Choosing a big-city college

March 26, 3:15 PMCollege Admissions ExaminerLauren Starkey

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Earlier this week I asked College Admissions Counselor Howard Verman to offer his perspective on going to college in a city. What are the advantages? What type of students do best there? And which schools does he recommend? Here’s what he had to say:

“For students from a small town, attending an urban college or university is a chance to step out and experience a much broader perspective.  The ethnic diversity, the cultural offerings, the variety of internships and professional opportunities available, all contribute to a rich educational experience. 

But city schools aren’t just for those looking for a big change in environment. For students in the arts and communications fields, no matter where they’re from, major cities offer distinct advantages. Art history majors can study famous artwork firsthand in museums and galleries.  Film, video, and broadcast journalism students have access to major production studios and colorful city locations, while students in science, medicine, and technology have numerous research facilities close at hand.

Aside from the usual suspects, NYU, UCLA, Georgetown, Penn, Boston University, and University of Chicago, here are four colleges offering excellent educational opportunities in big cities. 

University of Colorado,Denver- 5 undergraduate schools, small classes, great housing, internships and co-ops, walking distance to Denver Center for Performing Arts, the Colorado Capitol, Denver Art Museum, Denver Public Library, Pepsi Center (great concerts), 6 professional sports franchises, and views of the Rockies.  Easier admit than U C, Boulder. What's not to like?

Temple University- Philadelphia- Very safe, diverse, campus 1.5 miles from City Center.  Subway, train, and bus stations on campus.  Popular majors are Psychology, Biology, Education, Marketing, Journalism, and basic liberal arts.  Lots of cultural activities on campus, master music, jazz, and dance classes, plus big name concerts.  State-of-the-art Tech Center and Division I Athletics.

Wagner College- Staten Island, New York City-Renowned "Practical Liberal Arts Program," connects students with community and organizational-based fieldwork for real-world problem-solving experience.  Internships in Manhattan via Staten Island Ferry, great abroad programs, and beautiful campus. Division I athletics.

 DePaul- Chicago- Large, diverse, community service oriented university. Excellent music and theater programs. Two campus linked by the "L" train: Lincoln Park has a "Quad" (green space) and is next to the Lincoln Park Zoo and Botanical Gardens. The Loop campus is downtown and near the Art Institute of Chicago Museum and Millennium Park.  Jazz clubs, comedy clubs, and professional sports venues are easily accessible. Internships abound.

Next week, Howard gives snapshots of four more city schools that rank high on his list.