The Best College Towns in Texas for 2025: Wallet-Friendly Choices!

Affordable college lifestyle

The Best College Towns in Texas for 2025: Wallet-Friendly Choices!

Choosing a college isn’t just about what you want to study; it’s also about where you’ll call home for the next four years. A recent report from WalletHub reveals treasured insights on the best college towns across the U.S. for 2025. This isn’t just a ranking of schools, but also a look at wallet-friendliness, vibrant social scenes, and job opportunities in the area. WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo highlights the significance of a low cost of living, plentiful activities, and a large student presence in making the college experience much more enjoyable and less stressful.

So, what does this mean for students in Texas? Let’s dive in!

Top Large Cities for College Students

Leading the pack as not only the best large city for college students but also the top overall choice is the vibrant city of Austin. Home to renowned institutions like the University of Texas at Austin, Concordia University, and St. Edward’s University, this city offers a fantastic environment for students. Not only does it boast a low unemployment rate, but it’s also rich in potential job opportunities as students transition into their careers.

In-state tuition averages around $30,138, but what’s great about Austin is there’s always something happening! From thrilling NCAA Division 1 sporting events to an eclectic shopping scene and beautiful natural parks, this city makes sure that when students aren’t studying, they have a plethora of things to do and see. Austin truly brings the ultimate college experience to life.

Following Austin in the rankings are:

№ 21 – Houston
№ 29 – San Antonio
№ 31 – Fort Worth
№ 35 – Dallas
№ 41 – Corpus Christi
№ 51 – El Paso
№ 55 – Arlington

Mid-Sized Texas Cities for College Experience

If larger cities feel a bit overwhelming, there are plenty of charming mid-sized towns to explore. Here’s a quick rundown of the top mid-sized Texas cities that made the list:

№ 18 – Plano
№ 26 – Killeen
№ 32 – McAllen
№ 34 – Carrollton
№ 39 – Pasadena
№ 40 – Lubbock
№ 45 – Laredo
№ 47 – McKinney
№ 48 – Brownsville
№ 49 – Denton
№ 50 – Amarillo
№ 52 – Waco
№ 56 – Irving
№ 76 – Garland
№ 78 – Grand Prairie
№ 112 – Abilene
№ 115 – Mesquite

Discovering Small Texas Cities for College Life

For those inclined towards a quieter college experience, several small towns in Texas made the cut as well. Leading the charge is College Station, which ranks an impressive № 4 on the small cities list. Also worth considering:

№ 40 – San Marcos
№ 45 – Bryan
№ 93 – Pearland
№ 101 – Richardson
№ 103 – Wichita Falls
№ 108 – Tyler
№ 128 – Edinburg
№ 144 – Nacogdoches
№ 149 – San Angelo
№ 155 – Beaumont
№ 157 – Huntsville

So whether you’re heading to a booming large city like Austin, exploring mid-sized opportunity-rich areas, or enjoying the comforts of small-town living in College Station, there’s a perfect college town waiting for you in Texas. Remember, it’s not just about the school—it’s also about the experience and opportunities that come along with it.