University Towns of the Northeast
Boston, Massachusetts
Boston, the largest city in New England, is known around the world for its outstanding colleges and universities such as Harvard and MIT. This metropolis boasts some of the most prestigious and competitive colleges and universities in the United States. There are over 35 excellent colleges and universities in the greater Boston area to choose from. These schools offer Bachelor degrees, and in many cases, Master, Doctoral, and Professional degrees. Some also offer Associate degrees, while others offer experiential career-focused training in specialized areas ranging from health sciences to fine furniture making, glass blowing, and even winemaking. Add in the several research centers, Boston career and technical schools, and online college courses from universities and colleges in Boston, and you can see the rich educational and intellectual diversity offered by the institutes of higher learning.
Colleges and Universities: Boston University (BU), Harvard University, Northeastern University, Bunker Hill Community College, University of Massachusetts-Boston, Boston College (BC), Tufts University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Bentley University, Tufts University, Emerson Collge, Suffolk University, Brandeis University, Boston Architectural College, and Berklee College of Music.
New Haven, Connecticut
New Haven is the second-largest city in Connecticut and the sixth-largest in New England. Nicknamed "the Elm City" due to the trees' prevalence, the coastal city is filled with academic excellence and culture, including several colleges and three nationally-ranked regional theatres. There are five universities located in the city of New Haven.
One of the most prestigious universities in the world and a member of the Ivy League, Yale University is located in New Haven. Yale is a highly sought-after institution for both undergraduate and graduate studies that brings together some of the top students from across the world. From US Presidents such as Busch to Secretaries of States Hillary Clinton and John Kerry to name a few of all that went to Yale. The campus is also one of the most beautiful in the United States. If you are a big fan of writer Charles Dickens (Oliver Twist) and Mark Twain (Adventures of Huckleberry Fin) both have said that Hill House Avenue is the most beautiful street in America. Today, Hill House Avenue is lined with mature oak trees and home to Yale’s prestigious graduate programs in renovated original mansions. There is no doubt that if you walk Yale’s campus you will be transported back in time.
New Haven is an extremely exciting place to be-the art and music scene, along with some pretty excellent theater and sports, are just some of the things New Haven citizens get to enjoy as a result of being a home for Yale students and professors.
Colleges and Universities: University of New Haven, Yale University, Southern Connecticut State University, Gateway Community College & Albertus Magnus College.
Burlington, Vermont
Burlington has all the youthful vibrancy that you would expect from a great college town. Home to the University of Vermont, Champlain College, Saint Michael's College and more, the city is economically and culturally intertwined with higher education.
Burlington is Vermont’s largest city at just over 42,000. Not only is Burlington home to four colleges, but it is also home to Ben and Jerry’s Ice Cream. With Lake Champlain and waterfront activities in the background, Burlington is bustling with music, art, and culture, all visible at the Church Street Marketplace, a pedestrian mall lively with little boutiques, cafes, and craft vendors.
Burlington is a strong supporter of the local food movement and this college town has a ton of organic farms and a popular farmers’ market, along with a flavorful lineup of breweries and bars.
Colleges and Universities: University of Vermont, Champlain College, Saint Michael's College, Franklin University, and Middlebury College.
Providence, Rhode Island
Artists flock to Providence to attend the prestigious Rhode Island School of Design and take part in the flourishing art community. Bright minds gather to study in the halls and libraries of Brown University. And culinary masterminds of Johnson & Wales cook in the city’s finest restaurants and tend the swankiest bars. The University of Rhode Island is home to over 16,000 students, each one adding something new to their beloved city of Providence.
So many students with so much to do make Providence one of nations’s best college towns. Small enough to explore and urban enough to be part of a real community, Providence is lively for young minds.
The WaterFire Festivals, the famous Providence food trucks, shopping at Providence Place, and the nightlife of Wickenden Street are just some of perks students get living in the city.
