Final answer:
Colleges and universities vary in size and location, with some occupying extensive land in urban or rural settings. Their location is not generally near industrial areas but often in places with beneficial situation factors like transport networks. The urban-rural divide can impact education quality and access, influencing social mobility through higher education.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding the geographic size and/or location of institutions of higher education, there is no one-size-fits-all answer because colleges and universities vary greatly in terms of where they are found and the size of their campuses. For instance, the notion that colleges and universities often cover large geographical areas can hold true, especially for large campus universities that may have extensive grounds, including academic buildings, research facilities, housing, and recreational areas.
It is also incorrect to say that they are generally located next to industrial areas or limited to a very small geographical area, as institutions are found in diverse setups from city centers to rural landscapes. The situation factors such as access to transportation networks and proximity to a labor force can help explain why some universities, like major urban ones in New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and Houston, have thrived and expanded significantly due to their central locations in cities with advantageous geographic positions for commerce and industry.
Moreover, the delivery of education and its quality can be impacted by urban versus rural locations, with urban areas typically offering more resources and opportunities for education. This contributes to the socioeconomic placement role of education, as students may choose their institution based on the potential for social mobility and access to career opportunities.