AIER Names State College, Pennsylvania, to Top 20 College Towns
State College, home to the Pennsylvania State University (affectionately known as Penn State), has been named No. 5 among the Top 20 College Towns by the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER).
AIER bases its rankings for State College on the area’s abundant educational and professional growth opportunities. The community’s economic and social prosperity is mainly due to Pennsylvania State University’s presence, making it the largest employer in the State College area. According to figures provided by the World Atlas, the university enrolls more than 46,000 students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 140 countries. Its online World Campus brings a Penn State education to more than 20,000 students across the globe.
The abundance of research and development opportunities here earned State College the nickname “Happy Valley,” alluding to its economic resiliency during the Great Depression in the United States. Compared to university towns in the Northeast like Ithaca or Princeton, State College boasts a significantly affordable cost of living. According to a Numbeo analysis, the rental price for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center stands at approximately $1,500 per month, compared to more than $2,000 per month in Princeton.
State College’s academic nucleus is surrounded by scenic beauty from its position near the center of the state. The Appalachian Mountains chain and the Nittany Valley provide dynamic recreational opportunities for residents and visitors.
For these reasons, the World Atlas has ranked State College as the best college town in Pennsylvania.