Austin takes top spot as the No. 1 best college town in America

Austin has once again topped an annual list comparing the best college towns in America for 2027, boosted by the city's wealth of local colleges and universities and the local economy.

Austin has outshined obvious contenders like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, for five years in a row in WalletHub's annual report, and it also tops the large cities list.

To determine the best college towns, WalletHub analyzed 415 cities based on their "wallet-friendliness," social environment, and academic and economic opportunities for college graduates. Cities are ranked overall, and are sorted into one of three population categories: large, midsize, and small cities.

The Texas capital city has the 15th best academic and economic opportunities for college students and graduates, and the 16th best social environment. WalletHub commends Austin for having one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation and the "34th-best annual job growth rate," while also offering students ample ways to "destress after class."