32 Universities Located in America's Most Underrated Cities

15. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) (Troy, NY) - Historic Tech Innovation Hub

As America's oldest technological research university, RPI in Troy, New York, boasts a long legacy of innovation in engineering, computing, and applied sciences. Located in a historic city on the Hudson River undergoing revitalization, RPI offers cutting-edge research facilities and fosters a culture of entrepreneurship. Students benefit from rigorous programs and close industry ties, particularly in technology and advanced manufacturing. RPI provides an intense, high-caliber tech education, often flying under the radar compared to MIT or Caltech, within a unique upstate New York setting.