62 Universities Located in America's Most Underrated Cities

62. University of Nevada, Reno (Reno, NV): Silver State Research with Sierra Access

At the foot of the Sierra Nevada and just hours from Lake Tahoe, the University of Nevada, Reno offers a blend of serious research and unbeatable geography. The university excels in seismology, mining engineering, environmental science, and business analytics, with a growing national profile. Reno, once known mainly for casinos, is now an emerging tech hub with Tesla, Switch, and Apple investing in the region. UNR’s research centers—including the Nevada Seismological Lab and Desert Research Institute—make it a top choice for students interested in earth sciences and applied technology. Reno’s revival mirrors the school’s ascent: dynamic, ambitious, and distinctly underrated.