A recent WalletHub study compared more than 400 U.S. cities using dozens of student-life indicators. The scoring looks at affordability, the social scene, and academic and economic opportunity.
In the national ranking, Reno, Nevada landed at #8 overall. That puts the Biggest Little City in the same conversation as America’s most recognized college hubs. Even better, when WalletHub breaks results down by city size, Reno shines brighter still. In that midsize category, Reno ranks #2.
photo credit: VisitRenoTahoe.com
Why this matters: College-town rankings aren’t just bragging rights. They can influence where students apply, where families feel comfortable investing, and where graduates choose to launch their careers.
Reno, NV — An In-Depth Look at WalletHub’s #8 College Town
Reno sits at the foot of the Sierra Nevada and is home to the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR). Together, those two facts explain a lot about why Reno ranks so highly.
For students, the appeal is simple. You get a flagship university experience while staying close to the outdoors, downtown, and the broader Reno–Tahoe lifestyle.
A flagship campus with deep roots
Reno’s college experience is anchored by the University of Nevada, Reno. UNR is Nevada’s flagship public research university and a land-grant institution founded in 1874.
UNR’s campus is large, scenic, and close to the action. In fact, it sits just minutes from downtown Reno, making it easy for students to blend campus life with city life.
A student lifestyle that’s easy to plug into
A great college town needs more than classrooms. It needs community, and on that front, UNR delivers with 250+ clubs and organizations.
Students can also get involved through:
- Greek life and campus traditions
- Fitness programs, intramurals, and club sports
- Wolf Pack athletics and game-day energy
- Downtown and Midtown events, food, and local culture
As a result, it’s easier to find your people in Reno. And because the city attracts both in-state and out-of-state students, the social scene feels dynamic and well-rounded.
Affordability plus the Reno–Tahoe “bonus”
Affordability and lifestyle play a big role in Reno’s appeal. Compared with many college towns, Reno’s cost of living can feel more manageable, which matters for students and young professionals alike.
At the same time, Reno offers something many college towns can’t. You can enjoy live music, an art walk, or a coffee shop in Midtown and still be hiking, biking, or skiing in the Tahoe region shortly after.
Real opportunity after graduation
Reno isn’t just fun. It’s also growing, and the local economy supports internships and early-career jobs across several industries.
That mix helps students transition from campus to career. In other words, Reno can be a great place to study and a smart place to build a life.
Taken together, Reno’s academics, access to the outdoors, and quality-of-life perks help explain the ranking. That’s why WalletHub lists Reno as one of America’s top college towns.
In one sentence: Reno earns its top-10 college-town status by combining a flagship university, a strong campus community, and a Reno–Tahoe lifestyle that makes the “off-campus” part of college life genuinely special.
Bottom line: If you want a college town where you can study hard and still have a life, Reno belongs on the shortlist.
Sources: WalletHub “Best College Towns in America (2025)” study and methodology; University of Nevada, Reno official university information and campus life resources; VisitRenoTahoe.com. Rankings and criteria are compiled by third parties and may change over time.