25 Best Urban Colleges & Universities in Big Cities for 2025

Choosing the right college is a major decision, and for many students, the appeal of colleges in cities is undeniable. Cities offer unparalleled access to career opportunities, cultural experiences, and networking connections that can shape your future.

In this guide, you'll find the 25 best urban colleges and universities, ranked for their academic excellence, campus life, and professional prospects. Whether you're drawn to the fast-paced energy of New York, the tech-driven hubs of California, or the historic charm of Boston, these institutions provide top-tier education in dynamic metropolitan settings.

Best Urban Colleges and Universities

Urban colleges offer a unique blend of academic excellence and real-world opportunities. Located in major cities, these institutions provide students with access to internships, cultural experiences, and diverse professional networks. Whether you're looking for top-tier research facilities or a thriving social scene, the best urban colleges combine quality education with the excitement of city life.

1. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

As one of the best colleges in Los Angeles, the University of California, Los Angeles is a public research university offering over 130 undergraduate majors and more than 90 graduate programs. Some fields provide the ability to begin a master's degree while still working on undergraduate courses.

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Acceptance rate: 9%

Average tuition (in-state): $13.747

Average tuition (out-of-state): $44,524

2. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

In high school, University of Michigan students earned a 3.9 to 4.0 GPA, revealing the elite standard of the university. The urban college has 19 schools, including law and medicine, and over 280 degree programs. Students get a personal education and direct access to professors with their 15:1 student to faculty ratio.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Acceptance rate: 18%

Average tuition (in-state): $17,228

Average tuition (out-of-state): $58,072

3. New York University (NYU)

New York University is one of the best colleges in New York City, giving students access to 20 schools and colleges. As the largest private research university in the U.S., NYU draws in a diverse range of students, including a large representation of low-income and first-generation students.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Acceptance rate: 9%

Average tuition (in-state): $60,438

Average tuition (out-of-state): $60,438

4. University of Texas at Austin

As one of the top colleges in Austin, the University of Texas at Austin (UT) has 19 different schools available to students. According to U.S. News & World Report, UT is tied for seventh in top public schools, and with good reason. The urban college boasts around 52,000 students supported by a teaching staff number of 3,000.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Acceptance rate: 29%

Average tuition (in-state): $11,678

Average tuition (out-of-state): $42,778

5. University of Washington

Eight University of Washington (UW) faculty members have won the Nobel Prize, an honor that shows the school's dedication to excellence. With campuses in Seattle, Bothell, and Tacoma, UW offers 18 schools, including dentistry, engineering, and arts and sciences. Both in-person and online classes are available, as well as degrees for busy adults.

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Acceptance rate: 43%

Average tuition (in-state): $12,643

Average tuition (out-of-state): $41,997

6. Boston University

As a center for learning, there are 36 colleges in Boston, including Boston University (BU). BU has a diverse selection of opportunities in 10 undergraduate schools with over 300 programs of study. Due to this urban college's location, it's not a surprise that the university has an annual Lobster Night boasting over 8,000 crustaceans.

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

Acceptance rate: 11%

Average tuition (in-state): $65,168

Average tuition (out-of-state): $65,168

7. Georgia Institute of Technology

The top colleges in Atlanta cannot be discussed without mentioning Georgia Institute of Technology. Georgia Tech offers 35 undergraduate degrees and has six colleges, including design, business, sciences, engineering, computing, and liberal arts. About 89% of this ambitious student body plans to earn an advanced degree.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Acceptance rate: 16%

Average tuition (in-state): $11,764

Average tuition (out-of-state): $32,876

8. University of Wisconsin-Madison

Urban universities often offer a wide range of educational opportunities, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison does not disappoint. It is home to over 9,000 courses and 600 majors, ranging from accounting all the way to zoology. The 52,097 students attending UW-Madison enjoy small class sizes and a sprawling main campus of 939 acres.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Acceptance rate: 43%

Average tuition (in-state): $11,205

Average tuition (out-of-state): $40,603

9. University of California, San Diego

University of California, San Diego features more than 160 undergraduate majors and 650 student organizations, ensuring scholars have options. Faculty members have received many honors, such as the Nobel Prize, Pulitzer Prize, and National Medal of Science. One of the top colleges in San Diego, UC San Diego was awarded five stars in Money Magazine's 2024 Best Colleges.

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Acceptance rate: 25%

Average tuition (in-state): $15,265

Average tuition (out-of-state): $46,042

10. Ohio State University

Ranked as one of the best colleges in Columbus, Ohio State University is home to an excellent athletics department, including the #1 ranked Buckeyes football team. With 88 extension offices for each county and six campuses, OSU is dedicated to its state. The college has more than 200 undergraduate majors and 278 graduate and professional programs for students to explore.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Acceptance rate: 51%

Average tuition (in-state): $12,859

Average tuition (out-of-state): $38,365

11. University of Minnesota Twin Cities

As one of the colleges in the twin cities, University of Minnesota Twin Cities has eight colleges that freshmen can attend and five upper-division colleges. As one of the best colleges in Minneapolis, it offers over 150 majors and communities where students can meet others who share their interests and backgrounds.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Acceptance rate: 77%

Average tuition (in-state): $16,488

Average tuition (out-of-state): $36,402

12. University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh boasts 16 colleges and more colleges in cities, including Bradford, Greensburg, Johnstown, and Titusville. Pitt offers 646 certificates and degrees in areas like business, tech, medicine, and science. College students can attend liberal arts colleges in big cities, such as Pitt-Greensburg, which is a Pitt campus with a liberal arts focus.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Acceptance rate: 50%

