend on the type of school a student is interested in attending. It is essential not just to look at the size of a scholarship but also to look at the sticker price (cost of enrolling in classes, student fees, and room and board). Some colleges may offer larger scholarships, but their cost of attendance is higher, which means the final price tag is still higher than other institutions that do not offer as large of a scholarship in their admission packet. In other cases, state need-based or merit-based programs may provide low-cost packages for families and students that make in-state options optimal. Some institutions also offer lower prices for students in counties or other jurisdictions in neighboring states. Beyond cost, however, students should consider what colleges offer programs they are interested in pursuing. Often, only one college in a state has a veterinary program or a competitive music program, for example. In deciding which university to attend, how important is the surrounding city/town? The surrounding community can be important in considering the transition to college. An urban-to-urban move or a rural-to-rural move might be less stressful that an urban-to-rural move or rural-to-urban move. That said, the larger transitions can also allow students to increase their learning in a way that challenges assumed norms and worldviews. The diversity (race, ethnicity, age, socioeconomic levels) of the surrounding community can also influence how and when a student feels like an insider or outsider. Can the student find regional food, the right church, or a certain type of music or art outlet? If not, the learning curve and transition time may be extended. What are the benefits of living in a college city/town for non-students? Non-students are able to observe ever-changing and transient populations that reveal what latest trends and challenges are occurring in society. Among the largest benefits are that universities are generally quite diverse and offer relationships with many types of students, faculty, and staff who move into the community to work with the university. Second, universities provide a sizeable amount of opportunities to attend low-cost events that increase learning opportunities and other shared experiences. These often include free or inexpensive short courses, talks by guests from many walks of life (academia, media, politics), free or inexpensive art and music performances, and athletic events. Essentially, there is always something to do when living near a college or university. Are college cities/towns a good option for retirees? What about families? College towns can provide quality living for a number of populations. Many student groups actively participate in community service events that serve retirees, families or children. These outreach efforts often help build positive town-gown relationships. For families specifically, there are many family-friendly events that occur on college campuses that range from educational opportunities to meeting student athletes. Exposure to these resources can help families and children learn about a number of career paths that otherwise would have gone unnoticed. Arthur Cohen Professor Emeritus at University of California - Los Angeles 
In deciding which university to attend, how important is the surrounding city/town? Surrounding town is important relative to the size of the university. If the latter is small, it's very important; if large the surrounding town's importance diminishes. What are the benefits of living in a college city/town for non-students? Non-students derive tremendous benefits from the cultural activities presented on campus: lectures, recitals, drama, dance, art shows. Where the institution is in a small town or rural area these types of activities have outsize importance. Example: Some years ago, I drove from a late-night flight to visit a college in the Texas Panhandle, and was greeted by a marquee announcing the college's presentation of "Medea." It was practically the only visible light in town. How can parents prepare their children for managing finances in college (student loans, credit cards, etc.)? Preparing children for managing college finances is no different from preparing them for any type of money management after they leave the nest. What are the advantages and disadvantages of going to college in state vs. out of state? Going to college in state is almost invariably cheaper in all ways, from tuition to travel. Teboho Moja & Ann Marcus Clinical Professor of Higher Education at New York University, and Professor of Higher Education and Director of The Steinhardt Institute of Higher Education Policy at New York University, respectively 
In deciding which university to attend, how important is the surrounding city/town? Unlike the earliest universities in Europe (Bologna, Sorbonne - even Oxford and Cambridge), American colonial colleges and the liberal arts colleges founded in the next 200 years, idealized the more remote "College on the hill" bucolic environment. This kind of tranquil setting (e.g., Hamilton, Kenyon colleges) is sought by many students, whereas others gravitate toward colleges that are in a city or town. The best known college towns are places like Madison, Wisconsin (where Teboho Moja studied for her ph.D), or Ann Arbor, Michigan, but less well known are smaller cities like Saratoga Springs, New York which is an easy walk for Skidmore College students. The advantage of being in or near a town is the opportunity for cafes, shops, street life - most important for some students to see and interact with "ordinary people" of all ages, and not feel isolated in a bubble of 18-22 year olds. Visiting colleges before applying can help students examine their needs and feelings. What are the benefits of living in a college city/town for non-students? Living in a college town provides activities and opportunities for lively interchange with young adults. Lectures, college theater, films, art exhibits, athletic activities - and in many cases, opportunities to sit in on courses. A bookstore! Are college cities/towns a good option for retirees? What about families? Retirees have the same benefits as all the other non-students. For