Kansas City features more miles of tree-lined boulevards than Paris and more fountains than in any city outside of Rome. The "culture zone" is a part of the city encompassing several museums, a premier research institute and the Country Club Plaza entertainment district. The University of Missouri-Kansas City is located in the center of it. The University's Volker (main) campus is located on a 93-acre site lush with mature trees, gentle hills, and plenty of green space. UMKC also has a Hospital Hill campus located north of the main campus. UMKC's bus service connects the two campuses. Easy access is a Kansas City hallmark: in addition to a well-developed interstate highway system.

The Rockhurst University campus is a short stroll from some of the city's brightest attractions including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Truman Sports Complex, Crown Center, and concert halls. Rockhurst recognizes that campus life involves more than academics and cocurricular activities. The Town House Village student residence complex provides an apartment-style residence experience for juniors and seniors. About half of Rockhurst's students live on the 55-acre main campus, located just a few blocks south of the famed Country Club Plaza. Students can also take advantage of the Rockhurst network in Kansas City's thriving business community. The Career Center offers the Cooperative Education program, placing students in full-time jobs for a semester, where they earn both pay and credit.