Milwaukee, WI, United States

Milwaukee is a gritty urban center with a student population of around 23,000, including 18,500 undergrads and 4,500 postgrads. The city's bureaucracy is a persistent headache, with complex housing regulations that limit the number of fraternity and sorority houses. However, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee offers a robust slate of over 200 degree programs, including the nation's only graduate school of freshwater science. While the weather can be punishing, the Panthers sports teams have found success, with the men's basketball team making several NCAA tournament appearances. For driven students seeking a dynamic, big-city experience with a public university education, Milwaukee may be worth considering.