In a report recently released by the American Institute for Economic Research (AIER)  Ann Arbor was ranked the second most desirable small metro college destination.
The College Destinations Index names the top 75 towns and cities in the United States for college students based on a statistical analysis of each location’s overall economic and academic environment, quality of life and employment opportunities.

Ann Arbor ranked 2nd due to high scores in student diversity, research capacity, and city accessibility.
The top small metros rankings are:
1. Boulder, CO
2. Ann Arbor, MI
3. Madison, WI
4. Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
5. Gainesville, FL.
6. Lincoln, NE
7. Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk, CT.
8. Trenton-Ewing, NJ
9. Lexington-Fayette, KY.
10. Fort Collins-Loveland, CO.
The other categories were major metro, mid-size metro and college towns.
Source: MLive