Affordable Education Hubs: Top Wallet-Friendly College Towns
For the second consecutive year, a Texas city has emerged as the most budget-friendly college town in the United States, according to a recent ranking by WalletHub. However, this year, the crown has shifted from Edinburg to Brownsville, which has jumped from third place to claim the top spot.
Brownsville: A Hub of Affordability
Located at the southernmost tip of Texas, Brownsville is home to several colleges, including Texas Southmost College and Our Lady of the Lake University at Rio Grande Valley. With a median household income of around $47,000 and median gross rent of $872 per month, this city offers an attractive combination of affordability and educational opportunities.
A City for All Ages
Brownsville’s population of over 190,000 residents, nearly 30% of whom are under the age of 18, makes it an ideal location for families and retirees alike. The city’s colleges and universities also offer a range of cultural and educational activities, including concerts, art exhibits, and lecture series, which can be enjoyed by residents of all ages.
The Benefits of College Town Living
According to Mark Fabrizi, a secondary education professor at Eastern Connecticut State University, small towns with local colleges or universities can offer a more affordable cost of living due to the strong tax base of the local schools. Additionally, these towns often provide access to a range of cultural opportunities, which can enrich the lives of residents.
Cultivating Empathy and Understanding
Fabrizi also notes that engaging with the local community can have a profound impact on college students, helping them expand their worldview and cultivate empathy for others. By deliberately fostering personal interactions among individuals from diverse backgrounds, college towns can promote mutual understanding and empathy.
Top 10 Wallet-Friendly College Towns
WalletHub’s ranking analyzed 415 cities with a college or university population of at least 7,500 students, evaluating them across metrics such as housing costs, cost of higher education, and student loan debt per person. Here are the top 10 most wallet-friendly college towns in the United States:
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By considering these affordable education hubs, individuals can make informed decisions about their educational and career paths, while also enjoying the benefits of living in a vibrant college town community.
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