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.
UTRGV President.
Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
“When you combine UTRGV’s affordable price of attendance and the bonus of being located in the country’s most affordable college towns it is a win-win for our students and communities,” UTRGV President Guy Bailey said. “We strive to be one of the best value schools in the country, as we work toward an increasingly prosperous future for our main campuses in Brownsville and Edinburg.”
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.
Mayor of Edinburg.
Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
“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.
President of Edinburg EDC and Sr. VP of Government and Community Relations at UTRGV.
Photo by Roberto Hugo Gonzalez
“When choosing where to live, people seek affordability and quality of life, and the Valley offers both. That’s why Edinburg, Brownsville and McAllen were in the top 10. It goes without saying that UTRGV is a large contributor to the remarkable growth the Valley has experienced and with the expansion of sports and academic programs and the addition of a medical school, a cancer center, a marching band and much more, the appeal of this region is only expected to grow.” said Veronica Gonzales, president of Edinburg Economic Development Corporation and Sr. VP of Government and Community Relations at UTRGV.
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 |
