Location, location, location.

Just as real estate value can often be calculated according to where the property is located, so too can higher education, according to the American Institute for Economic Research.

In a report released by the institute last week, Salt Lake City and Logan are being touted as two of the top destinations in the country for college students.

The 2009-2010 College Destinations Index categorizes more than 360 metropolitan statistical areas into four population groups: major metropolitan areas (with populations of 2.5 million or more), midsize metro areas (1 million to 2.5 million residents), small cities (250,000 to 1 million residents) and college towns (fewer than 250,000 residents) and ranks them based on immediately available cultural amenities, student population and diversity, job and internship prospects in the area, as well as other academic, social and economic factors.

"To determine the rankings, each city was assessed on the academic environment it provides, the quality of life it offers and the professional opportunities available to residents," said Kerry Lynch, AIER senior economist.

Utah's capital city landed at No. 6 among midsize metros, which puts it 21st in the country, while Cache County's star city ranks No. 13 among small college towns, and 68th nationally.

"I think this recognition especially rings true for anybody who has stepped foot on our campus," said USU spokesman John DeVilbiss. "No doubt, we are a great choice for students who want a genuine college town experience."

Free transportation and a large selection of restaurants and entertainment venues help to make Logan a desirable location, DeVilbiss said.

"The Logan area is also a legitimate lure for students following graduation," he said. "The city's highly educated work force is a strong appeal, which, in turn, attracts smaller companies and high-technology businesses to the valley. So not only is it a perfect place to attend college, it is also a great place to raise a family."

Authors of the report say its purpose is to help students consider location as one of the deciding factors, in addition to academics, sports programs and cost, of choosing where to go to school.

However, the index "isn't just for students and their parents," Keming Liang, AIER research associate said in a statement. "College administrators can use it to promote their schools, civic planners to tout the desirability of their community and business leaders to plan their next move."