What US cities have the most universities?

I'm exploring options for college and I'm curious which U.S. cities are known for having a high concentration of universities. Does anyone know which cities have the most, and what the environment is like living in a city with so many schools?

Boston, Massachusetts has a particularly high concentration of higher education institutions. As of 2024, it's home to upwards of 50 colleges and universities. This list includes big names like Harvard, MIT, Boston College, Emerson College, and Boston University. Because of this high education density, Boston has an academic culture that is quite energized. The city even has a large-scale celebration, "Allston Christmas," when students move into off-campus housing each Fall. In the “City of Ideas” there’s no shortage of academic events, lectures, and workshops to attend.

New York City, NY also has more than 50 colleges and universities ranging from large universities like New York University and Columbia University, to smaller liberal arts colleges and specialty schools. Living in a city like NYC with so many universities is both exciting and challenging. It's exciting because there are always academic and cultural events happening, and you're likely to meet people from diverse backgrounds. It can also be challenging because the cost of living can be high and some areas of the city can be crowded.

Finally, Los Angeles, CA hosts a significant number of universities as well, such as UCLA and USC. LA is uniquely positioned in that it's a large metropolitan city with a familial, communal element. It offers a balance between the city's vibrant lifestyle and the opportunity for a typical campus experience.