families there is the benefit of having children grow up in an intellectually stimulating environment and accepting that college is their next step as they complete their high school education. How can parents prepare their children for managing finances in college (student loans, credit cards, etc.) Ideally, students will have some experience with credit cards before college. They will be bombarded with credit card opportunities at college. They should be counseled to have a low credit limit. There will be lots of temptation for the youngest students - especially food! They need to be reminded to use their required meal plans. Loans: parents need to be vigilant, and make sure they are involved in any conversations about loans. College financial aid officers are usually open to discussion with parents. What are the advantages and disadvantages of going to college in state vs. out of state? For public colleges and universities, the tuition is significantly lower for in-state residents. Some states like Georgia and New York have state-level scholarships for state residents who attend college in state. Looking out-of-state of course provides greater variety for students with particular interests. How can local authorities make their cities/towns more appealing to both new students and potential residents? Ensure public spaces are appealing; show evidence of safety, police vigilance; encourage businesses that appeal to all ages: cafes, bookstores, hopefully film venue, public concerts. Demonstrate willingness to contain rowdy behavior. Linda Serra Hagedorn Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs in the College of Human Sciences and Professor in the School of Education at Iowa State University 
In deciding which university to attend, how important is the surrounding city/town? I think this differs for undergrads and grads. For graduate students, the program and the opportunity to work with a specific professor will (should) far out-weigh the location. But for undergrads, the town is of more importance. Undergraduates typically want to be in a town with action, with places to go on the weekends that is far away from home so that they don’t feel the need to see parents every weekend, but close enough (or at least close enough to an airport) that they can go home for holidays and other events. For parents the town is important for its safety, cost of living, and medical facilities. What are the benefits of living in a college city/town for non-students? I love living in a college town. First, we have access to the cultural events provided by the university. Secondly, it is a small town without long lines in the grocery stores or the bank or other places of business. I love the fact that my town has a relatively low crime rate (at least for major crime). We have many businesses and amenities that would not be available here if the students didn’t demand them. Moreover, we benefit from the optimism and the excitement of the young people who call my city home – at least for 4 years or so. I grew up in Chicago where segregation was the rule. However, in Ames there is no real “other side of the tracks”. Families of all colors and religions do live in the same neighborhoods and areas. There are less-expensive locations in town, but typically, these are the apartments that are rented by students (of all colors). I don’t want to paint a pollyannaish portrait because my town does have its share of racial complaints, but it is a far cry from Chicago (at least in my opinion!) Are college cities/towns a good option for retirees? What about families? Ames is a great option for retirees. And, I expect to prove that to myself in a few years as I plan to spend my retirement right here. As I said earlier, the cultural events of the university are here and the university also has activities for seniors. Because so many professors and administrators from the university decide to stay right here after retirement, we have a plethora of senior living options. Ames is also a great place for families. First and foremost, we have a great school system that is the constant labs for our college of education. Students from the elementary and high schools have the benefit of working and learning from ISU students on practicums and student teaching. Moreover, so many of the students in the public school system are the children of professors and administrators who come from “rich” backgrounds. By rich, I am not just talking about money-rich but rather culture-rich. Families here appreciate the importance of books and learning. So all children in our school system benefit from the demands of an educated citizenry. Of course not all families are in the upper socio-economic levels but all students benefit from the education driven community. How can parents prepare their children for managing finances in college (student loans, credit cards, etc.)? There isn’t a complex answer here—teach them. When students are young, they should be entrusted with a small amount of money and taught the benefits of saving and the value of money. Parents need to sit their children down and have a serious discussion about credit cards, interest rates, and loans. Education loans were designed and are used to assist students who could not otherwise go to college to be able to be successful. Education loans are not demonic, but they can be tricky. Students must learn the difference between a subsidized and a non-subsidized loan and to understand how interest compounds. An education loan is typically well worth the ultimate interest and payback when one considers lifetime salary increases that a college education can provide. But students must be taught to borrow the minimum needed and to remember that every dollar borrowed must be paid back! What are the advantages and disadvantages of going to college in state vs. out of state? An obvious advantage to going to school in state is state-tuition that is lower than out-of-state-tuition. But that may only be a small advantage if students can be awarded a better scholarship package at the out of state school. A university should be chosen because of its program and what it can offer. Students would be well advised to attend the “best” university to which they were accepted. The prominence of their university can provide benefits such as a better job, a larger alumni group willing to assist, and a higher likelihood of being accepted into graduate school. How can local authorities make their cities/towns more appealing to both new students and potential residents? Continue to support the local police, fire department, and other safety entities. Attract local businesses especially those that can hire students and graduates. Christopher B. Newman Assistant Professor in the School of Leadership and Education Sciences at University of San Diego 
