The 25 best big college towns in America

- Total score: 52.3
- Wallet friendliness rank: 291
- Social environment rank: 32
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 176

Portland ranks among the world's best cities for its commitment to sustainability and proximity to outdoor activities. Several colleges, including the University of Portland, Portland State University, and Oregon Health & Science University, draw students to the Rose City. Portland has a vibrant food scene with hundreds of food carts and over 80 breweries. But, perhaps most importantly for those who hit the books, it's the best city in the country for coffee, according to WalletHub. Bounded by the Columbia and Willamette Rivers, Portland is home to Forest Park, one of the country's largest urban forests, and Mt. Tabor, a volcanic cinder cone. A lack of a state sales tax is one reason to stick around after graduation, as are jobs at Nike, Columbia Sportswear, and Intel, some of the area's top employers.

- Total score: 52.41
- Wallet friendliness rank: 109
- Social environment rank: 15
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 342

Cincinnati lives up to its nickname: Queen City. With rich architectural, historical, and cultural traditions, the third-largest city in the state is a flourishing metropolis meticulously designed to balance urban infrastructure with plentiful green spaces. Artisanal brewing is popular, and the Over-the-Rhine district is famous for its 19th-century buildings. The University of Cincinnati stands out as one of the city's best schools, and other institutions include Mount St. Joseph University and schools focused on careers in health care.

- Total score: 53.14
- Wallet friendliness rank: 282
- Social environment rank: 207
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 31

A suburb of Phoenix, Mesa provides access to that city's institutions of higher learning and satellite campuses, including Arizona State University's Polytechnic campus and Mesa Community College. Mesa also hosts the Sonoran Desert and Tonto National Forest, highlighting the area's rich indigenous history. The Mesa Arts Center is renowned, and nightlife includes breweries and wineries.

- Total score: 53.33
- Wallet friendliness rank: 110
- Social environment rank: 34
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 293

Arizona's second-largest city is home to the University of Arizona, one of the largest schools in the country and one of Tucson's largest employers. Tucson also features a national park, national forest, mountain range, other outdoor destinations, and trendy bars and restaurants, making it the choice for over 50,000 students.

- Total score: 53.38
- Wallet friendliness rank: 83
- Social environment rank: 120
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 236

The University of Houston's flagship campus and its Downtown and Clear Lake campuses, along with Texas Southern University and the private Rice University, are based in this Texan city. The city is a hub for the energy sector, featuring the headquarters of ConocoPhillips, Halliburton, and Phillips 66. Space City, the country's fourth-largest metropolis, is also home to diverse arts, culinary, and sports scenes.

- Total score: 53.4
- Wallet friendliness rank: 179
- Social environment rank: 51
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 220

Minneapolis is a cultural center of the Midwest and home to some colleges and universities, including the University of Minnesota, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, and North Central University. The city has a celebrated parks system that encourages activity among residents and representation in all major North American sports leagues. Light rail and commuter lines also link the city's neighborhoods with nearby suburbs.

- Total score: 53.43
- Wallet friendliness rank: 250
- Social environment rank: 333
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 5

A relatively new and thriving suburb located only a few miles southeast of the Las Vegas Strip, Henderson is an ideal setting for college students. With mild winters and 300 sunny days yearly, Henderson, Nevada, is a desirable place to shape your future. It also attracts students who enjoy outdoor activities and an "open 24 hours" lifestyle without the frenzy of its world-famous neighbor. There are several colleges in Henderson, including Nevada State University, and a handful of others less than 20 miles away.

- Total score: 53.77
- Wallet friendliness rank: 379
- Social environment rank: 100
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 19

Students in this central Orange County city have access to the best of Southern California. The city has several colleges, including the top-ranked University of California, Irvine; Westcliff University; Concordia University Irvine; and Stanbridge University, a nursing and allied health school. Lovers of outdoor recreation have convenient access to the Pacific Ocean and the city's Great Park, a 500-plus-acre playground with an amphitheater and facilities for several sports. Nearby John Wayne International Airport ranks #1 with J.D. Power for customer satisfaction.