Average tuition (in-state): $21,524

Average tuition (out-of-state): $39,890

13. University of Maryland, College Park

University of Maryland, College Park offers over 100 undergraduate majors within its 12 colleges, providing students with plenty of educational options. The faculty is highly successful, claiming Pulitzer Prize winners, Nobel laureates, and Fulbright scholars. The small classrooms offer an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio. With 800 campus organizations, students are sure to find others who share their interests in this college town.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Acceptance rate: 45%

Average tuition (in-state): $11,505

Average tuition (out-of-state): $40,306

14. Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Founded in 1766, Rutgers University in New Brunswick also touts locations in Newark and Camden as well as academic and clinical health sciences around New Jersey. Rutgers offers more than 150 undergraduate majors in its 29 schools and colleges. Graduate students have access to over 400 programs to expand their education.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Acceptance rate: 65%

Average tuition (in-state): $17,239

Average tuition (out-of-state): $36,001

15. University of Florida

The University of Florida, located in Gainesville, has over 300 degrees available from its 16 colleges. Students around the world have access to enrollment in online and distance learning options. The university has small class sizes with the majority of classes having fewer than 20 students and a 16:1 student/faculty ratio.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Acceptance rate: 24%

Average tuition (in-state): $6,381

Average tuition (out-of-state): $28,659

16. Arizona State University

For students seeking top colleges near Phoenix, look no further than Arizona State University. ASU features online learning as well as on-campus opportunities in four campuses in the Phoenix area, across the state, and in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Students can choose from over 400 undergraduate degrees and more than 450 graduate programs.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Acceptance rate: 90%

Average tuition (in-state): $12,051

Average tuition (out-of-state): $32,193

17. Temple University

With 17 schools and over 600 academic programs, Temple University offers many options to its more than 30,000 students. The main campus is in the urban area of Philadelphia, PA; however, the university has eight global campuses and over 200 partner institutions. Temple's main campus features indoor and outdoor courts, swimming pools, and rock climbing walls so students can stay healthy and enjoy their college experience.

Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

Acceptance rate: 83%

Average tuition (in-state): $9,711

Average tuition (out-of-state): $22,191

18. University of Houston

University of Houston students can explore 276 degree programs or more than 1,250 online courses in a range of interests, including health, education, business, and the arts. UH encourages an active student life through organizations, events, leadership opportunities, and volunteerism, with a web-based portal with access to over 500 student programs, including media, government, and sports.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Acceptance rate: 70%

Average tuition (in-state): $11,882

Average tuition (out-of-state): $27,482

19. San Diego State University

San Diego State University (SDSU) ranks third nationally for students studying abroad, with 3,000 students taking advantage of the opportunity each year. The urban campus features 560 beautifully cultivated acres for students to explore. Academically, those who attend SDSU can choose from nine colleges and over 200 degrees for a successful future.

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Acceptance rate: 34%

Average tuition (in-state): $8,290

Average tuition (out-of-state): $20,170

20. University of Cincinnati

Founded in 1819, this urban university has a student body of 53,000 individuals, including both undergrad and grad students. The Ohio-based University of Cincinnati offers cooperative educational opportunities, with participants earning a shared $88 million each year. The most popular programs are business, management, and marketing. Small class sizes with a student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1 ensure personalized attention.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Acceptance rate: 88%

Average tuition (in-state): $13,570

Average tuition (out-of-state): $30,582

21. Florida International University

Florida International University offers a selection of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, including many online options. Over 44,000 students who attend the university can choose from 190 programs, including psychology, engineering, and law enforcement. FIU boasts an honors college that has expanded by 700% in the last 10 years.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Acceptance rate: 59%

Average tuition (in-state): $6,565

Average tuition (out-of-state): $18,963

22. University of Utah

A four-year college located in Salt Lake City, the University of Utah touts 18 schools and almost 100 departments with a wide array of educational programs. The university offers in-person, hybrid, and online courses to be flexible for each student's needs. Even online students have direct access to professors and classes offer an 18:1 student/faculty ratio.

Accreditation: Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)

Acceptance rate: 87%

Average tuition (in-state): $9,315

Average tuition (out-of-state): $29,837

23. University of Southern California (USC)

The University of Southern California, located in Los Angeles, features high school summer programs, online courses, opportunities for international students, undergraduate degrees, and graduate and professional studies. This private urban university was founded in 1880 and expands across 226 acres. In the 2024-25 school year, USC had 47,000 enrolled students, with 21,000 being undergraduates.

Accreditation: WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC)

Acceptance rate: 10%

Average tuition (in-state): $68,237

Average tuition (out-of-state): $68,237

24. University of Illinois Chicago (UIC)

The city college of the University of Illinois Chicago features 16 academic schools with 94 bachelor's, 102 master's, and 63 doctoral degree programs available for students. The faculty consists of many Fulbright scholars, American Association for the Advancement of Science fellows, and National Science Foundation Career Award winners, and the student-to-faculty ratio is a low 18:1, which the No InterWiki reference defined in properties for Wiki called "hhttps"! points out.

Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

Acceptance rate: 79%

Average tuition (in-state): $14,338

Average tuition (out-of-state): $29,360

25. Georgia State University

Georgia State University offers over 250 majors, minors, and certificates to its more than 27,000 undergraduate students. It features 12 colleges and schools, including institutions for honors, the arts and humanities, law, nursing, and education. Founded in 1913, the main campus is located in downtown Atlanta with five perimeter college campuses located nearby.

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Acceptance rate: 62%

Average tuition (in-state): $8,478

Average tuition (out-of-state): $23,709

Explore Degree Programs

Urban colleges and universities offer students the chance to thrive in city environments while accessing top-tier education and career opportunities. Whether you're looking for a diverse student community or flexible learning options, these schools provide something for everyone. Explore more about these featured schools and find the perfect urban college for you on Learn.org.