Tempe, Arizona, Named 6th Best College City in the U.S.
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A new report from WalletHub ranks Tempe, Arizona, as the 6th best college city in the nation. The comprehensive study evaluated over 400 cities based on cost of living, social environment, and academic opportunities, offering a valuable resource for prospective students and their families.
Tempe and Phoenix Shine in National Ranking
According to the report, Tempe secured the No. 6 overall position, while nearby Phoenix followed closely at No. 12. This demonstrates the strength of Arizona’s metropolitan areas as hubs for higher education. WalletHub’s methodology considered key components such as the quality of higher education and student life to determine each city’s ranking.
Breaking Down Tempe’s Success
While Tempe isn’t the most wallet-friendly option for students – ranking at No. 189 in that category – it excels in other crucial areas. The city achieved a strong No. 34 ranking in social environment and No. 55 in academic and economic opportunities, contributing to an overall score of 59.4.
“Tempe might not be one of the best cities for student pocketbooks, but the city has loads of social, educational and academic opportunities to offer,” the report states. Downtown Tempe’s vibrant atmosphere, filled with restaurants, festivals, and a thriving nightlife, undoubtedly contributes to its high ranking in social environment.
Phoenix: A Solid Choice for College Students
Although Phoenix didn’t reach the same heights as Tempe, its No. 12 overall ranking is still noteworthy. Out of 415 cities analyzed, Phoenix achieved a score of 57.38, with rankings of No. 203 in wallet friendliness, No. 66 in social environment, and No. 57 in academic and economic opportunities. The close proximity of Tempe and Phoenix – roughly a 20-minute drive apart – likely explains their similar rankings, with Tempe’s social scene appearing to be a differentiating factor.
Arizona State University Leads the Way
Arizona State University (ASU) is the sole college located within Tempe, and WalletHub’s report identifies it as the best college for students in the city. ASU’s presence extends to downtown Phoenix, bolstering the capital’s ranking as a desirable college town. The longstanding rivalry between ASU and the University of Arizona in Tucson is reflected in Tucson’s lower ranking at No. 42.
Other Arizona Colleges Contribute to the State’s Higher Education Landscape
Beyond ASU and the University of Arizona, Arizona boasts a diverse range of higher education institutions, including:
- Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff
- Grand Canyon University in Phoenix
- Arizona Christian University in Phoenix
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott
- Prescott College in Prescott
These institutions collectively contribute to Arizona’s growing reputation as a state committed to higher learning.
