Urban vs. Rural Colleges: Pros and Cons for Students

Quick Highlights:

• Urban and rural colleges offer students uniquely different experiences, each with distinct benefits and challenges.
• Consider your personal preferences, academic programs, and career goals when choosing between urban and rural colleges.
• Visit campuses to experience the environment firsthand and see which setting suits you best.

Imagine standing at a crossroads: to one side, the serene hum of a rural college campus, nestled among rolling hills and whispering forests, where tight-knit communities and focused study beckon; to the other, the electrifying pulse of an urban college, alive with the clamor of city streets, endless opportunities, and a kaleidoscope of cultures.

Choosing between these two college experiences is more than a matter of scenery—it’s a decision that shapes your education, your social life, and your future. In the United States, where over 3,000 colleges and universities dot the landscape, the rural-urban divide carries real weight: rural institutions enroll just 17% of all college students, yet they often boast higher retention rates—sometimes exceeding urban counterparts by 5-10 percentage points, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES, 2022).

Meanwhile, urban campuses, home to nearly 60% of students, pulse with access to internships and industries, with cities like New York and Boston hosting schools that connect students to 80% of Fortune 500 companies within a 50-mile radius. This stark contrast sets the stage for a compelling exploration of how location—rural tranquility versus urban dynamism—defines the college experience, challenging us to weigh what matters most in the pursuit of knowledge and growth.

Visiting campuses to experience the environment firsthand can help you determine which setting suits you best. This article will guide you through the pros and cons of each setting and the factors to consider when making your decision.

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Defining Urban and Rural College Settings

While most people have a general mental picture of what urban vs rural colleges look like, the United States government has specific definitions of what it means to be rural and urban. Currently, a rural area is considered open country that has fewer than 5,000 residents and 2,000 houses. Meanwhile, urban areas include at least 5,000 people and 2,000 housing units.

There are many different stereotypes associated with each kind of environment. While some students may worry about rural college isolation, other students may be concerned about urban college distractions. Likewise, some students might be interested in getting more of an academic focus in rural colleges.  

Pros of Urban College Locations

When choosing a college location, start by learning about the pros and cons of urban colleges. Urban colleges may offer more opportunities for socializing and networking. Additionally, they have better transportation and recreation options. 

Diverse Opportunities 

One major reason why people choose urban colleges is because of the opportunities. You can easily find part-time jobs and internships in your field. There are also more networking opportunities in city colleges, which can make it easier to start out your career. 

Cultural and Social Life

There are more cultural experiences at urban colleges because they are near theaters, museums, restaurants, and social events. Student life in urban colleges tends to involve more outings. You don’t have to remain on campus all the time because there are plenty of things to do in the surrounding town.

Transportation and Accessibility

Thanks to its location, urban colleges also have better public transportation options. Everything is closer together, so you can bike or walk to many destinations. 

Cons of Urban College Locations 

From cost of living to safety concerns, there are a few downsides to the city college experience.

Cost of Living 

Because you’re living in the city, you have to pay higher housing costs. Food and entertainment will also generally cost more.

Overwhelming Environment 

If you aren’t used to the city college experience, living in the city can be incredibly overwhelming. Everything happens at a faster pace, and there are more distractions.

Safety Concerns 

When choosing a college location, it’s also important to consider your personal safety. In general, urban areas have higher crime rates than rural areas. 

Pros of Rural College Locations 

If you like peace and tranquility, there are many benefits of rural college campuses. In this type of environment, you may be able to focus better on your education. Because of the small-town ambiance, these colleges often have extremely close-knit communities.    

Close-Knit Community 

One of the countryside college benefits is that it allows for stronger campus cohesion. Because rural colleges often have smaller student bodies, you can also enjoy having more personalized interactions among students and faculty members. 

Natural Environment 

Other than getting to be a part of a rural college community, students also get to relax in quiet college settings. Because there are fewer distractions, it is easier to study and unwind. 

