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The 30 best college towns in America | To identify the best college towns in America, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed U.S. Census Bureau data. We considered cities with at least 30,000 residents and where at least 25% of the population are enrolled in college.
The 30 best college towns in America | To identify the best college towns in America, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed U.S. Census Bureau data. We considered cities with at least 30,000 residents and where at least 25% of the population are enrolled in college.
30. DeKalb, Illinois | Largest college in the area: Northern Illinois University - Population enrolled in college: 30.2% (12,969) - Colleges and universities in the area: 2 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 38.9% - Unemployment rate: 9.5% - Bars and restaurants: 162.9 per 100,000 people
30. DeKalb, Illinois | Largest college in the area: Northern Illinois University – Population enrolled in college: 30.2% (12,969) – Colleges and universities in the area: 2 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 38.9% – Unemployment rate: 9.5% – Bars and restaurants: 162.9 per 100,000 people
29. Normal, Illinois | Largest college in the area: Illinois State University - Population enrolled in college: 32.0% (17,550) - Colleges and universities in the area: 4 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 48.5% - Unemployment rate: 2.9% - Bars and restaurants: 168.6 per 100,000 people
29. Normal, Illinois | Largest college in the area: Illinois State University – Population enrolled in college: 32.0% (17,550) – Colleges and universities in the area: 4 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 48.5% – Unemployment rate: 2.9% – Bars and restaurants: 168.6 per 100,000 people
28. San Marcos, Texas | Largest college in the area: Texas State University - Population enrolled in college: 34.8% (22,004) - Colleges and universities in the area: 2 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 33.5% - Unemployment rate: 7.5% - Bars and restaurants: 166.8 per 100,000 people
28. San Marcos, Texas | Largest college in the area: Texas State University – Population enrolled in college: 34.8% (22,004) – Colleges and universities in the area: 2 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 33.5% – Unemployment rate: 7.5% – Bars and restaurants: 166.8 per 100,000 people
27. Morgantown, West Virginia | Largest college in the area: West Virginia University - Population enrolled in college: 41.2% (12,650) - Colleges and universities in the area: 6 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 55.0% - Unemployment rate: 9.7% - Bars and restaurants: 225.6 per 100,000 people
27. Morgantown, West Virginia | Largest college in the area: West Virginia University – Population enrolled in college: 41.2% (12,650) – Colleges and universities in the area: 6 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 55.0% – Unemployment rate: 9.7% – Bars and restaurants: 225.6 per 100,000 people
26. Blacksburg, Virginia | Largest college in the area: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - Population enrolled in college: 57.9% (25,651) - Colleges and universities in the area: 2 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 71.4% - Unemployment rate: 5.1% - Bars and restaurants: 184.4 per 100,000 people
26. Blacksburg, Virginia | Largest college in the area: Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University – Population enrolled in college: 57.9% (25,651) – Colleges and universities in the area: 2 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 71.4% – Unemployment rate: 5.1% – Bars and restaurants: 184.4 per 100,000 people
25. New Brunswick, New Jersey | Largest college in the area: Rutgers University-New Brunswick - Population enrolled in college: 27.0% (15,092) - Colleges and universities in the area: 2 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 22.6% - Unemployment rate: 5.8% - Bars and restaurants: 183.8 per 100,000 people
25. New Brunswick, New Jersey | Largest college in the area: Rutgers University-New Brunswick – Population enrolled in college: 27.0% (15,092) – Colleges and universities in the area: 2 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 22.6% – Unemployment rate: 5.8% – Bars and restaurants: 183.8 per 100,000 people
24. East Lansing, Michigan | Largest college in the area: Michigan State University - Population enrolled in college: 64.3% (31,319) - Colleges and universities in the area: 4 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 72.0% - Unemployment rate: 8.6% - Bars and restaurants: 185.1 per 100,000 people
