<p>Indeed, the city of Columbus as a whole certainly does not qualify as a college town…! However, with roughly 780,000 population residing in a whopping “213 sq mile” area versus say… East Lansing of Michigan State University with roughly 45,000 population residing in a 11 sq mile area, the density of Columbus is calculated to be 3,556/sq mile vs that of 4,309/sq mile in East Lansing, in which Columbus actually has “lower population density” than that of E. Lansing (the quintessential college town imho) as a city. In fact, after lived and studied at both schools, I would have to say that in and around the “University District” or campus area in general actually feels rather similar between the two in terms of density, surrounding buildings on main streets, all reflected suburban feel. </p>
<p>*High Street - The main street on TOSU campus! The video is showing north bound from downtown Columbus into the University District. Campus is on the left hand side of the road in the video. 
</p>
<p><a href=“OSU- drive down High street - YouTube”>OSU- drive down High street - YouTube;
<hr>
<p>10 Biggest Small Town Colleges</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Michigan State University
With East Lansing’s population of 45,857 people, to the college’s 47,278 students, Michigan State could practically be its own city. Despite its large student population, East Lansing continues to represent a small college town in every sense of the word. There’s a fine balance between Michigan State and East Lansing that make this college town an enjoyable place to live for all.</p></li>
<li><p>Texas A&M University
You know you’re in “Aggieland” when you enter College Station, Texas, home of Texas A&M University. This city of approximately 93,400 residents is centered around the college in which it bears its name, and is supportive of the 48,039 students that go to A&M. It’s the down-home feel and student-centered attitude of College Station, that keeps students coming back for more.</p></li>
<li><p>University of Florida
It may seem like everyone in Gainesville, Florida, is a Gator, because almost half of them are. Ranking as one of the largest universities in the nation, the University of Florida has approximately 52,271 students in its college town of 114,916 people. Despite such national attention and a huge student population, Gainesville has stayed true to its small college town roots.</p></li>
<li><p>Pennsylvania State University
State College, Pennsylvania is another city that truly embodies the college-town atmosphere, while housing some 43,998 students. Falling a bit short of its university’s population size, State College has about 39,419 residents. State College’s residents are known to work for the university, attend Penn State games and are alumni who never left this fun-filled college town.</p></li>
<li><p>University of Missouri
With nicknames like “College Town USA” and “The Athens of Missouri,” it’s no wonder why Mizzou has a longstanding reputation of being a big small town college with about 31,314 students. Although Mizzou shares its home base with two other higher education institutions, most of the 100,733 residents are Missouri Tigers fans at heart. Columbia is a community of teachers and learners, which is represented in its continuous high marks as a highly educated city.</p></li>
<li><p>University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas, is a proud college town that is home to two higher education institutions, most notably, the University of Kansas. This college town is known for its rich culture, education and love for the Kansas Jayhawks. With approximately 90,520 people living in Lawrence and 30,004 students at KU, it’s no surprise Kansas made it on the big small town college list.</p></li>
<li><p>University of Michigan
While Ann Arbor, Michigan, is on the larger college town size with 114,386 residents, the University of Michigan’s 41,028 students keep it humble. Michigan ranks as one of the top public universities in the nation, and happens to be the state’s oldest university. Despite this kind of national attention, Ann Arbor remains a small college town that boasts some seriously influential graduates and professionals.</p></li>
<li><p>Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona, is relatively small in comparison to its neighboring cities, but it does have Arizona State, the largest university in the Grand Canyon State. Tempe’s population totals 175,523, but Arizona State’s student population comes in second with a whopping 68,064 undergraduates and graduate students. Despite the mass of students, Tempe’s down-to-earth residents make this medium-sized city feel like a small town.</p></li>
<li><p>University of North Carolina
Approximately 52,542 people reside in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, where many people work at and cheer on the University of North Carolina and its 28,916 students. With its famous role as one of the three corners of the Research Triangle Park, a high-tech research and development center, UNC has both local and national appeal in the sciences. Although there are other big name colleges nearby, Chapel Hill residents rarely stray from their beloved Tar Heels.</p></li>
<li><p>University of Georgia
The Georgia Bulldogs is the team of choice in Athens, Georgia, where about 114,737 people call home. The University of Georgia is one of the oldest public universities in the nation, and is rapidly growing with a current enrollment of 34,885 students. While the city is on the larger size, Athens has always kept true to its college town roots and continues to make UGA its focal point.</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Source: [10</a> Biggest Small Town Colleges | Online Universities](<a href=“http://www.onlineuniversities.com/rankings/10-biggest-small-town-colleges/]10”>http://www.onlineuniversities.com/rankings/10-biggest-small-town-colleges/)</p>