When it comes to where they live, everyone wants something a little different. Some people look for accommodating housing and job markets, while others prioritize entertainment and culture. For college students, the city where they live and study can play a monumental role in the quality of their education and their future after graduation.

The growing prevalence of online college may make location less important to some prospective college students, but for many learners, choosing the right city is just as important as choosing the right school. Location can even impact distance learners’ choice of the best online college for them since it can impact tuition prices and transportation expenses.

To help you make the most informed decision, we ranked the best cities for college students and graduates based on each location’s rental market, unemployment rates, recreational opportunities and proximity to colleges and universities.

Location as a College Decision Factor

• A College Pulse survey found that the most popular decision factors for aspiring college students are:
  • Major and program offerings
  • Academic reputation
  • Proximity to home
  • Quality of academic program
  • Cost of tuition
• College location can impact tuition rates, housing costs, job and internship options, and networking opportunities.
• The National Center for Education Statistics reports that 72% of college hopefuls say staying close to home is at least somewhat important to their college choice; 53% say being far from home is at least somewhat important.
• Among college students, 61% plan to find jobs close to their college towns after graduation, according to Tallo research.

Location influences many students’ experiences both during and after college. Your college town could be your home for several years, especially since many colleges incentivize learners to stay local after graduation by tailoring programs to address regional needs and connecting students with community organizations.

Even though online learning has made it easier to attend college from a distance, location may still be a factor in choosing the right online college for you. After all, your online program could require on-campus classes, residencies or orientations, and your school might charge higher tuition rates if you live out of state.

Top Cities for College Students and Grads

The best cities for college students and graduates feature high-quality education and housing opportunities, diverse food and entertainment options, and favorable employment conditions. 

New Orleans

• Students make up nearly one-fourth of the population.
• New Orleans has the eighth-highest number of available rental units and ranks in the lowest 25% in terms of rental costs
• New Orleans has the third-highest number of food establishments per 100,000 residents.
• The median age of New Orleans residents is 39.5.
• There are 25 colleges within 10 miles of New Orleans.

New Orleans, Louisiana, has long been a tourist destination, but the city has also become a landing spot for students and graduates. The city offers accessible, affordable housing and a reasonable living wage, leaving students and graduates with more money to spend on the bustling culinary scene.

Pittsburgh

• Twenty-eight percent of the Pittsburgh population comprises students.
• The living wage in Pittsburgh is $21.13 per hour.
• Pittsburgh has the third-lowest rental rates out of all other cities considered at $964 per month.
• There are 29 colleges within 10 miles of Pittsburgh.

Often called the city of bridges because it has nearly 500 of them, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a popular hub for college students—a group that makes up 28% of the population. Within the city limits, students have access to some of the largest numbers of rental units and lowest rental costs in the country. They can also attend one of the 85 colleges within just 50 miles of the city.

Buffalo

• Nearly 30% of the population are students.
• The unemployment rate among young professionals is relatively low in Buffalo at 6.55%.
• There are 17 colleges within 10 miles of Buffalo.
• The rental vacancy rate is only 3.9%.

Attending college in Buffalo, New York, makes sense for several reasons, including low rental costs, living wages and unemployment rates. The city also boasts relatively walkable layouts and low transportation costs. Unfortunately, the secret may already be out, as Buffalo has a sub-4% rental vacancy rate and close to 30% student population.

Nashville

• Approximately one-fourth of Nashville’s population are students.
• Housing costs are relatively high at $1,413 per month.
• Nashville has the fourth-highest concentration of entertainment establishments per capita.
• Nashville is considered one of the most walkable cities on the list.
• There are 28 colleges within 10 miles of Nashville.

For students interested in the extracurricular activities that a city offers, Nashville, Tennessee, might be the ideal location. Considered one of the music capitals of the world, Nashville has more than enough entertainment to keep learners busy when they're not studying. The city also has some of the country's highest walking, biking and transit scores, plus a relatively low unemployment rate among 20- to 24-year-olds.

Milwaukee

• Around 25% of Milwaukee’s residents are students.
• The unemployment rate among adults ages 16 to 24 is 8.3%.
• The median age of Milwaukee residents is 38.8.
• There are 19 colleges within 10 miles of the city.

While Milwaukee, Wisconsin, doesn't lead any one category in our ranking criteria, the city performs well across most categories. It features some of the lowest living wages, rental costs and unemployment rates among adults ages 16 to 19. It also offers a large selection of nearby colleges, including three schools within one mile.

The Bottom Line

Choosing the right college can be a difficult process, and factoring location into your decision can help narrow down your options. Your living situation can affect your financial health, quality of life and overall educational experience.

Still, whether you're looking for a temporary home while you earn your degree or a place to plant your roots and build a life, picking a college town can be just as tricky as picking a college.

Consider walkability and transit options, which can impact how much free time you have. A city’s entertainment options can then shape how you spend your free time. And local economic health, population demographics and cost of living can affect your life after college, too.

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