- Total score: 53.91
- Wallet friendliness rank: 141
- Social environment rank: 144
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 167

California's fifth-largest city beckons students to experience the best urban and rural living at Fresno State University and Fresno Pacific University, among other schools. Fresno's half-million residents enjoy the city's bustling cultural scene. However, the city is also located within the state's rich agricultural heartland. Furthermore, Fresno is within a 90-minute drive from Yosemite, Kings Canyon, and Sequoia National Parks. Students at Fresno State can study at the nation's first collegiate commercially bonded winery, which has won over 300 awards since it opened in 1997.

- Total score: 54.16
- Wallet friendliness rank: 209
- Social environment rank: 35
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 201

Tens of thousands of students move to Charlotte, North Carolina, to attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, highly-ranked Davidson College, and the smaller Queens University of Charlotte. Just up the road, the North Carolina Research Campus offers opportunities in various areas of study for both undergrad and graduate students. Charlotte is a major financial services and banking hub—the city is now the second-largest banking center behind New York.

- Total score: 54.21
- Wallet friendliness rank: 262
- Social environment rank: 73
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 130

Vanderbilt University is the most highly ranked college in Nashville, Tennessee, home to over 13,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Nashville also boasts a couple of HBCUs: Tennessee State University and Fisk University. Nashville's reputation as a lively tourist destination extends to its status as a top-notch college town, with students enjoying a wide selection of live music, nightlife, and Southern cuisine.

- Total score: 54.38
- Wallet friendliness rank: 364
- Social environment rank: 12
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 83

Seattle's biggest educational institution is the University of Washington, which is so large that it takes up an entire neighborhood. Other schools in the area include Seattle University and Seattle Pacific University. Like its counterparts in Silicon Valley, Seattle draws students interested in the tech and business sectors, with neighboring major corporations including Amazon, Microsoft, Starbucks, and Boeing. That said, thanks to its history as a breeding ground for alternative music and its multitude of recreational opportunities, the city draws students across a wide swath of interests.

- Total score: 54.63
- Wallet friendliness rank: 113
- Social environment rank: 72
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 212

Columbus, Ohio, is home to one of the largest colleges by enrollment in the country: Ohio State University. Columbus also hosts Columbus State Community College and the Columbus College of Art and Design. Bustling neighborhoods such as the Short North feature street parades and festivals. Meanwhile, college football is a huge draw for almost everyone in town, whether or not they're students.

- Total score: 55.76
- Wallet friendliness rank: 165
- Social environment rank: 83
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 138

Educational opportunities in Albuquerque include the University of New Mexico, Central New Mexico Community College, Trinity Southwest University, and the University of St. Francis. As for recreation, students can enjoy Old Town, the Sandia Peak Tramway, and the ABQ BioPark. The city is also home to a vibrant restaurant scene and the world-famous International Balloon Fiesta, held every October.

- Total score: 55.76
- Wallet friendliness rank: 178
- Social environment rank: 8
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 235

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas is the main contributor of students to Sin City. With an iconic nightlife scene and plenty of jobs in the hospitality industry, Vegas attracts those looking for a different kind of urban experience. While public transit isn't robust and there isn't much parkland, what the city lacks in infrastructure it makes up for in recreational and cultural offerings.

- Total score: 55.97
- Wallet friendliness rank: 382
- Social environment rank: 6
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 24

Sunny San Diego may not be known as a college town, but it should be: There are nearly 30 colleges and universities in the city and beyond, including the University of California, San Diego; San Diego State University; and the private University of San Diego and Point Loma Nazarene University. Beach culture strongly holds students, who can be found surfing between classes or roller skating along Mission Beach. There is also a significant military presence thanks to Naval Base San Diego, the U.S. Navy's largest West Coast base and the principal homeport of the Pacific Fleet.

- Total score: 56.44
- Wallet friendliness rank: 203
- Social environment rank: 4
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 224

One of the Rust Belt's anchor cities, Pittsburgh is home to close to 30 universities, including the highly ranked Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh. Forbes and The Economist of London have called Pittsburgh the nation's most livable city, which makes it a very attractive destination for students. While U.S. Steel still has a big presence, a growing number of biotech, health care, and financial services companies are based in the state's second-largest metropolis.

