Brookings Makes Top 10 List of Best Midwest College Towns

If you've ever visited the city of Brookings, you already know what a nice place it is. It is home to SDSU, of course, but also the Children's Museum of South Dakota, McCrory Gardens, Nick's Burgers, and more!

But where does it stand in comparison to all the college towns in the Midwest?

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It stands pretty tall, according to a RentCafe study. Brookings has been ranked the Number 9 best college town in the Midwest in RentCafe’s 2025 Best College Towns in the U.S. report.

RentCafe is a nationwide apartment search website and housing research blog that helps renters find available apartments. Their data sources included the U.S. Census Bureau, National Center for Education Statistics, and more.

This list places Brookings ahead of all other college towns in South Dakota and in the neighboring states of Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, and North Dakota.

In addition to that honor, Brookings came in 29th on the nationwide list of Best College Towns in the U.S.

RentCafe analyzed over 300 college towns with populations between 10,000 and 300,000, where students represent at least 10% of residents.

Twelve key indicators were used to assess the towns, including cost of living, tuition, graduation rates, air quality, entertainment options, and natural amenities.

Brookings also scored highly due to the abundance of cultural and entertainment venues, ranking in the top 10 nationally in that category, along with excellent air quality and affordable tuition and fees.

“Brookings is a vibrant and welcoming community where college students can easily find their niche. Whether it’s enjoying the many activities on campus or spending time at their favorite local hangout, students are drawn in by the strong campus/community vibe they feel throughout town.”- - -Visit Brookings Executive Director Laura Schoen Carbonneau 

To see the complete study of the Best College Towns in the U.S., go to RentCafe.

Source: RentCafe