Our Research
To find the best urban schools in America, we looked at several key features, including the size of the school and its location. We also compared other factors, such as their delivery formats, admissions process, and cost.
One of the most important factors to keep in mind is whether or not a school is accredited. Not only does accreditation confirm that a school offers a quality education and nationally-recognized degree programs, it also ensures that you can transfer your credits to another school if necessary. We’ve only included schools that have been accredited by one of several national or regional institutions, such as the Higher Learning Commission or the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
- 30 hours to write this article
- 72 universities and colleges we assessed
- 118 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Best Urban Colleges In America
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What You Should Know About Urban Colleges
Colleges located in cities are more diverse. While the college population as a whole is becoming more racially and culturally diverse (at least 45.2 percent of undergraduates are students of color), urban colleges are more likely to attract a diverse range of students, including international students. In addition, cities are more likely to have a multicultural population, which is reflected in its music, food, and cultural events.
The whole city is your campus. While college towns may spring up around a single college, some cities have dozens of colleges that are spread out across the city and overlap with one another. For example, Boston has over 35 colleges and 152,000 students in the city. This may make it easier to meet students from other colleges or take an exchange class.
You don’t have to live on campus. Urban colleges are often more accessible to commuter students because they make it easier to commute to classes on public transit. As many as 87 percent of college students are commuters, and some colleges, like the City University of New York, specifically cater to these students.
What’s Next?
Choosing the right urban college for you and deciding on the best way to live in or commute to the city can be a long process. By researching your options in advance, you’ll find it easier to navigate the admissions process. Here are some of the most important things to consider:
- Decide on whether to study in-state or out-of-state. Some prospective students start by researching colleges, while others start by deciding on the city or region they want to live in. If you plan to live at home, then start by researching colleges near you. Keep in mind that tuition rates can vary widely depending on whether or not you’re a resident of the state, but some schools extend in-state tuition rates to neighboring states.
- Consider safety. Cities often have higher crime rates than college towns, but many colleges have their own campus security departments. Some colleges even offer programs to give students a “safe ride home” if they stay out late at night. Before deciding on a college, look into campus crime rates and decide whether you’ll feel comfortable walking around the city on your own.
- Research housing costs. Housing can be more expensive in major cities, which is why many students commute to college. Still, if you decide to live in the city, you have options. An off-campus house or apartment may be cheaper than paying for a dorm room. It may also allow you to opt out of a meal plan, which is often mandatory for on-campus students.
- Make the most of student discounts. Being a student in a big city can give you the opportunity to visit museums and attend cultural events that aren’t available at home. But these costs can add up, so be sure to find out what discounts are available for students. For example, some cities and colleges offer reduced-price transit passes for eligible students.