The colleges’ location is significant for international students. It is related to the experience of the whole student life. Because it’s related to a number of factors, such as the cost of living, employment opportunities, campus security, and surrounding entertainment, so choosing a college with a location that after your own heart is very important. Urban colleges in the United States provide a vibrant academic environment. International students can have a diverse cultural experience and quickly access city facilities. These colleges often promote innovation, creativity and teamwork. Students at City University benefit significantly from social and career opportunities. Next, I will introduce the TOP 20 urban colleges in US.
Difference between Urban Colleges and City Colleges
Urban colleges located in the city, and the surrounding environment is bustling, with convenient transportation, employment, and social opportunities. Columbia University, for example, is located in the centre of Manhattan, New York, close to Wall Street, Broadway, the United Nations headquarters and other places. Its geographical location is excellent.
City Colleges located in a town, the surroundings are quieter and more suitable for studying. However, it is far from the city centre. For example, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, although located in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, is about a two-hour drive from downtown Chicago.
Best Urban Colleges in US
| Top20 U.S.News America’s Best Urban Colleges | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Urban College | |||||
| 2024 Overall Ranking | University | Location | Tuition and Fees | Acceptance Rate（2023Fall） | Graduation Rate |
| 2 | Massachusetts Institute of Technology | Cambridge,MA | $60,156 | 4.80% | 89% |
| 3 | Harvard University | Cambridge,MA | $59,076 | 3.41% | 87% |
| 6 | University of Pennsylvania | Philadelphia,PA | $66,104 | 5.80% | 88% |
| 9 | Johns Hopkins University | Baltimore.MD | $63,340 | 6.48% | 89% |
| 12 | Columbia University | New York,NY | $65,524 | 3.93% | 88% |
| 12 | University of Chicago | Chicago,IL | $65,619 | 5.44% | 89% |
| 15 | University of California, LosAngeles | Angeles,CA | Within the state $13,752 Out of state $46,326 |
8.76% | 84% |
| 17 | Rice University | Houston,TX | $58,128 | 7.73% | 88% |
| 18 | Vanderbilt University | Nashville,TN | $63,946 | 5.61% | 89% |
| 24 | Washington University in St.Louis | St.Louis,MO | $62,982 | 11.95% | 84% |
The 10 best urban colleges on the list of Top Urban Colleges are all the Top 30 good schools in the United States by 2024 U.S.News, and almost all are top private schools with tuition fees of $50,000 or $60,000. Only the University of California, Los Angeles, is a public school. In addition, the admission rate of these urban colleges is very low in the fall of 2023. But according to the open data of U.S. News, the four-year graduation rate of these top schools is excellent, all of them are above 80%. With the advantages of superior geographical location and the graduation status of famous schools, it is almost impossible to get a satisfactory job!
Best City Colleges in US
| Top20 U.S.News America’s Best Urban Colleges | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top City College | |||||
| 2024 Overall Ranking | University | Location | Tuition and Fees | Acceptance Rate（2023Fall） | Graduation Rate |
| 5 | Yale University | New Haven, CT | $64,700 | 4.35% | 88% |
| 9 | Brown University | Providence,RL | $68,230 | 5.08% | 85% |
| 15 | University of California, Berkeley | Berkeley, CA | Within the state $15,891 Out of state $48,465 |
11.57% | 82% |
| 20 | University of Notre Dame | Notre Dame, IN | $62,693 | 11.99% | 94% |
| 21 | University of Michigan Ann Arbor | Ann Arbor, MI | Within the state $17,786 Out of state $57,273 |
17.69% | 81% |
| 24 | Emory University | Ann Arbor, MI | $60,774 | 12.28% | 83% |
| 28 | University of California, Davis | Davis, CA | Within the state $15,266 Out of state $46,043 |
41.86% | 66% |
| 35 | University of Wisconsin, Madison | Madison, WI | Within the state $11,205 Out of state $40,603 |
49.03% | 72% |
| 35 | University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign | Champaign, IL | Within the state $17,572 Out of state $36,068 |
43.70% | 72% |
| 47 | Washington University of Georgia | Athens, GA | Within the state $11,180 Out of state $30220 |
35.10% | 71% |
All 10 best city colleges of the Top City Colleges are among the Top 50 schools in the U.S. News rankings. The tuition fees of these coleges are relatively more affordable, which is a very good choice for families who want to experience urban colleges life and get good value for money!
Best Colleges for Life and Study
In addition to the well-known top universities, I will introduce four colleges that combine living experience and academic atmosphere. They are pretty good at the educational level and the surrounding environment. I’m sure this will be your dream school.
Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University was founded in 1873, is located in Nashville, Tennessee, and is the birthplace of American country music. There are large and small concert all year round, music lovers will undoubtedly enjoy.
