“AIER [American Institute for Economic Research] has released its annual College Destinations Index (CDI), a quantitative ranking of the 75 best towns and cities to live in if you’re a college student. The locations were chosen from an analysis of the 222 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) with student populations of 15,000 or more. The Institute is also simultaneously publishing the first edition of a new companion guide – 2010-2011 College Destinations – a four-color booklet that ranks all 222 MSAs, profiling the top 40 locations – ten in each of four population categories – and what they have to offer. The College Destinations Index goes beyond standard college and university rankings, which typically focus on the schools themselves, including cost, academics and athletic programs. Instead, the CDI analyzes the areas in which the schools are located, including the overall academic environment, quality of life, such as cost of living and arts and leisure activities, and professional opportunities.”