Michigan Has the No. 2 Best College Town in America for 2023
A new study is out that looks at America’s college towns and ranks them to find the very best. Of course, here in Michigan, we have plenty of fantastic college towns, so it’s not a surprise that we’re on this list. In fact, we have the No. 2 city listed in the new study.
The list comes from WalletHub.com. “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,” they state in the study. “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 the next several years.”
They add, “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. As student living expenses can reach over $30,000 for a 12-month period, students should try to find the most bang for their buck. That’s especially true during the current period of high inflation, as money is tight for many people. Therefore, it’s in students’ interest to live in a city with a reasonable cost of living, as well as one that provides good academic and work opportunities. The ideal city should also provide a fun social environment to help students deal with the stress of college.”
So, which Michigan college town is the No. 2 in America? Ann Arbor. The city has a total score of 61.48 and is only behind Austin, Texas. Other Michigan cities on the tally include East Lansing at 142 (can we be higher, please?), Grand Rapids at 189, Kalamazoo at 223, Mt. Pleasant at 280, Ypsilanti at 300, Lansing at 384 and Flint at 415. Find the full study via WalletHub.com here.