In addition, it is the centre of the healthcare industry and business centre of the United States. Many banks, insurance companies, and high-tech companies also have operations centres here, and students will have more job opportunities after graduation.
Furthermore, Vanderbilt boasts robust financial resources and a wealth of scientific and educational opportunities. It consistently ranks among the top institutions in the United States in the fields of business, law, medicine, and education, attracting exceptional students from all corners of the globe. So, it is one of the best urban colleges for students.
Washington University in St.Louis
Washington University in St. Louis is located in St. Louis, Missouri, the largest transportation hub and manufacturing centre in the United States.
Here, students’ various social and entertainment needs can be met. In addition, the area has countless famous enterprises, research institutes, and government agencies, which also makes it convenient for students to find employment.
The University of St. Louis has comprehensive academic, economics, business, civil engineering, and other multidisciplinary strengths. Its accommodation conditions are also famous! The dormitory won the Princeton Review’s 2024 list of the most “luxurious” dorms, and the dining hall is also Among the Top 10 in the United States.
The above advantages also give it a first-class reputation in the United States rich circle and become one of the favourite universities of elite families!
University of California, Davis
Davis is a safe, small city. It takes 20 minutes to get to the state capital and 1 hour from San Francisco to Lake Tahoe. Because it is in a university town, it is very close to everywhere, and you do not have to worry about safety and traffic in the surrounding area.
Moreover, UCD‘s robust internal resources are readily accessible, empowering first-year students with numerous opportunities to engage in research and embark on study tours to all seven continents, including the fascinating Antarctica. Students often praise the approachability of the professors and the high quality of teaching, which contributes to their academic success and recognition.
Furthermore, UCD’s efficient Quarter system allows for swift completion of classes, enabling many students to graduate in just two or three years. This not only saves a significant amount of time but also proves to be a wise financial decision, making the path to graduation a more optimistic one. So, it is one of the best city colleges for students.
University of Wisconsin, Madison
The University of Wisconsin-Madison was founded in 1848 in Madison, Wisconsin’s capital. It is one of the world’s top public research universities.
The school has a solid scientific research atmosphere, and its funding is as high as 1.3 billion US dollars. It is set up with a sound discipline system; 23 colleges offer more than 600 majors and more than 9,000 course choices. Its popular majors, such as engineering, business, and CS, are very strong.
At the same time, the college’s excellent employer reputation has earned it enough respect and is good enough to win the favour of famous companies around the world. Students have many internal promotion opportunities and internship options, so finding a job is no problem. It deserves to be selected as one of the best urban universities.
Conclusion
Advantages:
1. Internship, social and career opportunities: Many well-known companies and large enterprises will locate their headquarters in the city, and most companies are more inclined to find local talents in recruitment. Therefore, a good university in the city has already established a stable talent transport relationship with enterprises through geographical advantages, and students enjoy more internship opportunities and communication resources with industry leaders.
2. Convenient facilities, rich activities, and excellent security: Big cities generally have vibrant cultural and recreational activities, complete living facilities, and more convenient transportation, which can meet the life needs and spiritual pursuits of most students.
In addition, big cities usually have better economic conditions and tax revenue, local police forces can provide more substantial support, and campus safety can be guaranteed.
3. Students are diverse, and the campus atmosphere is accessible and inclusive: The universities on the list are all highly international, have a more diverse student body and have a good campus atmosphere.
Disadvantages：
1. Tuition and living costs are relatively high： Living at a urban college entails significant financial commitments, including high tuition fees, transportation costs, accommodation expenses, utilities, and even higher food and beverage costs. It’s also important to note that the tuition fees of American colleges are on the rise, and the overall cost of education is steadily increasing.
2. There are many external temptations： While urban colleges offers a plethora of conveniences, it also presents numerous distractions. The social scene in big cities is vibrant and diverse, with a mix of all kinds of people. This environment can easily lead to a lack of focus, especially for students with poor self-control, who may find themselves indulging in a life of excess and neglecting their studies.
International students can choose their favourite school according to colleges’ advantages, disadvantages, and their conditions. Everyone will have a happy college life.
FAQ
What is the largest public urban university?
The City University of New York is the nation’s largest urban public university. It is a transformative engine of social mobility and a critical component of New York City’s lifeblood.
Is NYU urban suburban or rural?
New York University (NYU) is an urban college embedded within the bustling energy of New York City. Its location provides students unparalleled access to cultural landmarks, professional opportunities, and diverse communities. It creates a dynamic environment that enriches academic pursuits and fosters personal growth.
What is the #1 college in the US?
Princeton University is esteemed for being ranked the #1 college in the United States. Renowned for its academic excellence and historical significance, Princeton University provides a top-tier education experience that continues to set the standard for higher education institutions nationwide.
