Report ranks Ellensburg among nation’s best college towns

A growing number of incoming college students — specifically, members of Gen Z — are showing their love for the Pacific Northwest, according to a new RentCafe.com report on the Best College Towns in the U.S.

The report, published March 17, shows four of the top 20 college towns in the country to be in Washington, Idaho, and Montana, including the top two overall (Bozeman, Montana, and Pullman, Washington).

Central Washington University’s home, Ellensburg, ranks No. 13 in the report, just six spots behind Moscow, Idaho, at No. 7. Ellensburg ranked as the sixth-best college town in the West, one spot ahead of San Luis Obispo, California (14th overall). Provo, Utah (8th), and Stanford, California (10th) also made the top 10 nationally.

The annual RentCafe.com report analyzed 235 college towns across 12 key metrics, revealing which ones offer the best mix of affordability, energetic student life, and quality education. The goal of the report was to “go beyond prestige to focus on what today's students truly value.” 

Natural beauty and access to outdoor recreation were common among this year’s top 20.

“The trend we noticed last year — beautiful destinations that offer proximity to nature, minimal pollution, and affordable good education — describes this year’s college towns, too.”  

Ellensburg received a total score of 94.21, while Bozeman — the winner for a second year in a row — earned a perfect score of 100. Among the metrics used to rate the 235 college towns were: tuition and fees; cost of living; ratio of arts, entertainment and recreation establishments; share of young adults aged 20-29; natural amenity scale; student-to-faculty ratio; and graduation rate.

Ellensburg’s highlights, as outlined in the survey results, included:

• CWU tuition is just $9,192 per year, nearly half the national average, while 90% of students receive financial aid, making it an affordable standout. 
• Ellenburg stood out for its appeal to Gen Zs and their core values, including beauty and health. The city ranked fourth in air quality and also excelled on the Natural Amenity Scale, thanks to its proximity to the Cascades and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. 
• Ellensburg represents the continuing trend of Western cities dominating the best college towns rankings, as they claim 10 out of the 25 spots. “It’s clear that Gen Z is trading ivy-covered buildings for mountain views, fresh air, and an active outdoor lifestyle,” the report said. 

Another Nod for Ellensburg

The City of Ellensburg recently added to its accolades when it was included on the list of 9 Most Hospitable Towns In Washington by WorldAtlas.com.

The article highlighted attractions like the Ellensburg Rodeo, the Kittitas County Historical Museum, Gallery One Visual Arts Center, Irene Rinehart Riverfront Park, and — of course — CWU.

“Central Washington University's presence significantly contributes to structured community events such as concerts, lectures, and athletic competitions,” the article states.

The nine towns that made the list appear in no particular order: Leavenworth, Poulsbo, Walla Walla, Ellensburg, Gig Harbor, Anacortes, Port Townsend, Bainbridge Island, and Mount Vernon.

Tying each of the towns together, the article explains how they are all connected despite being spread around the state — 60 miles north of Seattle to the southeast corner.

“Far from the crowds of Seattle or Spokane, you’ll find inviting storefronts where the proprietor knows your name by the second visit, and annual festivals where newcomers slip into the rhythm as if they’ve been attending for decades. … Hospitality isn’t a marketing slogan; it’s a legacy passed down through longtime shopkeepers, volunteer fire departments, and civic planners who built everything around the idea that people matter most.”