- Total score: 57.1
- Wallet friendliness rank: 255
- Social environment rank: 22
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 91

The educational offerings in Sacramento, California, are surprisingly limited: California State University, Sacramento (a.k.a. Sacramento State) is the only traditional four-year college in the capital city. Other institutions with satellites in the city include the University of San Francisco and the University of the Pacific, while the University of California, Davis, is a short drive away. But what the city lacks in higher education opportunities, it makes up for in its growing popularity as a cultural destination. And compared with the nearby Bay Area, Sacramento's cost of living is relatively affordable.

- Total score: 57.69
- Wallet friendliness rank: 240
- Social environment rank: 5
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 162

Colorful Miami hosts students from several colleges and universities. The University of Miami, Barry University, and Florida International University all enjoy the city as their backdrop. The lure of attending school in one of America's most famous nightlife destinations is obvious, and the warm weather and diverse cuisine make it an easy choice for thousands of students every year.

- Total score: 58.54
- Wallet friendliness rank: 204
- Social environment rank: 76
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 45

Phoenix may be notorious for its scorching heat, but that doesn't mean students of Grand Canyon University, the neighboring Arizona State University, and Arizona Christian University won't find much to love. The unique climate allows the Valley of the Sun to boast attractions such as the Desert Botanical Garden and Camelback Mountain. At the same time, students can also take advantage of the city's diverse culture. The Heard Museum has 12 galleries of Native American art and installations and an outdoor sculpture collection.

- Total score: 58.92
- Wallet friendliness rank: 259
- Social environment rank: 1
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 133

Home to the highly ranked Emory University and Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta also has a significant concentration of HBCUs, including Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Clark Atlanta University. The city is known for its nightlife and a relatively affordable cost of living. Students can fill their downtime with visits to museums and theaters, Underground Atlanta, and The King Center.

- Total score: 60.99
- Wallet friendliness rank: 176
- Social environment rank: 29
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 63

Raleigh, North Carolina, the state's quaint but vibrant capital, attracts students to several schools, including North Carolina State University, William Peace University, and HBCU Saint Augustine's University. The nearby Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill complete Research Triangle Park with NC State. Fayetteville Street and Glenwood South are popular among Raleigh locals for their bars and coffee shops, and the city's bus service is easy to navigate.

- Total score: 60.99
- Wallet friendliness rank: 161
- Social environment rank: 7
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 127

Two schools bring college students to Tampa, Florida: the main campus of the massive, public University of South Florida and the smaller, private University of Tampa. Warm weather year-round and a relatively low cost of living make the city a popular destination. Tampa is also a major cruise port and tourist destination, providing ample opportunities for those looking to enter the hospitality industry.

- Total score: 62.35
- Wallet friendliness rank: 164
- Social environment rank: 3
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 94

Orlando, Florida, is home to more than Walt Disney World and Universal Studios, though students who call the city home will find no shortage of theme parks. The city's schools include the University of Central Florida, Valencia College, and neighboring smaller institutions. Orlando is also an hour drive to beach towns like Cape Canaveral and Cocoa Beach—or you can opt to stick around and check out all the city has to offer from the vantage point of the Orlando Eye.

- Total score: 65.16
- Wallet friendliness rank: 191
- Social environment rank: 17
- Academic and economic opportunities rank: 14

It's no surprise that Austin, Texas, with its distinct counterculture, vibrant nightlife, hot culinary scene, and innumerable music venues, ranks as the best big college town in the United States. College students have taken notice: The University of Texas at Austin has more than 40,000 undergraduates alone. Add in grad students and those attending other schools in and around the area—including St. Edward's University and Huston-Tillotson University—and it's clear that Austin is a major college town.

Data reporting by Wade Zhou. Additional writing by Jill Jaracz. Story editing by Mike Taylor. Copy editing by Meg Shields. Photo selection by Clarese Moller and Elizabeth Ciano.