Report on the Best Big College Towns in America with Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Introduction

Every year, students across the United States face the critical decision of selecting a college, with numerous options ranging from large universities to small private schools, and locations from local to distant. The location of a school significantly influences this choice, particularly for those seeking the ideal college town experience. This report highlights the impact of colleges on local economies and communities, referencing a December 2024 article from the Chronicle of Higher Education, and presents a ranking of the 50 best big college towns in America based on WalletHub’s 2025 report.

Impact of Colleges on Local Communities and SDGs

• Colleges are often among the largest employers in their regions, supporting local economies (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth).
• Students and visiting families contribute to sustaining local businesses such as coffee houses and restaurants (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities).
• Challenges include rising rent costs, which affect housing affordability (SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities).
• Funding cuts to research institutions can negatively impact college town economies, highlighting the need for sustained investment in education and innovation (SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).

Methodology

Stacker identified the 50 best big college towns using WalletHub’s 2025 Best College Towns in America report, which evaluated 415 cities based on 31 metrics including housing cost, cost of higher education, city accessibility, crime rate, and median income of part-time workers. The metrics were categorized into wallet friendliness, social environment, and academic and economic opportunities. Cities with at least 300,000 residents and a university or college population of at least 7,500 students were considered.

Top Big College Towns in America

1. #50 Denver, Colorado

   Total score: 49.16

   • Wallet friendliness rank: 294
   • Social environment rank: 31
   • Academic and economic opportunities rank: 267

   Home to multiple universities including University of Colorado Denver and Regis University, Denver offers year-round outdoor activities and a robust public transit system (SDG 11). The city’s culinary scene reflects its student population, with the first-ever Chipotle located near the University of Denver.

2. #49 Baltimore, Maryland

   Total score: 49.22

   • Wallet friendliness rank: 252
   • Social environment rank: 143
   • Academic and economic opportunities rank: 214

   Baltimore hosts renowned institutions such as Johns Hopkins University and historically Black colleges like Morgan State University. The city offers rich history and diverse food markets, with strong STEM job opportunities encouraging graduates to remain locally (SDG 8, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities).

3. #48 Boston, Massachusetts

   Total score: 49.38

   • Wallet friendliness rank: 392
   • Social environment rank: 19
   • Academic and economic opportunities rank: 157

   Boston, the birthplace of higher education in the U.S., is home to 26 colleges including Berklee College of Music. The city supports a vibrant cultural scene and outdoor activities, fostering inclusive and sustainable urban life (SDG 11, SDG 4).

4. #47 Milwaukee, Wisconsin

   Total score: 49.44

   • Wallet friendliness rank: 160
   • Social environment rank: 125
   • Academic and economic opportunities rank: 298

   Milwaukee hosts the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and Marquette University. The city offers diverse cultural festivals and brewery tours, balancing economic opportunities with social inclusiveness (SDG 8, SDG 11).

5. #46 Honolulu, Hawaii

   Total score: 49.45

   • Wallet friendliness rank: 354
   • Social environment rank: 2
   • Academic and economic opportunities rank: 272

   Honolulu provides urban island living with access to beaches and cultural festivals such as the Aloha Festival. Educational institutions include Hawaii Pacific University and University of Hawaii at Manoa, supporting sustainable tourism and cultural preservation (SDG 11, SDG 14: Life Below Water).

6. #45 Chicago, Illinois

   Total score: 49.62

   • Wallet friendliness rank: 281
   • Social environment rank: 70
   • Academic and economic opportunities rank: 228

   Home to the University of Chicago and Northwestern University, Chicago offers diverse cultural and recreational opportunities, supported by a solid public transportation system (SDG 11, SDG 4).

7. #44 Indianapolis, Indiana

   Total score: 49.64

   • Wallet friendliness rank: 180
   • Social environment rank: 117
   • Academic and economic opportunities rank: 284

   Indianapolis hosts several universities and offers rich cultural districts, museums, parks, and sporting events, with ongoing improvements in public transit (SDG 11, SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being).

