San Antonio, October 23, 2025
News Summary
San Antonio has achieved the No. 21 spot in WalletHub’s latest ranking of the best large college towns in America for 2026, marking an improvement from its previous ranking in 2024. The report evaluated 415 cities based on factors like wallet-friendliness and social environment. Although it ranked No. 65 overall, its nightlife, economy, and opportunities for sports enthusiasts played significant roles in its recognition. Austin retains the top spot for the fourth consecutive year, with several other Texas cities also in the top 100.
San Antonio Recognized in WalletHub’s List of Best Large College Towns for 2026
San Antonio has been named the No. 21 best large college town in America for 2026, according to the latest annual report from WalletHub. This recognition places San Antonio among the top college cities in the nation, demonstrating an improvement of eight spots from its 2024 ranking. The report evaluated a total of 415 cities across the country and assessed various criteria, including “wallet-friendliness,” the social environment, and the availability of academic and economic opportunities for recent college graduates.
WalletHub categorized cities into three groups based on their population sizes: large cities (those with more than 300,000 residents), midsize cities (those with 125,000 to 300,000 residents), and small cities (those with fewer than 125,000 residents). San Antonio achieved an overall rank of No. 65 on WalletHub’s complete list. The report highlights the city’s diverse nightlife, thriving economy, and ample opportunities for sports enthusiasts as key factors contributing to its favorable ranking.
In terms of specific metrics, San Antonio ranked 56th for “wallet-friendliness” among U.S. cities. It was perceived to have the 84th best social environment in the country but fell to No. 305 when it came to “academic and economic opportunities.” These rankings reflect the challenges and opportunities available for students in the city.
The top contender in the college town rankings remains Austin, which has secured the No. 1 position for the fourth consecutive year. Other Texas cities that made the top 100 include College Station at No. 45, Houston at No. 67, Fort Worth at No. 89, and Plano at No. 91. For large city rankings, Houston is positioned at No. 22, Fort Worth at No. 27, Corpus Christi at No. 35, Dallas at No. 43, El Paso at No. 46, and Arlington at No. 57. A total of 68 cities qualified in the large city category for the rankings, demonstrating a competitive landscape among urban centers.
Additionally, San Marcos stands out as the No. 51 best small college town in the United States, further illustrating the appeal of Texas as a favorable location for students. WalletHub’s analysis utilized 31 metrics taken from over 400 cities to pinpoint the most favorable conditions for students, ranging from cost of living to availability of social activities.
Overall, San Antonio’s rise in WalletHub’s rankings not only reflects on its current standing as a desirable location for college students but also emphasizes its continuous growth and development as a vibrant urban center that appeals to young adults and graduates alike.
| Ranking Category | Ranking |
|---|---|
| Overall Rank | No. 65 |
| Wallet-Friendliness | No. 56 |
| Social Environment | No. 84 |
| Academic/Economic Opportunities | No. 305 |
What is the overall rank of San Antonio as a college town for 2026?
San Antonio achieved an overall rank of No. 65 in WalletHub’s complete list.
How has San Antonio’s ranking changed from the previous year?
San Antonio moved up eight spots from its 2024 ranking.
What factors are considered for ranking college towns in WalletHub’s report?
Factors include “wallet-friendliness,” social environment, and academic and economic opportunities for college graduates.
Which Texas city holds the top position as the best college town?
Austin remains the No. 1 best college town for the fourth consecutive year.
What is notable about the city of San Marcos in this report?
San Marcos is noted as the No. 51 best small college town in the U.S.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Corpus Christi and San Antonio Rank Among Most Boring Cities
Additional Resources
- CultureMap San Antonio
- Wikipedia: College Town
- CultureMap Austin
- Google Search: Best College Towns 2026
- Stacker
- Google Scholar: College Towns in America
- Texas Highways
- Encyclopedia Britannica: San Marcos Texas
- Southern Living
- Google News: Bryan Texas
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
