Last updated on Jul 29, 2024

How do you weigh the pros and cons of urban, suburban, and rural college settings?

Choosing a college is a big decision that involves many factors, such as academics, costs, culture, and opportunities. One of the factors that you might want to consider is the location of the college and how it affects your lifestyle, learning, and future goals. Different college settings, such as urban, suburban, and rural, have their own pros and cons that you should weigh carefully before making your final choice. In this article, we will help you compare the advantages and disadvantages of each setting and give you some tips on how to find the best fit for you.

1 Urban colleges

Urban colleges are located in or near major cities, which means that you will have access to a variety of resources, activities, and experiences. You can enjoy the cultural diversity, entertainment, and nightlife of the city, as well as the public transportation, internships, and networking opportunities that it offers. You can also benefit from the academic reputation, research facilities, and faculty connections of some urban colleges, especially if they are part of a larger university system. However, urban colleges also have some drawbacks, such as higher costs of living, tuition, and fees, as well as more noise, pollution, and crime. You might also face more competition, stress, and distractions in an urban setting, and have less space, nature, and community on campus.

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Karen Long, M.A.

Experienced College Admissions Advisor • Essay and Writing Coach • Empowering High School Students to Succeed
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Although urban colleges and universities offer the buzz of activity that a city brings, students can scatter on weekends and spend less time within the campus community.

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Jen Britton

Library Director on Southport Island, Maine
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Urban colleges and universities will offer greater opportunities for internships than schools in rural or suburban areas. This could be an important consideration for some students.

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2 Suburban colleges

Suburban colleges are located in the outskirts of cities or in smaller towns, which means that you will have a balance between urban and rural features. You can still access some of the amenities, opportunities, and diversity of the city, but with less hassle, expense, and congestion. You can also enjoy more greenery, tranquility, and safety on campus, as well as more personal attention, support, and involvement from the faculty and staff. However, suburban colleges also have some challenges, such as limited transportation, entertainment, and career options, as well as more dependence on cars, buses, or trains. You might also feel isolated, bored, or disconnected from the surrounding community or the wider world in a suburban setting, and have less exposure to different perspectives, cultures, and issues.

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3 Rural colleges

Rural colleges are located in remote or sparsely populated areas, which means that you will have a unique and immersive experience in a natural and close-knit environment. You can appreciate the beauty, peace, and simplicity of the countryside, as well as the outdoor activities, sports, and hobbies that it offers. You can also develop strong relationships, leadership skills, and civic engagement with your classmates, professors, and neighbors, who might share similar values, interests, and backgrounds. However, rural colleges also have some limitations, such as fewer resources, facilities, and programs, as well as higher travel costs and lower internet access. You might also face more challenges, stereotypes, and prejudices in a rural setting, and have less diversity, innovation, and flexibility in your education and career.

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Jen Britton

Library Director on Southport Island, Maine
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The statement above about internet access is a perfect example of an AI generated content inaccuracy! Although some rural areas in the US still have limited internet access, that is not true of a university campus. All colleges and universities in rural areas will have adequate internet.

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4 How to compare

When considering which college setting is best for you, it's important to consider your personality, preferences, and goals. Research the colleges that interest you and look at their websites, brochures, rankings, reviews, and social media. Take virtual tours, contact their admissions offices, alumni, or current students to ask questions about their academics, culture, facilities, services, and outcomes. Make a list of pros and cons for each college and rank them according to your priorities and criteria. Ultimately, trust your instincts and feelings when making this decision. Consider which college makes you feel excited, comfortable, and confident; which college aligns with your values, passions, and dreams; and which college feels like home. There is no one-size-fits-all answer; different settings can offer different opportunities and challenges for different students. Find the college that suits you best and helps you grow as a person and a learner.

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Darius Eure

Implementation Specialist @ National Student Clearinghouse | Enrollment Management Expert
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When considering college admissions, evaluating urban, suburban, and rural settings is crucial. Urban campuses offer diverse cultural experiences, internship opportunities, and vibrant social scenes, but can be costly and overwhelming. Suburban colleges balance access to city amenities with a quieter, community feel, yet may lack the same level of excitement or resources. Rural colleges provide close-knit communities and natural surroundings, ideal for focused study, though they might offer fewer internships and social activities. Weighing these factors depends on personal preferences and career goals, ensuring the chosen environment aligns with both academic and lifestyle needs.

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5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Ansar Ahmed, PhD

Effectiveness Management Consultant | Institutional | Organizational | Teacher Training | Engagement | Data Management |
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I agree that location is correlated with students’ personal preferences and a “wrong” choice may create imbalances (that may or may not be significant). However, I think it is important to note that there are other considerations that come before the location factor. Cost, financial aid, curricula, degree choices, institutional reputation and value can potentially override the mismatch in location versus personal preferences. I am an example. I would have preferred to go to an institution in a suburban or rural setting, but ended up in an urban one because the other factors made the choice for me.

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How do you weigh the pros and cons of urban, suburban, and rural college settings?

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1 Urban colleges

2 Suburban colleges

3 Rural colleges

4 How to compare

5 Here’s what else to consider

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