8. #43 New Orleans, Louisiana

   Total score: 49.72

   • Wallet friendliness rank: 242
   • Social environment rank: 71
   • Academic and economic opportunities rank: 262

   New Orleans is home to Tulane University and Xavier University of Louisiana, with a vibrant arts scene and strong sectors in tourism, energy, and health care (SDG 8, SDG 11).

9. #42 Tulsa, Oklahoma

   Total score: 49.97

   • Wallet friendliness rank: 127
   • Social environment rank: 138
   • Academic and economic opportunities rank: 294

   Tulsa combines small-town charm with metropolitan amenities, hosting several universities and industries in technology, manufacturing, energy, and aerospace, fostering economic growth and innovation (SDG 8, SDG 9).

10. #41 Corpus Christi, Texas

    Total score: 50.35

    • Wallet friendliness rank: 92
    • Social environment rank: 254
    • Academic and economic opportunities rank: 202

    Corpus Christi offers island living with Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, supporting coastal tourism and local businesses (SDG 11, SDG 14).

Summary of Additional Notable College Towns

• Riverside, California: Combines urban amenities with agricultural heritage, home to University of California, Riverside (SDG 2: Zero Hunger, SDG 11).
• Louisville, Kentucky: Hosts University of Louisville and Simmons College of Kentucky, with vibrant cultural and sports traditions (SDG 11, SDG 4).
• Omaha, Nebraska: Features multiple universities and a blend of urban and suburban living (SDG 11).
• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: Home to several universities and cultural institutions, supporting diverse economic sectors (SDG 8, SDG 11).
• Lexington, Kentucky: Known for college athletics and manufacturing job opportunities (SDG 8, SDG 4).
• Dallas, Texas: Hosts multiple universities and a vibrant arts district (SDG 11).
• Los Angeles, California: A large metropolitan area with numerous colleges and cultural opportunities (SDG 11, SDG 4).
• Virginia Beach, Virginia: Coastal city with strong maritime history and growing arts scene (SDG 11, SDG 14).
• Washington D.C.: Nation’s capital with diverse educational institutions and rich historical sites (SDG 4, SDG 11).
• Fort Worth, Texas: Hosts multiple universities and major corporate headquarters (SDG 8, SDG 9).
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Home to historic universities and major industries (SDG 8, SDG 4).
• San Antonio, Texas: Offers numerous higher education options and cultural attractions (SDG 11, SDG 4).
• Jacksonville, Florida: Port city with public and private universities, supporting transportation and financial sectors (SDG 8).
• Bakersfield, California: Agriculture and energy hub with educational institutions (SDG 2, SDG 7).
• Long Beach, California: Port city with limited educational institutions but abundant professional opportunities (SDG 8).
• Portland, Oregon: Known for sustainability, outdoor activities, and a strong job market (SDG 11, SDG 13: Climate Action).
• Cincinnati, Ohio: Combines urban infrastructure with green spaces and educational institutions (SDG 11).
• Mesa, Arizona: Suburb with access to Phoenix’s institutions and rich indigenous history (SDG 4, SDG 11).
• Tucson, Arizona: Home to University of Arizona and natural attractions (SDG 4, SDG 15: Life on Land).
• Houston, Texas: Energy sector hub with diverse universities (SDG 8).
• Minneapolis, Minnesota: Cultural center with parks and public transit (SDG 11).
• Henderson, Nevada: Thriving suburb with several colleges and outdoor lifestyle (SDG 3, SDG 11).
• Irvine, California: Access to top-ranked universities and outdoor recreation (SDG 4, SDG 11).
• Fresno, California: Urban and rural mix with agricultural heritage and award-winning winery (SDG 2, SDG 4).
• Charlotte, North Carolina: Financial hub with major universities and research opportunities (SDG 8, SDG 9).
• Nashville, Tennessee: Home to Vanderbilt University and HBCUs, with vibrant music and culinary scenes (SDG 4, SDG 11).
• Seattle, Washington: Large universities and tech industry presence, with cultural and recreational diversity (SDG 4, SDG 8).
• Columbus, Ohio: Hosts Ohio State University and vibrant neighborhoods (SDG 4, SDG 11).
• Albuquerque, New Mexico: Educational institutions and cultural events like the International Balloon Fiesta (SDG 4, SDG 11).
• Las Vegas, Nevada: University of Nevada, Las Vegas, with nightlife and hospitality jobs (SDG 8).
• San Diego, California: Nearly 30 colleges with beach culture and military presence (SDG 4, SDG 11).
• Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania: Home to Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh, with growing biotech and financial sectors (SDG 8, SDG 9).
• Sacramento, California: Limited higher education but growing cultural destination with affordable living (SDG 11).
• Miami, Florida: Hosts multiple universities with vibrant nightlife and diverse cuisine (SDG 4, SDG 11).
• Phoenix, Arizona: Universities and unique desert attractions with cultural diversity (SDG 4, SDG 11).
• Atlanta, Georgia: Home to Emory University, Georgia Tech, and several HBCUs, known for nightlife and affordability (SDG 4, SDG 10).
• Raleigh, North Carolina: Part of the Research Triangle with multiple universities and accessible public transit (SDG 4, SDG 11).
• Tampa, Florida: University of South Florida and University of Tampa with warm climate and cruise port (SDG 8, SDG 11).
• Orlando, Florida: Home to University of Central Florida and theme parks, with nearby beaches (SDG 8, SDG 11).
• Austin, Texas: Ranked #1 big college town, with University of Texas at Austin and vibrant cultural scene (SDG 4, SDG 11).

