Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
Edinburg, the home of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, has secured the coveted title of the most budget-friendly college town, as revealed by WalletHub’s comprehensive study on “America’s Best College Towns and Cities.” To identify these affordable college havens, WalletHub meticulously assessed 415 cities, spanning a spectrum of sizes, all boasting a substantial college or university population of at least 7,500 students. The ranking was determined by considering multiple factors, encompassing housing expenses, monthly fitness club membership fees, the average cost of pizza, burgers, movies, and bowling, along with the cost of pursuing higher education.
Situated in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas, Edinburg, with its population of more than 100,000 stands out as an oasis of affordability. Recent Census data reveals that nearly 30% of its residents are under the age of 18. The median household income in this vibrant community hovers around $53,000, while the median rent remains quite reasonable, at approximately $850.
“We are immensely proud of the collaborative efforts put forth by UTRGV and our vibrant community that have contributed to Edinburg’s recognition as the ‘Most Affordable College Town’ in the country,” Mayor Ramiro Garza Jr. said. “Edinburg is a place where accessible education and a high quality of life intersect, and we look forward to welcoming students and residents alike to experience the exceptional value our city offers. This recognition is a testament to the strong relationship between our university and the City of Edinburg.”
Remarkably, Texas makes a strong showing on WalletHub’s list of wallet-friendly college towns, with several other cities also claiming spots among the top contenders. Brownsville secured the third spot, while McAllen and Nacogdoches claimed the fifth and sixth positions, respectively. Killeen rounded out the Texas presence by securing a commendable ninth place.
Here, we unveil the cream of the crop—the most affordable college cities and towns, as recognized by WalletHub:
| 1 | Edinburg, TX – University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley |
| 2 | Brookings, SD – South Dakota State University |
| 3 | Brownsville, TX – University of Texas, Rio Grande Valley |
| 4 | Logan, UT – Utah State University |
| 5 | McAllen, TX – South Texas College |
| 6 | Nacogdoches, TX – Stephen F. Austin State University |
| 7 | Oxford, OH – Miami University |
| 8 | Rexburg, ID – Brigham Young University, Idaho |
| 9 | Killeen, TX – Texas A&M University, Central Texas |
| 10 | Statesboro, GA – Georgia Southern University |
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