How can parents prepare their children for managing finances in college (student loans, credit cards, etc.)? Managing finances is one of the most important components of preparing a young adult for college. Parents must give their children practice before they enter college. Often times, students enter college with no experience in paying bills or budgeting their own personal finance. Unfortunately, creditors often are predatory towards college students with having sales reps hang out in front of high traffic places on campus like the student union. These sales reps are often offering knick knacks and tchotchkes to lure in unsuspecting college students. Parents must explain to their children how credit is measured and good versus poor uses of credit. Similarly with student loans, parents need to properly explain to their children how repaying student loans may impact their future buying power. Too often, young adults are left fending for themselves, which often leads to poor financial decisions that may have been avoided if they received the proper guidance. What are the advantages and disadvantages of going to college in state vs. out of state? There are many advantages to either going to college in state or out of state. In state often provides financial benefits with reduced tuition in public institutions. Additionally, attending a college in state reduces the transitional burden because while the student in transitioning into new more adult responsibilities, they are already familiar with their surrounding environment. Students that stay in state often remain connected to their family and friend networks. To their detriment, students that stay in state often are not expanding their horizons like they would if they went to school out of state. Going to school out of state broadens a student’s networks and future job prospects. However, there is often a tremendous burden in acclimating to new environments. If deciding to attend a college out of state, then students (and their parents) should research the types of support programs offered at the institution to aid in their transition. It is also important to visit the institution before attending. Some students are well prepared emotionally and are mature enough to deal with all that is involved with attending school out of state, but every student does not have these skills. When deciding to go out of state, parents and students need to have a candid conversation about what is involved and assess whether the student will be able to cope with attending school out of state. Shyama Venkateswar Distinguished Lecturer and Director of the Public Policy Program in the Hunter College at Roosevelt House Public Policy Institute 
In deciding which university to attend, how important is the surrounding city/town? The larger environment within which the college or university campus is located is very important. There is typically a symbiotic relationship between the town and the campus, in terms of employment, local resources, the arts community, volunteer and internship opportunities, public schools for faculty children, etc. College towns reflect diversity of thoughts and opinions and are usually a good resource for the campus community. What are the benefits of living in a college city/town for non-students? Colleges have lectures, music and dance performances, sports facilities which are usually open to the public or accessible with a small fee. College campus definitely enrich a town and make it a terrific place to raise children or for senior citizens to retire in. Non-students can avail of discussions of timely and critical issues in seminars and conferences, audit courses and make use of campus opportunities. Are college cities/towns a good option for retirees? What about families? Yes. How can parents prepare their children for managing finances in college (student loans, credit cards, etc.)? An important part of raising children is giving them financial literacy. Parents can help children learn the value of money through developing a work ethic; children can help with chores in the house or when they are teenagers, they can work a few hours outside the home. Parents can help children manage their allowances, open bank accounts for them, and discuss savings programs like state 529 plans. When parents and children are looking to finance college payments, they can explore various options like savings and loans (for both parents and children), federal grants, work-study options, and other possibilities. Having the kids contribute towards cell phone usage and other expenses is a great way to start early to bring financial awareness into children’s lives. Giving a credit or debit card with limited credit lines to a child ready to leave home is another step in the right direction. Eventually, children will have to manage their own lives and plan for bigger expenses like travel or grad school and, hopefully, will become independent and financially-savvy adults. Another important role that parents can also play is in building philanthropic commitments even in young children through small annual contributions to their favorite causes; those monies can come from children’s allowances and can be intentionally put aside for charitable purposes. What are the advantages and disadvantages of going to college in state vs. out of state? With sky-rocketing college costs, I think it is a wise decision to consider in-state options, including public universities, which have terrific faculty and also offer in-state tuition fees to residents. Public universities are closely connected with elected