Urban universities have much in common, but also have significant differences.
Because urban universities are responsive and connected to their communities, each develops unique features, reflecting the nature and composition of these communities. In addition, urban universities are shaped by their relationships with their state systems of higher education. Urban institutions differ in history, institutional age, classifications, rankings, and funding patterns. Much of the faculty at urban universities is involved in interdisciplinary research, often focusing on complex issues in the metropolitan region. The faculty of urban universities often includes a large proportion of part-time instructors who are members of the urban community and bring valuable applied experience to the classroom.