Washington Post Analysis Rates Potsdam Among Top 10 Ultimate College Towns in Country
Potsdam, N.Y., has been named the No. 7 ultimate college town in America by the Washington Post, in recognition of the high percentage of college students who make up the local population.
Potsdam, N.Y., was recognized as the seventh “collegiest college town” in America in a new Washington Post ranking. As home to both SUNY Potsdam and Clarkson University, our historic hometown was named in the top 10 ultimate college towns in the country, based on the high percentage of college students calling it home (when class is in session).
Based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau, the Washington Post analyzed urban areas across the country to find those where college students made up the largest percentage of residents. With college students making up 59.8 percent of the Potsdam population (from 2017 to 2021), the town was one of four in New York to make the top 10 list, as follows:
1. Alfred, N.Y. (84.6%)
2. Prairie View, Texas (77.8%)
3. Slippery Rock, Pa. (67.3%)
4. Cedarville, Ohio (67%)
5. Oxford, Ohio (62.3%)
6. Air Force Academy, Colo. (59.9%)
7. Potsdam, N.Y. (59.8%)
8. Hamilton, N.Y. (59.7%)
9. Geneseo, N.Y. (58.8%)
10. Athens, Ohio (55.9%)
Down the road, neighboring Canton, N.Y. (home to SUNY Canton and St. Lawrence University), was rated No. 18 on the same list, with the college student share of its population coming in at 49.5 percent.
To learn more about historic downtown Potsdam and the North Country region, visit www.potsdam.edu/about/location.
About SUNY Potsdam:
Founded in 1816, The State University of New York at Potsdam is one of America’s first 50 colleges—and the oldest institution within SUNY. Now in its third century, SUNY Potsdam is distinguished by a legacy of pioneering programs and educational excellence. The College currently enrolls approximately 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Home to the world-renowned Crane School of Music, SUNY Potsdam is known for its challenging liberal arts and sciences core, distinction in teacher training and culture of creativity. To learn more, visit www.potsdam.edu.
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