24. East Lansing, Michigan | Largest college in the area: Michigan State University – Population enrolled in college: 64.3% (31,319) – Colleges and universities in the area: 4 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 72.0% – Unemployment rate: 8.6% – Bars and restaurants: 185.1 per 100,000 people
23. Columbia, Missouri | Largest college in the area: University of Missouri-Columbia - Population enrolled in college: 25.3% (30,677) - Colleges and universities in the area: 5 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 52.2% - Unemployment rate: 4.4% - Bars and restaurants: 188.6 per 100,000 people
23. Columbia, Missouri | Largest college in the area: University of Missouri-Columbia – Population enrolled in college: 25.3% (30,677) – Colleges and universities in the area: 5 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 52.2% – Unemployment rate: 4.4% – Bars and restaurants: 188.6 per 100,000 people
22. College Station, Texas | Largest college in the area: Texas A&M University - Population enrolled in college: 41.4% (47,065) - Colleges and universities in the area: 2 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 58.6% - Unemployment rate: 4.0% - Bars and restaurants: 173.1 per 100,000 people
22. College Station, Texas | Largest college in the area: Texas A&M University – Population enrolled in college: 41.4% (47,065) – Colleges and universities in the area: 2 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 58.6% – Unemployment rate: 4.0% – Bars and restaurants: 173.1 per 100,000 people
21. Gainesville, Florida | Largest college in the area: University of Florida - Population enrolled in college: 34.8% (45,971) - Colleges and universities in the area: 9 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 45.1% - Unemployment rate: 5.2% - Bars and restaurants: 185.4 per 100,000 people
21. Gainesville, Florida | Largest college in the area: University of Florida – Population enrolled in college: 34.8% (45,971) – Colleges and universities in the area: 9 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 45.1% – Unemployment rate: 5.2% – Bars and restaurants: 185.4 per 100,000 people
20. Fayetteville, Arkansas | Largest college in the area: University of Arkansas - Population enrolled in college: 25.7% (21,861) - Colleges and universities in the area: 3 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 50.2% - Unemployment rate: 5.0% - Bars and restaurants: 193.3 per 100,000 people
20. Fayetteville, Arkansas | Largest college in the area: University of Arkansas – Population enrolled in college: 25.7% (21,861) – Colleges and universities in the area: 3 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 50.2% – Unemployment rate: 5.0% – Bars and restaurants: 193.3 per 100,000 people
19. Logan, Utah | Largest college in the area: Utah State University - Population enrolled in college: 26.2% (13,328) - Colleges and universities in the area: 4 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 36.9% - Unemployment rate: 2.8% - Bars and restaurants: 129.7 per 100,000 people
19. Logan, Utah | Largest college in the area: Utah State University – Population enrolled in college: 26.2% (13,328) – Colleges and universities in the area: 4 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 36.9% – Unemployment rate: 2.8% – Bars and restaurants: 129.7 per 100,000 people
18. Urbana, Illinois | Largest college in the area: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - Population enrolled in college: 40.1% (17,140) - Colleges and universities in the area: 2 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 60.1% - Unemployment rate: 6.4% - Bars and restaurants: 200.1 per 100,000 people
18. Urbana, Illinois | Largest college in the area: University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign – Population enrolled in college: 40.1% (17,140) – Colleges and universities in the area: 2 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 60.1% – Unemployment rate: 6.4% – Bars and restaurants: 200.1 per 100,000 people
17. Newark, Delaware | Largest college in the area: University of Delaware - Population enrolled in college: 42.1% (14,087) - Colleges and universities in the area: 5 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 53.2% - Unemployment rate: 4.4% - Bars and restaurants: 183.9 per 100,000 people
17. Newark, Delaware | Largest college in the area: University of Delaware – Population enrolled in college: 42.1% (14,087) – Colleges and universities in the area: 5 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 53.2% – Unemployment rate: 4.4% – Bars and restaurants: 183.9 per 100,000 people
16. West Lafayette, Indiana | Largest college in the area: Purdue University-Main Campus - Population enrolled in college: 59.6% (28,946) - Colleges and universities in the area: 2 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 71.5% - Unemployment rate: 3.8% - Bars and restaurants: 180.6 per 100,000 people