officials’ offices; these are great places to intern and find opportunities to work for students. I can’t really see any down-side to in-state colleges other than the fact that they are dependent on state and city budgets, which can fluctuate based on wider economic status or predictions. Going to college out-of-state might be a good experience for students to live on their own, but they will face higher costs, without question, unless they are getting full scholarships from the college. It doesn’t make much sense to go to a public university out-of-state unless you are recruited on a sports scholarship or are eligible for some other financial assistance. Private colleges have to spend a considerable amount of time recruiting out-of-state and a diverse body of students. In order to attract and retain them, they have to provide financial assistance that is sustainable for the period of time that the student is attending that college. But that is tricky, given that even private colleges have endowments that have taken big hits in recent years, and the availability of generous scholarships is limited. How can local authorities make their cities/towns more appealing to both new students and potential residents? Local authorities and elected officials in cities and towns play a big role in investing in higher education. Recruiting high-level faculty increases the profile of the college/university, which in turn makes the campus more attractive for a student considering college options. Supporting global partnerships between universities also brings new students and a greater exposure of the town and campus. Investing in local arts programs, parks, and public schools brings a greater vibrancy to the town and draws young families as well as retirees. Elected officials can also tap faculty experts to help in city/town government issues, planning, science and technology initiatives, etc. There are big opportunities in creating a productive relationship between college campuses and the local towns in which they are situated; local authorities play a major role in ensuring a positive relationship is maintained. Ted Hershberg Professor of Public Policy & History and Director of Operation Public Education at the University of Pennsylvania 
In deciding which university to attend, how important is the surrounding city/town? I don’t know the extent to which students take this into account when making a decision. On its face, one might think that attending a university in a big city offers significant advantages, but I’m always surprised by the number of students I encounter at Penn who rarely take advantage of the wide range of amenities found in the city of Philadelphia. It’s also clear to me that many outstanding students choose universities that are not in a big city. What are the benefits of living in a college city/town for non-students? For residents of large cities this is not a factor. But for those who live in small towns were cities, the universities offer a rich selection of lectures and public events that can enrich their lives. This is especially true for people who live in communities where the only major sporting event is the college football or basketball team. Are college cities/towns a good option for retirees? What about families? This obviously depends on whether the primary consideration is cost (tax advantages or disadvantages) or amenities (access to campus-based activities, events and institutions). What are the advantages and disadvantages of going to college in state vs. out of state?\ The most obvious advantage is the cost of tuition for state residents in a state supported institution of higher learning. The other consideration is obviously distance from home. Some children and families want considerable distance and others just far enough away so the student feels independent, yet close enough to home to feel reassuring. Andrew Furco Associate Vice President for Public Engagement and Professor in the Organizational Leadership, Policy & Development Department at University of Minnesota 
In deciding which university to attend, how important is the surrounding city/town? It is very important. When deciding which college to attend, students should take time to investigate whether the community that surrounds the institution is compatible to their lifestyle. Having a rewarding college experience is not just about what happens on campus. The many kinds of off-campus personal, social and academic experiences student will encounter while matriculating will shape their overall views about college and their overall, longer-term satisfaction with their college years. Study findings reveal that feeling a sense of belonging, both on and off campus, is correlated with greater satisfaction in college and overall educational success. While it is true that moving into a community that is different from the one to which an individual is most accustomed (e.g., urban vs. rural, conservative vs. progressive, homogenous vs. diverse), though challenging, can prove powerful in helping students broaden their perspectives and expand their horizons in ways that promote positive growth and maturity. However, feeling constantly out of place, uncomfortable, or unsafe in the community while attending college can cause much stress, sometimes to the point that it negatively affects students’ academic work. When considering a college, students should take stock of how open and prepared they are for new adventures, and in turn, which kinds of communities they will find acceptable in helping them achieve their academic, personal and social goals. What are the benefits of living in a college city/town for non-students? Institutions of higher education situated in “college towns” are typically among the largest employers for those communities and often are economic engines for the broader region. For non-students, this provides potentially rewarding and stable career opportunities across a spectrum of business, governmental, educational, and other career areas. For business owners, being located in or near a college town can provide a robust customer base with which to work. Lastly, colleges and universities have available many services and venues (e.g., libraries, museums, lectures, concerts, sports competitions, and courses) to which local residents and other non-students can avail themselves. What are the advantages and disadvantages of going to college in state vs. out of state? For those attending public colleges and universities, attending an in state institution can prove to be more cost-effective, given that out-of-state students pay a tuition premium to attend that same institution. In addition, being in state can mean lower travel costs to visit family as well as more general comfort with the regional culture, climate and way of life. However, venturing out of state to attend college, while perhaps more challenging, risky and costly, can provide enormous benefits in broadening students’ horizons and perspectives, especially for those whose lived experiences to date have been confined within a particular community. In many ways, venturing beyond comfortable, familiar environments during the college years often expose students to unimagined opportunities, friendships and perspectives that in the end, can have much value added to students’ overall intellectual and personal development. John S. Adams Professor Emeritus of Geography, Environment & Society and of Planning & Public Affairs at University of Minnesota 
In deciding which university to attend, how important is the surrounding city/town? It depends a lot on the tastes/past experiences of the parents, plus the background and sophistication of the kids. If parents attended large state universities, they usually are well-inclined to encourage their kids in that direction or to fail to discourage them. If their alma mater was a private college in a small town, they may be inclined to go that way. Kids who visit college and university campuses while in high school and spend time on the campuses, not just athletic events but other occasions, those visits tend to de-mystify the college possibilities. Many parents with state university educations often see private college education as higher status, regardless of differences in what the schools can offer. Many private schools are pretty weak, and many public universities have significantly more to offerbut students attending large schools must be prepared to take advantage of what the school offers without having their hands held. Another major influence is where classmates from previous graduation classes and older siblings went to school, and how visits to those campuses made a difference. When our 4 kids were young and we traveled a lot by car, we visited many campuses across the U.S., especially places that the kids had heard of. We sometimes stopped and ate at the cafeterias in those schools, and on some occasions we entered classroom buildings, sometimes when classes were in session, and walked the halls. The kids came away with the sense that these were just other schools—some larger than their high schools, some actually smaller. As far as the town/city setting is concerned, again it depends a lot on the background of the kid. A kid from a small town with little big city experience tends to favor the small college town campusbut not always. I had one student from a small town in North Dakotahe was gay, and could not wait to escape the stifling small-town atmosphere for the big city. Again, it depends. Low-income and/or minority kids from big cities (especially recruited athletes who are not stellar students) often feel uncomfortable in middle-class, mostly white small-town settings. The class differences, though, are more important than the skin color differences. This can be especially a problem with low-income, lower-class minority athletes, who are uncomfortable and feel out of place no matter their athletic skills. What are the benefits of living in a college city/town for non-students? It's unclear to me, unless they have some family connections with the school by having family members working there. Are college cities/towns a good option for retirees? What about families? Sometimes they are; again, it depends. For low-income retirees, college towns can be slower paced and modestly priced. Schools are usually a bit better in small towns with colleges or universitiesmore parental interest, or teachers who have affiliations (or spouses working there) with the college or universities. Transit services, health services and attention to people with disabilities are often well developed in college towns for the students and employees, and retirees can take advantage of them. College towns present an upper-middle-class flavor, and depending on the class of the retirees, this can mean an attractive setting for upper-middle-class retirees. Stores, shops, restaurants and entertainment options in or near the college towns cater to an upper-middle-income clientele, which can be attractive to retirees. Much of the answer to these questions are best analyzed through the lens of socioeconomic status. How can parents prepare their children for managing finances in college (student loans, credit cards, etc.)? This has to start early, and the best way it is for kids to have part-time jobs while in high school, with parents making it clear which things are the kids' responsibility and which things the family will provide. Budgeting can't be taught abstractly, it must be taught via personal experience. Also, families need to be open with their kids about family finances while they are growing up, and at some point the kids should participate in selecting options for activities, even a fixed budget. I used to tell my students that they have three budges to manage while they are in college and afterward: their money budget (income and priorities in outgo), their time budget (168 hours in the week! How to allocate them, setting a time budget (schedule) every Sunday night for the week–and stick to it), and their health budget (eating and sleeping; exercise). If they do all three, they won't have any problems getting through school successfully. But they can learn this at home, by growing up in families that routinely know how to establish priorities and how to manage their three budgets. Students coming from disorganized, dysfunctional households will not succeed in college