Madison, lauded as the top college sports town in the country and home to a nationally-ranked university, was recently ranked third among its peers as a top college destination.

In a study done by the firm Collegia, cities all over the United States were statistically and methodologically studied to find the top fifteen best college destinations for students. The study primarily focused on student population, city attributes and lifestyles, but took into account other factors such as educational attainment, unemployment, health care, nightlife and spectator sports. Madison scored high in all areas, although Boulder, Colo. won the top spot.

Madison was ranked in a group of cities with populations under 1 million and that are home to nationally-ranked universities, and came as a close runner-up to Boulder and Bloomington, Ind.

This study differs from other studies in that it focused on factual data rather than students’ opinions, claiming that students are now realizing that where they begin their college experience is also where they may begin their career.

The study’s director said the location of the school and the resources that lie just beyond the campus are becoming increasingly important factors in prospective students’ educational decisions.

“Colleges are ranked, but our study defines what it is about a city that is important to students,” Collegia program director Viola Morse said.

A UW spokesman said that although the study does not look directly at UW-Madison, its results can help to attract new students.

“If it’s positive for the city, it’s positive for the school,” UW spokesman John Lucas said.

The UW considers results of such studies and rankings, but as Lucas noted, UW staff “take them with a grain of salt. It certainly doesn’t hurt, but we try not to take them too seriously.”

Morse suggested that the study, while helpful to prospective students, could also be a tool for city directors. The study reflects the strengths and weaknesses of a city in comparison to the other cities in its category, which could allow communities to see if there is a need to address issues or commend projects that have done well for the city.

Melanie Conklin, communications director for Mayor Dave Cieslewicz, said this study further proves a solid connection between UW and the city of Madison.

“This is a good sign. This is further proof that the quality of the UW and the quality of life in Madison are tied,” Conklin said.

Conklin said the best result of this study is that it shows the city has a great school, but also demonstrates how Madison is a city that students should want to remain in to live and contribute to the community.

“We’ll have to work on unseating Boulder and Indiana; we want to be number one!” Conklin said.