undefined

Corvallis ranks No. 4 in survey of nation's best college cities and towns

A WalletHub survey of 280 college towns lauded Corvallis for the job market, cost of living and quality of education. WalletHub, which produces an endless list of such surveys, bills itself as a financial minded social network. The survey also looked at crimes rates and night life. Among large cities, Seattle ranked 8th and Portland 13th.

Don't Edit

No. 1: Oxford, Ohio, home of Miami University

Oxford, Ohio, ranked first for "opportunities," measured by such factors as earning potential for college-educated employees, unemployment and job growth rates.

Don't Edit

No. 2: State College, Pennsylvania, home to Penn State University

College Station ranked high for its "youth-oriented environment,' measured by factors such as the number of students per capita and cafes, shopping center, sports clubs and nightlife options.

Don't Edit

The Associated Press

No. 3: Chapel Hill, N.C., home to the University of North Carolina

Dr. Fred Eshelman cuts a cake at the university formed to resemble a school landmark after announcing a $100 million donation. Chapel Hill ranked high both for the youth-oriented culture and employment opportunities.

Don't Edit

Terry Richards | The Oregonian

No. 4: Corvallis, home to Oregon State University

The view from Chip Ross Park overlooking Corvallis. The city ranked well for those who like to get around by walking and biking. The worst college towns were Yonkers, N.Y.; Bridgeport, Connecticut; North Las Vegas, Nevada; Miramar, Florida; and Springfield, Mass.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

The Associated Press

No. 5: College Station, Texas, home of the Aggies

Although known for its football culture, College Station also ranked high for the earning potential for college graduates and the local job market.

Don't Edit

The Associated Press

No. 6: Laramie, Wyoming, home to the University of Wyoming

Western culture comes to life in Laramie, Wyoming. At left, a server delivers "The Wyoming Whiskey What?!?" cocktails during last month's the Wyoming Whiskey Bartender Shootout at the Cowboy Saloon. Contestants were required to make a round for the judges and an equal round to be sampled by others.

Don't Edit

The Associated Press

No. 7: San Luis Obispo, California, home to California Polytechnic State University

Situated about midway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Luis Obispo offers a mix of California culture as well as a beautiful natural setting. At left, bicyclists use the Bob Jones trail. Cal Poly, as it is known, has about 20,000 students.

Don't Edit

The Associated Press

No. 8: Stillwater, Oklahoma, home to Oklahoma State University

Oklahome State University hosts an October debate between U.S. Senate candidates Connie Johnson and James Lankford, right. The university is the center of much of the city's cultural life.

Don't Edit

Associated Press

No. 9: Bozeman, Montana, home to the University of Montana

Bozeman, Montana, is known as an outdoor destination, with nearby skiing, hiking and fishing, but is also a cultural center. At left, a bronze cowboy sculpture by J.C. Dye earns a prime spot at the Tierney Fine Art gallery.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

The Associated Press

No. 10: East Lansing, Michigan, home to Michigan State University

There's more to midwest college sports than football and basketball. At left, Michigan State's Matt DeBlouw (19) checks Minnesota's Connor Reilly into the boards during a Dec. 5 NCAA hockey game in East Lansing, Mich.