Colleges and Universities: Brown University, Johnson & Wales University, Rhode Island College, Rhode Island School of Design, and URI Feinstein Providence Campus.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia is the largest city in Pennsylvania, as well as one of America's most historic cities and a popular college town. Philadelphia is home to numerous colleges and universities including Penn and Villanova, two premiere universities whose scholarly and cultural presence can be felt and seen in the area. The city is also home to many neighborhoods and a vital, historic downtown surrounded by 2 major rivers.
Philadelphia has played an instrumental role in US history and politics – the Liberty Bell is housed here, and it was where the Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776. Beyond all its history, Philadelphia is also well known for its excellent food (think Philly cheesesteaks, Irish potato candy and pretzels), sports and music.
When it comes to attracting a massive student population, University City (a neighborhood in Philadelphia) has seemingly cornered the market on student life. With two of the world's most esteemed universities within blocks of one another, it's no surprise to hear that university City is a highly sought-after neighborhood for college students living and styling here in Philadelphia.
Colleges and Universities: University of Pennsylvania, Villanova University, Drexel University, Temple University, Thomas Jefferson University, La Salle University, Chestnut Hill College, and Saint Joseph's University
Ithaca, New York
Home to both Cornell University and Ithaca College, this laid-back and extremely walkable city has one of the prettiest landscapes of all college towns. More than 100 lakes, waterfalls, and gorges, along with the Cornell Plantations, add to the untouched scenery. Eclectic Ithaca also entertains a remarkable, diverse music scene and a wide range of arts events, in addition to assorted restaurants, breweries, and wineries.
For a side trip to another naturally beautiful college town, nearby Syracuse (about an hour and a half drive northeast) offers many cultural options including the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, the Everson Museum, and multiple theaters. Portions of the downtown area have been revamped, making the home to Syracuse University a lively nightlife destination.
Colleges and Universities: Cornell University and Ithaca College
New York, New York
Home to some of the biggest attractions in the country, New York City is filled with colleges and universities that offer high-quality education and an adventurous time outside the classroom. Prospective students can choose from undergraduate colleges in New York City, which gives easy access to museums, plays, sporting events, bars, clubs, and restaurants aplenty. You can check out the Metropolitan Museum of Art of the Guggenheim. If you're a basketball fan, you can attend a New York Knicks or Brooklyn Nets game. You may want to check out the newest show on Broadway. And if you enjoy some programming on The Food Network, you'll probably be excited to try the restaurants of Bobby Flay and Marcus Samuelsson.
Many NYC colleges offer deals to students so they can take advantage of New York's cultural offerings. Through its Arts Initiative, Columbia University offers students free admission to over 30 museums and discounted rates for theater and musical performances. Similarly, NYU offers discounted tickets to movies, broadway and off-Broadway shows, sporting events, musical performances, and more.
Another advantage to attending a NYC college or university is the diversity of the city. You'll be able to interact with tons of people from all over the world. There are more foreign-born immigrants who live in NYC than there are people who live in Chicago. You'll be able to explore the many different ethnic neighborhoods in NYC where you can experience the cuisines and cultures of different nationalities. Especially in today's global economy, graduating college with a global perspective and knowledge of different cultures can benefit you in your professional life.
Keep in mind there are disadvantages to going to a college in such a big city NYC has so many people and so much activity that it can sometimes feel like a bit much if you prefer being in an environment with a laid-back vibe. Students may also find that living in the "City That Never Sleeps" can sometimes get distracting. Additionally, living in New York City can be very expensive.
Colleges and Universities: Columbia University, Barnard College, New York University, Cooper Union, CUNY-Lehman College, CUNY-Hunter College, CUNY-Baruch College, CUNY-Brooklyn College, Fordham University, CUNY-City Collge, CUNY-Queens College, Yeshiva University, Manhattan College, Pace University, Yeshiva University, St. John's University, and other CUNY colleges.