So much goes into the decision of where to attend college. Among the considerations is where the student thinks he or she will feel comfortable: at a college in a small town, or at a university in a big city.

To help would-be students with their decision, last year the website Preply revied stacks of statistics regarding crime, affordability and other factors that make a difference for someone choosing to spend a few years in a particular city while they pursue their degree.

Smaller towns are often safer and more affordable than big cities, the website concluded, and often the relationship between the school and the rest of the population is closer.

The best small college towns in America are:

1. Ann Arbor, Michigan
2. St. Charles, Missouri
3. Newark, Delaware
4. La Crosse, Wisconsin
5. Grand Forks, North Dakota
6. Rochester, Minnesota
7. Clemson, South Carolina
8. West Lafayette, Indiana
9. Asheville, North Carolina
10. Auburn, Alabama