Dorm Life: Rent or Buy?

Coldwell Banker has released their annual index of college town affordability. While your average freshmen may be more worried about beer money than paying the mortgage, some families may consider buying a home for their student.

Particularly with the first-time buyer credit being extended into 2010, it may be something for undergrads and grad students to consider. The average four-bedroom home in Louisville, Ky., (shown) is just $198,721.

One of the great things about college towns is that they tend to be good, stable job markets, and you have the built in rental population of students who are going to be coming and going.

But not all college markets are cheap by any stretch.