NYC Is Worst Large College City In U.S., Study Finds

NEW YORK CITY — Here's some advice for prospective students looking to give New York City the (literal) college try: don't.

Or so says a new study that found the Big Apple is the worst large college city in the U.S.

New York City ranked dead last among 66 large-size cities, according to the WalletHub study. It also ranked 387th out of 415 cities overall, the study found.

So, why did the city — home of NYU, Columbia University and innumerable other venerable institutions — fare so poorly? Cost.

"As student living expenses can reach over $30,000 for a 12-month period, students should try to find the most bang for their buck," the study states.

"That’s especially true during the current period of high inflation, as money is tight for many people. Therefore, it’s in students’ interest to live in a city with a reasonable cost of living, as well as one that provides good academic and work opportunities."

The study judged "student-friendliness" based on several factors, including cost of living for young people.

On that factor, New York City ranked 394th, according to the study.

It also ranked 371st on the unemployment rate, 294th for part-time jobs and 287th on students per capita.

And what city ranked the highest, both among large college towns and overall? Austin, Texas, according to the study.

Read the full study here.