M-I-Z!

"Self-described as 'College Town USA,' Columbia is politically engaged, ranking fourth among the towns considered in terms of voter participation (71 percent). The University of Missouri, known as Mizzou, is the area’s largest employer with 12,000 full-time employees. It attracts scholars and professors from diverse fields, as one of the few schools with on-campus law, veterinary, and medical schools. Mizzou established the first school for journalism, which currently operates an NBC affiliate with the help of students. Another point of note: The campus contains the largest university research nuclear reactor in the country." -explanation of Mizzou's No. 12 ranking on the list of smartest college towns in America. Surprisingly placed one above good ole C-ville.

Check out the full list here.