University of Minnesota: Photo Hugo90/Creative Commons

A recent report found that that Twin Cities ranks the ninth best major metropolitan area to attend college. The 2009-2010 College Destinations Index, compiled by the American Institute for Economic Research, ranked Minneapolis/St Paul high on strong academic environment, quality of life, and promising professional opportunity for college graduates. 

This year's index was based on 12 different measures from arts and leisure to enterpernual opportunities to student academic focus. More than 360 different metro areas were ranked based on population size. The Twin Cities fell into the same tier with other metro areas of more than 2.5 million people. The cities in this tier that ranked above the Twin Cities were: New York, San Francisco, Boston, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Los Angeles, Baltimore and San Diego.

Strong academic research and development, accessible public transportation, apartment affordability, large concentration of arts/entertainment establishments, and promising work-related opportunities for college students all came into play for the Twin Cities top index ranking.

A few noteworthy places to visit on the University of Minnesota campus:

• The TCF Bank Stadium: The brand-new home of the Minnesota Gophers football team just opened for the 2009 season. Tickets are currently sold out for the year, but tours are available. Get your driving directions, parking, and transportation info here.
• Dinkytown: The hub of U of M student life, this neighborhood has bars, restaurants, the Varsity Theatre music venue, and yep, even Bob Dylan's apartment. View an interactive map here.
• Frederick R. Weisman Art Museum: This striking architectural structure of stainless steel is almost as interesting to look at as the modern art inside. Located on the East Bank of the University of Minnesota campus.