Conclusion

The ranking of big college towns in America reflects a balance of economic opportunities, social environments, and wallet friendliness, all of which contribute to sustainable urban development aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. These college towns not only provide quality education (SDG 4) but also foster inclusive communities (SDG 10), promote sustainable cities (SDG 11), encourage economic growth (SDG 8), and support innovation (SDG 9).

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.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • The article discusses colleges and universities across various cities, highlighting access to higher education and academic opportunities.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Colleges are noted as major employers in their regions, contributing to local economies.
   • There is mention of job opportunities for graduates, especially in STEM fields and other industries.
   • Economic opportunities and academic opportunities are ranked in the WalletHub report.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • The article discusses city accessibility, social environment, housing costs, and livability in college towns.
   • Public transit systems and urban amenities are mentioned as factors influencing the college town experience.
   • Recreational and cultural opportunities contribute to sustainable urban living.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • The article references Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in several cities, highlighting educational access for marginalized groups.
5. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Some cities have health sciences centers and medical programs, contributing to health education and services.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university.
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.3: Promote development-oriented policies that support productive activities, decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all women and men.
3. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all.
   • Target 11.3: Enhance inclusive and sustainable urbanization and capacity for participatory, integrated and sustainable human settlement planning.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all.
5. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection and access to quality essential health-care services.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 4 (Quality Education)
   • Number of students enrolled in higher education institutions in each city.
   • Access to diverse educational institutions including HBCUs and specialized colleges.
2. Indicators for SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth)
   • Colleges as largest employers in their regions (employment rates).
   • Median income of part-time workers in college towns.
   • Availability of job opportunities post-graduation, especially in STEM fields.
3. Indicators for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)
   • Housing cost and rent affordability in college towns.
   • City accessibility and public transit coverage.
   • Crime rates in the cities.
   • Social environment rankings reflecting livability and inclusiveness.
4. Indicators for SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
   • Presence and enrollment in HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions.
5. Indicators for SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)
   • Presence of health sciences centers and medical programs in college towns.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wsbradio.com