Lower Cost of Living  

As a part of a rural college community, you can enjoy having cheaper living expenses. Housing and food tend to be much more affordable in rural areas.  

Cons of Rural College Locations 

While there are many benefits of rural college campuses, there are also drawbacks. These areas often have limited opportunities, transportation challenges, and isolation issues.

Limited Opportunities 

Unfortunately, rural areas tend to have fewer job opportunities because there are simply fewer employers in rural areas. There are also likely to be fewer cultural events and internships. 

Isolation 

When making a college environment comparison, it’s important to think about how you like to socialize. While some students like peaceful, quiet environments, other students may dislike the isolation. In a rural area, there are fewer entertainment and shopping venues. 

Transportation Challenges 

Finally, a rural college typically has limited public transportation. You will likely need to get your own vehicle to get around.  

Factors to Consider When Making a Decision 

When deciding between urban vs rural colleges, there are a few factors you should keep in mind. 

Personal Preferences: Consider your lifestyle, independence, and career goals. 

Academic Programs: You should start by finding colleges that have the right academic programs. Additionally, you should consider what type of resources you need. 

Future Career Aspirations: Before choosing a college location, you should think about how it will impact job prospects and networking opportunities.  

Additional Considerations 

You don’t have to limit yourself to just checking out urban and rural colleges. Instead, you can make a list of colleges that might suit your interests. Then, schedule campus visits. 

By visiting campuses, you can get a better understanding of the city college experience and what it’s like to go to school at a rural university. If they have the option available, you may want to stay on campus for a night or two to see what it’s like. 

Discover the Right College Environment for Your Needs 

When debating the pros and cons of urban colleges, it’s important to consider more than just the rural or city college experience. While there are benefits of rural college campuses, city colleges have more access to jobs and networking opportunities. 

Choosing a college location is an important part of narrowing down the school you want to go to. When you debate urban vs rural colleges, take time to find a school environment that aligns with your personal and academic needs.  

How to Choose between a Rural College or Urban College

While we cannot make this decision for you, we can assist you in the decision making process. Below is a list of quick steps and considerations to help you decide whether an Urban or Rural College is right for you.

1. Location Preference
   • Do you enjoy quiet, open spaces or fast-paced, bustling environments?
   • Consider how far you’re comfortable being from home or major cities.
     
2. Campus Size & Community
   • Rural: Smaller campuses, tighter-knit communities—do you prefer close connections?
   • Urban: Larger campuses, diverse student body—do you thrive in variety and crowds?
     
3. Access to Resources
   • Rural: Limited nearby amenities (shops, hospitals)—are you okay with less convenience?
   • Urban: Abundant resources (public transport, internships)—do you need these options?
     
4. Cost of Living
   • Rural: Often cheaper (housing, food)—does a lower budget appeal to you?
   • Urban: Higher costs (rent, transport)—can you afford or justify the expense?
     
5. Social & Extracurricular Opportunities
   • Rural: Fewer events, nature-based activities—do you like hiking or small gatherings?
   • Urban: More cultural events, nightlife—do you want museums, concerts, or clubs?
     
6. Academic Focus
   • Rural: Potentially fewer distractions—do you need a quieter study environment?
   • Urban: More industry connections, guest speakers—do you prioritize networking?
     
7. Transportation
   • Rural: Car often needed—do you have one or mind relying on limited shuttles?
   • Urban: Public transit available—do you prefer not needing a car?
     
8. Personal Comfort
   • Rural: Slower pace, less noise—are you seeking peace and simplicity?
   • Urban: Vibrant, dynamic—are you energized by constant activity?

Quick Steps:

• Step 1: Write down your top 3 priorities (e.g., cost, social life, academics).
• Step 2: Rate rural vs. urban for each priority (1-5 scale).
• Step 3: Compare totals—which aligns more with your needs?
• Step 4: Visit or research specific colleges to confirm your preference.