* Is located in or closely associated with a major metropolitan area: This is the primary defining characteristic. Its campus may be situated within the city limits, or it might be in a suburb with easy access to the city's resources and opportunities.
* Often has a focus on urban issues and related fields of study: Metropolitan universities might offer programs emphasizing urban planning, social work, public administration, communications, and other areas relevant to the challenges and opportunities of urban life. However, this isn't always the case. Many offer a wide range of academic disciplines.
* May have a more diverse student body: Due to their location in a large city, they often attract students from a wider range of backgrounds and socioeconomic levels than universities in more rural areas.
* May have stronger community ties: Metropolitan universities often engage in collaborations and partnerships with local businesses, organizations, and government agencies.
In short, a "metropolitan university" is just a *type* of university, characterized by its location and its potential connections to the surrounding urban environment. Not all universities located in metropolitan areas would necessarily call themselves "metropolitan universities," and the term doesn't imply any particular level of academic prestige or ranking. It's simply a way to highlight a university's location and possible emphasis on urban-related studies.