Morgantown has been named one of the 20 top college towns in the United States by the American Institute for Economic Research.

The Institute used 12 measures, ranging from student concentration to unemployment rate in compiling its College Destinations Index rankings. Morgantown came in 19th among college towns.

“The City of Morgantown is very proud of this ranking. It reflects the great University community we have here. It is also a reflection of the cooperative way in which the city and WVU interact,” Mayor Bill Byrne said. “Together we have been working hard to make this a great place to live, study, work and enjoy a vibrant University community life. This ranking is a measure of our shared success.”

With a Metropolitan Statistical Area population of 116,566, Morgantown has a student concentration of 177 students per capita.

The institute reports that 40 percent of the population of 25-34 year olds hold a bachelor’s degree or higher; the average rent of a two-bedroom apartment is $602; income per capita is $31, 439; and the unemployment rate is 4.9 percent.

Morgantown was also cited for its entrepreneurial activity. The city experienced a net increase in total number of business establishments per capita of 24.

“The fact that Morgantown was named a top 20 college town by this prestigious association should be a great source of pride for all of us,” said WVU President James P. Clements.

“It speaks to a great quality of life here – from providing a stimulating learning environment and a place where education, research and development thrives….to having wonderful arts, recreational and entertainment options and plenty of professional and entrepreneurial opportunities.

“I would say Morgantown is truly becoming a destination of choice,” Clements said.

More information is available at http://aier.org .

-WVU-

cw/09/11/09

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