Looking for the USA’s Ultimate College Town?
According to a data analyst at the Washington Post, that distinction belongs to Alfred, N.Y.
Washington Post staff writer Andrew Van Dam defined the Ultimate College Town by ranking U.S. Census Urban Areas with the largest share of college students. Urban Areas follow population-density patterns, not municipal borders.
Home to both Alfred University and Alfred State College, students make up a remarkable 85% of the town’s population of roughly 4,500, the Post reported.
Van Dam, who writes the “Department of Data” column each week for the newspaper, described Alfred as “wedged into a hilly expanse of western New York, far enough from any city or landmark that its precise location is tough to describe.
“Alfred is defined by public Alfred State College and private Alfred University, which face off across its main street. If you go left at the town’s only stop light, you’re on one campus. Turn right, you’re on the other. Now that’s a college town.”
Van Dam called Alfred “the collegiest,” a term he coined.
Alfred is well ahead of second-place finisher Prairie View, Texas, home to Prairie View A&M University. The student share of Prairie View’s population is 78%.
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Officials: Rankings prove Alfred has ‘picture-perfect’ environment
Alfred University and Alfred State officials were thrilled to embrace the new honor, saying in a joint press release that, “Winning the number one national ranking for the Ultimate College Town proves that Alfred’s picture-perfect environment away from big city worries stands out among all other university and college towns in the country.”
Alfred Village Mayor Becky Prophet said Alfred is made up of “three…
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