From Classroom to Coworking: The Future of Flexible Work Is Next to Top Universities

• 80% of the top 100 U.S. universities have at least one coworking space within two miles of their campus.
• The median price for these nearby spaces is $124.00, with some areas offering spaces for as low as $70.00 a month, according to Coworking Café.
• New York University holds the record for most coworking spaces within 2 miles of its campus, with access to 220 centers.  

Coworking spaces are sprouting up all over the U.S. in close proximity to universities, creating a bridge from the academic world to the professional one.  

A recent study published by Coworking Cafe revealed that 80% of the top 100 U.S. universities have at least one coworking space within two miles of their campus. Interestingly, this trend isn’t confined to big urban centers; even top universities that are in suburban areas are reported to be witnessing an increase in nearby coworking facilities. 

The rise of coworking centers in college towns suggests that there is a blending of academic and professional environments among college students and professionals. This close proximity to universities offers students an opportunity to step away from lecture halls and dorm rooms and into an environment that can create networking opportunities. Such professional interactions can pave the way for potential job offers, partnerships, or even clientele for those with entrepreneurial aspirations.  

For instance, Rice University in Houston, Texas, is reported to be surrounded by 484 institutions and employers — the highest among the 100 universities analyzed. The area holds eight coworking spaces all within two miles of campus. These nearby spaces serve as platforms for students to gain invaluable real-life office experience, which could be a significant advantage when transitioning to full-time employment. 

Affordability is another advantage cited in the report. According to Coworking Café, the median price for an open workspace near these 100 universities is $124.00, and some areas, like the one surrounding University of California in Berkeley, offer coworking spaces for a mere $70.00 per month, making it an accessible option for both students and faculty alike. 

Data suggests that this isn’t a passing trend. With the number of coworking spaces on the rise globally, not just in the U.S. but in other major economies like the U.K. and India, coworking environments are expanding to cater to a diverse range of professionals — now including students and recent graduates. In the U.S., this evolution suggests a broader societal shift towards flexible work environments and the perceived value that young professionals place on utilizing such spaces.