Having lived there for 6 years while in school.
I'm Going to throw in Des Moines. Similar in size to Madison with a State Capital and several Universities, although not a top tier Big Ten University.
It has healthy growth, Jobs, diversity of housing and an decent Downtown with an affluent west end.
State Capitals have a bit a gravity pull in them naturally.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Des_Moines,_Iowa
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Madison,_Wisconsin