Brookings makes top 10 list for best college towns in Midwest

April 14, 2025

Brookings makes top 10 list for best college towns in Midwest

South ��ֱ�� State University students enjoy coffee and conversation at Kool Beans Coffee and Roasterie in downtown Brookings.

Story by Layna Tuchtenhagen

Brookings has been ranked the No. 9 best college town in the Midwest in RentCafe’s 2025 Best College Towns in the U.S. report.

The recognition places Brookings ahead of all other college towns in South ��ֱ�� and in neighboring states of Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska and North ��ֱ��.

Nationwide, Brookings placed 29th on the list of Best College Towns in the U.S.

The annual RentCafe report emphasizes student-centered factors, evaluating cities based on affordability, quality of life and access to amenities that enhance the college experience.

To create the list, RentCafe analyzed over 300 U.S. 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 scored highly thanks to its 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. Tuition at South ��ֱ�� State University is nearly half the national average, and most students receive grants or scholarships, lowering the overall cost of attendance.

"South ��ֱ�� State is more than a place to receive a quality education; it’s a safe, student-centered community where every individual is supported and valued,” said Kimberly Grieve, SDSU interim associate vice president for student affairs and special assistant to the vice president. “We are proud of the strong partnership we have built with the city of Brookings, which truly enhances the student experience both on and off campus.”

Community leaders agree.

“Brookings is a vibrant and welcoming community where college students can easily find their niche,” Visit Brookings Executive Director Laura Schoen Carbonneau said. “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.”

An affordable cost of living also draws students to Brookings.

“When looking at the cost of living in Brookings compared to the national average (100), Brookings comes in at a 98.1 cost-of-living index, meaning Brookings has a lower cost of living. This calculation takes into consideration the cost of six major categories: grocery items, housing, utilities, transportation, health care, and goods and services,” said Stephanie Mason, Brookings Economic Development Corporation vice president of economic development. “Additionally, when comparing the cost-of-living index in Brookings to similar surrounding communities, we have a lower average cost of living.”

RentCafe is a nationwide apartment search website and housing research blog that helps renters find available apartments while also offering market insights. The site is operated by Yardi Systems Inc., a leading provider of property management software. Data sources include the U.S. Census Bureau, National Center for Education Statistics, Environmental Protection Agency and more.

View RentCafe’s list of online.