regardless of how smart and motivated they are if they cannot manage these three budges. This is the biggest obstacle they need to overcome in collegeand they are not alone. Middle and upper-middle class kids who have had their budgets managed to age 18 by their well-intentioned but ignorant parents will have big trouble in college. I have been it over and over. What are the advantages and disadvantages of going to college in state vs. out of state? Going away can be a good experience for those who are ready for it, but homesickness and depression can be a big challenge for kids unready for this experience. Kids who don't go away have trouble leaving high school friends behind, and college kids with friends who didn't go to college can drag the kids away from college. Their high school classmates to have time and money provide an alluring alternative to the college kids who isn't quite ready for college and is at a school that's too close to home and too close to old pals. There is a separate discussion needed here for kids who head off to forge who should have gone to a vocational-technical post-high school experience. These kids are often better off remaining close to home, commuting to their school and establishing employment linkages while in vocational-technical programs. High schools do a poor job acquainting high school kids with non-college career options. How can local authorities make their cities/towns more appealing to both new students and potential residents? I'd look at this a different way, i.e., have the school authorities (from the president on down) work to encourage faculty and staff to participate fully in civic life rather than maintaining a wall between the town and gown. Libby V. Morris Zell B. Miller Distinguished Professor of Higher Education and Director of the Institute of Higher Education at University of Georgia 
In deciding which university to attend, how important is the surrounding city/town? Many factors may influence the selection of a college, including academic preparation, degrees offered, proximity to a student’s home, cost of attendance, financial aid, and the opinions of family and friends. Thus, it is difficult to quantify the importance of the surrounding city or town in the selection process. With that being said, students should carefully consider their preferences: a rural or urban environment, distance from home, climate, transportation, social and cultural amenities, employment opportunities, and the benefits or challenges in a specific location. In the selection process, a town or city’s image can certainly influence whether a student, especially a traditional, first-year student, places a college or university on a “short-list” to consider. Some colleges and universities are considered to be located in “great college towns,” and certainly that impression could be helpful to attract applicants and enrollments. What are the benefits of living in a college city/town for non-students? Colleges with their diversity of students, faculty and visiting scholars bring a vitality and range of activities to a community that are difficult to replicate, except in the largest of metropolitan areas. The visual, performing and literary arts tend to flourish in college towns, as well as athletics - think football Saturdays! So, non-students may engage in an extensive array of college-related activities and programs, such as lectures, without fee or for a modest charge only. Beyond the experiential offerings, colleges also directly and indirectly contribute to the economy through employment, academic and public service programs, basic and applied research, and the role of faculty and students as “consumers.” In 2016, economist Jeff Dorfman estimated that the University of Georgia contributed $4.4 billion in economic impact throughout Georgia, including Athens. The expertise of the faculty and the enthusiasm and energy of students promote creativity within the college and at the nexus of the community and campus. This interface between the town and gown yields a large number of employment, social, cultural and business opportunities that benefit the community and its inhabitants, students and non-students alike. Are college cities/towns a good option for retirees? What about families? Retirees may be drawn to college towns not only for the academics, arts, and athletic events offered by the college, but also for the off-campus opportunities that emerge around the college - diversity in housing stock, eclectic dining experiences, independently owned shops, and extensive non-profit associations and activities. These opportunities may be especially meaningful to retirees who wish to stretch their retirement dollars, who have time to volunteer in retirement and look forward to engaging with faculty and students in intellectual pursuits and the “joy of lifelong learning.” I think the same is true for families. On the academic front and specifically for older adults, many states allow those over 60 or 65 to audit credit-bearing courses in public colleges without paying tuition, or the older adult may receive a deep tuition discount when enrolling in a course for credit. At last count, about 20 states offered a tuition waiver or discount benefit to older adults. The state of Georgia offers tuition wavier for older adults, and it is a popular option for many retirees at the University of Georgia. OSHER Lifelong Learning Institutes offer another benefit for retired adults living near selected colleges and universities. Across the U.S., over 100 institutes offer high quality, low cost continuing education courses and programs for adults over age 50, which are directed by current or retired faculty and local professionals. The OSHER program at the University of Georgia is especially robust, offering approximately 150 courses each term, special interest groups (n=27), and travel opportunities to its roughly 1500 members. It is not surprising that college towns often rank high in best places to live in retirement for the reasons noted above. Retirement dollars may be stretched in many college towns without an associated drop in the standard of living. How can parents prepare their children for managing finances in college (student loans, credit cards, etc.)