WalletHub has released its new report on Best & Worst College Towns in America for 2026, as well as expert commentary. The City of Santa Ana did not fare well in the rankings. Santa Ana ranks No. 246 overall and No. 60 among large cities. For comparison’s sake, the City of Irvine was ranked #29.
This report is a follow-up to WalletHub’s College & University Rankings.
Student-Friendliness of Santa Ana (1=Best; 208=Avg.):
- 345th – Cost of Living for Young People
- 264th – % of Part-Time Jobs
- 245th – Change in Population Age 25+ With Bachelor’s Degree or Higher
- 227th – City Accessibility
- 202nd – Crime Rate
- 107th – % of Housing Units Rented & for Rent
- 226th – Students per Capita
- 157th – Unemployment Rate
Picking the right college is crucial, but it’s also important to make sure that the surrounding college town will be a place where you’ll truly love spending your college years. Towns with a low cost of living, plenty of activities and large student populations can make your college experience a lot less stressful and a lot more enjoyable. In addition, cities with a great economic environment can make it easier to get a job during or immediately after college.
Austin, TX holds the crown as the top college town of 2026. Austin has a great economic environment, with one of the lowest unemployment rates in the U.S. and the 27th-best annual job growth rate, allowing students to easily find work while in school or transition to a job immediately after. In addition, Austin has a very high number of attractions, sports clubs and shopping centers to help students destress after class. The city’s schools also enable students to pursue or watch Division 1 basketball, baseball, soccer and football, among other sports. On top of that, Austin ranks 18th in the nation for the quality of higher education among more than 400 cities in our study.
– Chip Lupo, WalletHub Analyst
Expert Commentary
In deciding which university to attend, how important is the surrounding city/town?
“As students apply to universities, the surrounding city / town is a very important area of consideration. Students, and their parents, often seek an urban, suburban, or rural location. Each has a different ‘feel’ to it. An urban location will feel quite different than a college-town feel where the local community is very connected to the institution. Be sure to find the right fit for you.”
Penny A. Pasque, Ph.D. – Professor, The Ohio State University
“The college choice process is complicated, as shown through decades of research documenting and theorizing the influences on the higher education decisions of students and families. Some of the foundational influences are students’ academic background and costs. Therefore, the importance of the city in which the college is situated may play out in different ways for different student subpopulations. For the students most sensitive to college expenses, such as low-income and many first-generation college students, the top influence of a city may be whether the student already lives there. Attending college locally gives some students the option of trimming room and board from their annual expenses and paying in-state tuition. For students with more options, such as higher income students and higher achieving students (regardless of income, if competitive for scholarships), a college’s geographic location may be a primary decision point if it drives the available majors at a particular university, offers work-based learning opportunities, and/or influences the social environment.”
Mark M. D’Amico, PhD – Professor of Higher Education, UNC Charlotte
How can local authorities make their cities/towns more appealing to both new students and potential residents?
“It is important for universities to have strong relationships with local legislators, business leaders, and first responders. It can be a mutually beneficial relationship. In fact, while there are private benefits for students who graduate college (e.g., higher salaries), there are public benefits, such as increased community engagement and public service, health benefits, greater number of start-up companies, and more. Mayors, Chamber of Commerce, police departments, etc. can be sure to connect with university officials as this relationship will go a long way toward ensuring a great relationship. We really do need each other in important ways.”
Penny A. Pasque, Ph.D. – Professor, The Ohio State University
“Perhaps the greatest benefits are seen when higher education institutions and cities engage in an almost symbiotic relationship. Many of those ways include a curriculum that is aligned with local and regional industries, public transportation that connects campus with the city, and when the best of what the city and college have to offer (e.g., the arts, athletics, community service) are viewed as benefiting both the permanent residents as well as those just residing during the academic year.”
Mark M. D’Amico, PhD – Professor of Higher Education, UNC Charlotte
What are the advantages and disadvantages of going to college in-state vs. out-of-state?
“In-state and out-of-state are great considerations that come up for many college students. Many students and parents stop at the ‘sticker shock’ of the cost of tuition. But, that cost is not always the actual cost. For example, in state tuition is always a benefit with state-schools. However, many private institutions, and out-of-state public/private institutions offer scholarships for merit, sport, or other areas. Don’t count out an institution until you have exhausted your financial options. In or out-of-state, be sure to consider the number of times you want to travel home to visit family because it’s a real cost.”
Penny A. Pasque, Ph.D. – Professor, The Ohio State University
“The financial implications are significant, which is why approximately three in four first-time college students attend in their home states. However, if a student is interested in an out-of-state program that is particularly suited to their aspirations, it may be worth seeing the financial package before making a final decision.”
Mark M. D’Amico, PhD – Professor of Higher Education, UNC Charlotte
More From WalletHub
- College & University Rankings
- Best & Worst Community Colleges
- Most & Least Educated Cities
- States With the Best & Worst School Systems