16. West Lafayette, Indiana | Largest college in the area: Purdue University-Main Campus – Population enrolled in college: 59.6% (28,946) – Colleges and universities in the area: 2 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 71.5% – Unemployment rate: 3.8% – Bars and restaurants: 180.6 per 100,000 people
15. Ithaca, New York | Largest college in the area: Cornell University - Population enrolled in college: 56.7% (17,333) - Colleges and universities in the area: 2 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 66.9% - Unemployment rate: 4.8% - Bars and restaurants: 218.2 per 100,000 people
15. Ithaca, New York | Largest college in the area: Cornell University – Population enrolled in college: 56.7% (17,333) – Colleges and universities in the area: 2 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 66.9% – Unemployment rate: 4.8% – Bars and restaurants: 218.2 per 100,000 people
14. Provo, Utah | Largest college in the area: Utah Valley University - Population enrolled in college: 34.8% (40,549) - Colleges and universities in the area: 10 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 43.1% - Unemployment rate: 4.6% - Bars and restaurants: 127.0 per 100,000 people
14. Provo, Utah | Largest college in the area: Utah Valley University – Population enrolled in college: 34.8% (40,549) – Colleges and universities in the area: 10 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 43.1% – Unemployment rate: 4.6% – Bars and restaurants: 127.0 per 100,000 people
13. Flagstaff, Arizona | Largest college in the area: Northern Arizona University - Population enrolled in college: 31.8% (23,048) - Colleges and universities in the area: 5 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 47.1% - Unemployment rate: 7.6% - Bars and restaurants: 240.0 per 100,000 people
13. Flagstaff, Arizona | Largest college in the area: Northern Arizona University – Population enrolled in college: 31.8% (23,048) – Colleges and universities in the area: 5 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 47.1% – Unemployment rate: 7.6% – Bars and restaurants: 240.0 per 100,000 people
12. Harrisonburg, Virginia | Largest college in the area: James Madison University - Population enrolled in college: 31.7% (16,888) - Colleges and universities in the area: 2 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 36.3% - Unemployment rate: 4.9% - Bars and restaurants: 341.6 per 100,000 people
12. Harrisonburg, Virginia | Largest college in the area: James Madison University – Population enrolled in college: 31.7% (16,888) – Colleges and universities in the area: 2 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 36.3% – Unemployment rate: 4.9% – Bars and restaurants: 341.6 per 100,000 people
11. San Luis Obispo, California | Largest college in the area: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo - Population enrolled in college: 32.2% (15,242) - Colleges and universities in the area: 4 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 50.0% - Unemployment rate: 3.7% - Bars and restaurants: 248.4 per 100,000 people
11. San Luis Obispo, California | Largest college in the area: California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo – Population enrolled in college: 32.2% (15,242) – Colleges and universities in the area: 4 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 50.0% – Unemployment rate: 3.7% – Bars and restaurants: 248.4 per 100,000 people
10. State College, Pennsylvania | Largest college in the area: The Pennsylvania State University - Population enrolled in college: 65.2% (27,544) - Colleges and universities in the area: 1 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 70.6% - Unemployment rate: 5.7% - Bars and restaurants: 163.6 per 100,000 people
10. State College, Pennsylvania | Largest college in the area: The Pennsylvania State University – Population enrolled in college: 65.2% (27,544) – Colleges and universities in the area: 1 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 70.6% – Unemployment rate: 5.7% – Bars and restaurants: 163.6 per 100,000 people
9. Chapel Hill, North Carolina | Largest college in the area: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Population enrolled in college: 35.4% (21,618) - Colleges and universities in the area: 3 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 76.9% - Unemployment rate: 3.4% - Bars and restaurants: 183.0 per 100,000 people
9. Chapel Hill, North Carolina | Largest college in the area: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Population enrolled in college: 35.4% (21,618) – Colleges and universities in the area: 3 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 76.9% – Unemployment rate: 3.4% – Bars and restaurants: 183.0 per 100,000 people