? I think open communication and research are the keys to navigating the financial considerations for college selection and enrollment. A budget for the first year and beyond is essential. All students, but especially traditional aged students, need to understand clearly how much, if anything, a parent can or will contribute to college costs, not just tuition and fees but housing, food, and other costs of attendance. What can the student contribute from savings or work? Are there scholarships and grants available, general and/or school specific? What is the gap between the full cost of attendance and available funds? What will need to be borrowed? Students and parents need to examine the sticker or list price and net price (the cost less grants, scholarships and loans) for each potential institution. A budget that includes all sources of revenue (personal funds, scholarships, grants, and loans) and all projected expenses (tuition, fees, books, housing, food, and other necessary expenses) is critical to making a good selection and managing the costs. If a credit card is available to the student, the limits on spending (and for what) should be established upfront. In selecting a college, parents and students should construct a budget in view of the cost for a specific college (2 year, 4-year, public and private not for profit). Then compare those budgets across the targeted list, all within the context of student outcomes by college (e.g., graduation rates), future earning potential by degree, and ability to repay student loan debt. Good management will be built from an understanding of the differences across colleges and the available funds and costs for specific institutions. This discussion of paying for college should start well in advance of the senior year of high school and should continue until enrollment and beyond. Institutions have financial aid offices that can help in these decisions, and some colleges also offer financial literacy classes for enrolled students, which should have standing room only. In the end, full awareness of the cost of a specific college, and a realistic budget should benefit the student, the parents and the goals of retention, progression and graduation. The following websites provide helpful information about the cost of attendance, differences across colleges, and examples to guide the complicated decisions around college enrollment and costs. See Big Future by the College Board, U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators, and the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid websites. What are the advantages and disadvantages of going to college in state vs. out of state? Cost is often the primary consideration when considering in-state or out-of-state college enrollment. Tuition and fees are generally two to three times higher for a student to attend an out-of-state public institution than one located within the student’s home state. At private, not-for-profit institutions, the list price is generally the same for all students, whether the student is considered a state resident or an out-of-state resident. So, from a purely economic standpoint, and for most students, the decision to attend a public college or university within the student’s state will offer a financial advantage. Additionally, in-state tuition may be reduced even further by state-initiated programs for in-state high school graduates based on merit and/or need: e.g., Florida’s Bright Futures Scholarship program, Georgia’s HOPE program, Indiana’s 21st Century Scholars. See NASFAA, State Financial Aid programs for a complete list. Because colleges, however, have the ability to discount their sticker price and offer scholarships, grants, and other forms of aid, students need to investigate the cost to attend a specific college - in-state or out, public or private with all aid applied - and then make an informed decision. Fundamentally, the in-state or out-of-state decision will need to be balanced against net cost, the perceived benefits from attending one college over another (e.g., degree options, institutional prestige), student outcomes (i.e., retention, graduation, and future employment and salary), debt burden, and personal goals. College selection is more complicated than in-state versus out-of-state; however, for the great majority of students in-state enrollment makes financial sense. How can local authorities make their cities/towns more appealing to both new students and potential residents? Interestingly, a number of colleges and universities seem to be situated in idyllic settings, where the “appeal factor” is high, and the community is an easy selling point. Of course, locations are unique and each institution must help build and tout the local assets (e.g., the attraction of outdoor adventures or inner city vibes), while trying to diminish perceived detractors (e.g., safety issues, limited employment opportunities, or lack of accessible public transportation). Overall, colleges and communities that have close town-gown relationships tend to fare better in overall satisfaction by both parties. Colleges that are welcoming to community members and communities that embrace the college and its students are better positioned to attract students and faculty and build collaborative environments that benefit both the town and the gown. Regular and structured interaction between college administrators and community leaders (e.g., chamber of commerce, corporate leaders and boards, city and county officials) is important to keep each apprised of opportunities, challenges and needs. Working together is better than each complaining about noise, traffic, cars and parking, fill in the blank across the proverbial fence. Many institutions establish an office or appoint an individual to link the town and gown. Seemingly, those places where faculty and students are actively engaged in the community through service learning programs, internships, volunteer work, and so forth enjoy the highest levels of esprit-de-corps. The International Town Gown Association focuses on the myriad of topics that fall under this umbrella of good relationships and effective partnerships.
