Rural colleges offer access to the outdoors, including sports such as hiking, skiing, and bicycling; beautiful, serene settings; and a sense of getting away from it all. Safety is hardly a concern. Good shopping, airports, and other city resources are not very accessible. And you may find that the local residents lack diversity. However, if cultural resources are important, don’t dismiss colleges in rural locations; frequently they bring into their campuses and communities the best of what is available in the country. (Some argue they’re the best settings for the deep learning required for a true liberal arts education!)