8. Iowa City, Iowa | Largest college in the area: University of Iowa - Population enrolled in college: 33.7% (25,269) - Colleges and universities in the area: 3 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 59.1% - Unemployment rate: 4.7% - Bars and restaurants: 225.5 per 100,000 people
8. Iowa City, Iowa | Largest college in the area: University of Iowa – Population enrolled in college: 33.7% (25,269) – Colleges and universities in the area: 3 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 59.1% – Unemployment rate: 4.7% – Bars and restaurants: 225.5 per 100,000 people
7. Burlington, Vermont | Largest college in the area: University of Vermont - Population enrolled in college: 31.0% (13,207) - Colleges and universities in the area: 2 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 53.3% - Unemployment rate: 4.3% - Bars and restaurants: 213.3 per 100,000 people
7. Burlington, Vermont | Largest college in the area: University of Vermont – Population enrolled in college: 31.0% (13,207) – Colleges and universities in the area: 2 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 53.3% – Unemployment rate: 4.3% – Bars and restaurants: 213.3 per 100,000 people
6. Davis, California | Largest college in the area: University of California-Davis - Population enrolled in college: 37.2% (25,520) - Colleges and universities in the area: 1 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 73.8% - Unemployment rate: 5.8% - Bars and restaurants: 167.0 per 100,000 people
6. Davis, California | Largest college in the area: University of California-Davis – Population enrolled in college: 37.2% (25,520) – Colleges and universities in the area: 1 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 73.8% – Unemployment rate: 5.8% – Bars and restaurants: 167.0 per 100,000 people
5. Ann Arbor, Michigan | Largest college in the area: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor - Population enrolled in college: 35.2% (42,538) - Colleges and universities in the area: 4 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 76.0% - Unemployment rate: 3.9% - Bars and restaurants: 179.3 per 100,000 people
5. Ann Arbor, Michigan | Largest college in the area: University of Michigan-Ann Arbor – Population enrolled in college: 35.2% (42,538) – Colleges and universities in the area: 4 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 76.0% – Unemployment rate: 3.9% – Bars and restaurants: 179.3 per 100,000 people
4. Santa Cruz, California | Largest college in the area: University of California-Santa Cruz - Population enrolled in college: 31.2% (20,160) - Colleges and universities in the area: 2 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 53.8% - Unemployment rate: 7.7% - Bars and restaurants: 202.9 per 100,000 people
4. Santa Cruz, California | Largest college in the area: University of California-Santa Cruz – Population enrolled in college: 31.2% (20,160) – Colleges and universities in the area: 2 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 53.8% – Unemployment rate: 7.7% – Bars and restaurants: 202.9 per 100,000 people
3. Boulder, Colorado | Largest college in the area: University of Colorado Boulder - Population enrolled in college: 29.1% (30,941) - Colleges and universities in the area: 6 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 76.0% - Unemployment rate: 4.6% - Bars and restaurants: 237.8 per 100,000 people
3. Boulder, Colorado | Largest college in the area: University of Colorado Boulder – Population enrolled in college: 29.1% (30,941) – Colleges and universities in the area: 6 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 76.0% – Unemployment rate: 4.6% – Bars and restaurants: 237.8 per 100,000 people
2. Berkeley, California | Largest college in the area: University of California-Berkeley - Population enrolled in college: 29.0% (35,210) - Colleges and universities in the area: 12 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 73.8% - Unemployment rate: 5.3% - Bars and restaurants: 220.9 per 100,000 people
2. Berkeley, California | Largest college in the area: University of California-Berkeley – Population enrolled in college: 29.0% (35,210) – Colleges and universities in the area: 12 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 73.8% – Unemployment rate: 5.3% – Bars and restaurants: 220.9 per 100,000 people
1. Cambridge, Massachusetts | Largest college in the area: Harvard University - Population enrolled in college: 25.1% (29,279) - Colleges and universities in the area: 5 - Adults with a bachelor's degree: 79.0% - Unemployment rate: 4.0% - Bars and restaurants: 205.1 per 100,000 people
1. Cambridge, Massachusetts | Largest college in the area: Harvard University – Population enrolled in college: 25.1% (29,279) – Colleges and universities in the area: 5 – Adults with a bachelor’s degree: 79.0% – Unemployment rate: 4.0% – Bars and restaurants: 205.1 per 100,000 people