3 Pennsylvania Towns Named the Best College Towns in America
A new study is out that looks at America’s college towns and ranks them to find the very best. Of course, in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, we have plenty of fantastic college towns, so it’s not a surprise that both states are on this list a few times.
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 Pennsylvania and New Jersey college towns are the best? Looking at Pennsylvania, Pittsburgh is the highest at No. 20. Looking further down the top 100, Bethlehem is No. 94 and Philadelphia is No. 95. Are you surprised by the picks? I feel that Philadelphia should be higher. When it comes to New Jersey, Princeton comes in at No. 11 on the tally. New Brunswick also appears inside the top 100 at No. 96. Find the full study via WalletHub.com here.