Methodology
In order to determine the best college towns and cities in America, WalletHub examined 415 cities of varying sizes across three key dimensions: 1) Wallet Friendliness, 2) Social Environment and 3) Academic & Economic Opportunities.
We evaluated those three key dimensions using 28 relevant metrics, which are listed below with their corresponding weights. Each metric was graded on a 100-point scale, with 100 representing the most favorable conditions for college students. For metrics marked with an asterisk (*), we used the square root of the population to calculate the population size in order to avoid overcompensating for minor differences across cities.
Finally, we determined each town and city’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its total score and used the resulting scores to rank-order our sample.
In this report, including the above tables, “cities” refers to both cities and towns for simplicity. We limited our selection of cities to those with a university or college population of at least 7,500 students. Some cities that met the college-population criterion were excluded from the analysis due to lack of available data. The cities were categorized based on the following population-size guidelines:
- Large Cities: More than 300,000 people
- Midsize Cities: 125,000 to 300,000 people
- Small Cities: Fewer than 125,000 people
Please note that we considered only the city proper in each case and excluded any cities in the surrounding metro area.
Wallet Friendliness– Total Points: 25- Housing Costs: Full Weight (~ 3.57 Points)Note: This metric measures the price of a two-bedroom apartment rental.
- Adjusted Cost of Living for Young People: Double Weight (~7.14 Points)
- Share of Rental Units: Full Weight (~3.57 Points)
- Average Monthly Fitness-Club Fee: Half Weight (~1.79 Points)
- Average Cost of Pizza & Burgers: Half Weight (~1.79 Points)
- Cost of Higher Education: Full Weight (~3.57 Points)Note: This metric measures the average tuition fee weighted by the number of students.
- Student Loan Debt per Person: Full Weight (~3.57 Points)
- Students per Capita: Double Weight (~3.45 Points)
- Share of Population Aged 18 to 35: Full Weight (~1.72 Points)
- Share of Single Persons: Half Weight (~0.86 Points)
- Student Gender Balance: Half Weight (~0.86 Points)
- Nightlife Options per Capita*: Double Weight (~3.45 Points)
- Cafés per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.72 Points)
- Breweries per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.72 Points)
- Shopping Centers per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.72 Points)
- Sports Clubs per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.72 Points)
- City Accessibility: Half Weight (~0.86 Points)Note: This metric measures the percentage of workers who bike, walk or use public transportation.
- Festivals per Capita*: Full Weight (~1.72 Points)
- Attractions: Full Weight (~1.72 Points)
- Crime Rate: Double Weight (~3.45 Points)
- Quality of Higher Education: Triple Weight (~15.00 Points)
- Earning Potential for College Graduates: Full Weight (~5.00 Points)Note: This metric measures the median earnings (adjusted by cost of living) of the population holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Percentage of Part-Time Jobs: Full Weight (~5.00 Points)
- Median Income of Part-Time Workers: Full Weight (~5.00 Points)
- Unemployment Rate: Full Weight (~5.00 Points)
- Entrepreneurial Activity: Full Weight (~ 5.00 Points)Note: This metric measures the four-year average net change in the number of businesses per capita.
- Brain Drain: Full Weight (~ 5.00 Points)Note: This metric measures the annual change in the share of the population holding a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- Job-Growth Rate (2013-2016): Full Weight (~ 5.00 Points)
Sources: Data used to create this ranking were collected from the U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Center for Education Statistics, Numbeo, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, TransUnion, Council for Community and Economic Research, TripAdvisor, Areavibes, Yelp and WalletHub research.
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