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Great College Destinations: Midsized Metropolitan Cities (1 to 2.5 Million Residents)

List produced by the Experts more info

  • 1. San Jose/Palo Alto, CA
  • 2. Austin, TX
  • 3. Pittsburgh, PA
  • 4. Raleigh, NC
  • 5. Salt Lake City, UT
  • 6. Portland, OR
  • 7. Nashville, TN
  • 8. Columbus, OH
  • 9. Grand Rapids, MI
  • 10. Milwaukee, WI
  • 11. Cincinnati, OH
  • 12. Buffalo, NY
  • 13. New Orleans, LA
  • 14. Cleveland, OH
  • 15. Kansas City, KS
  • 16. San Antonio, TX
  • 17. Indianapolis, IN
  • 18. Rochester, NY
  • 19. Hartford, CT
  • 20. Orlando, FL

Source: American Institute for Economic Research, 2016 College Destinations Index

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About This List

According to the American Institute for Economic Research, these are the best midsized metropolitan cities for college students. Ratings are based on social or cultural factors including cost of rent, city accessibility, arts and entertainment, culture, bars and restaurants, diversity, and cost of living minus rent, and four work opportunities: youth unemployment, percent of residents who are college-educated, economic activity, and workers in technology.

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