The role of advanced programs in urban universities and the relationship between large public urban universities and comprehensive state universities in less-populated areas are addressed. An overview of the issues, case studies in three states, a study comparing students in two doctoral programs, and information on the characteristics of large urban universities in the South are considered. Among the issues are the following: pressures exerted on states to make graduate and professional programs available in cities are linked to the concentration of part-time students on urban campuses who desire these programs; urban universities are seeking funds for expansion, while other institutions that are facing declining enrollments are seeking additional funds primarily on the grounds of quality improvement; urban schools emphasize serving urban populations and solving urban problems, while they generally also seek to expand their advanced offering in traditional arts and sciences; and state higher education agencies are faced with the problem of accommodating urban demands for educational programs that would duplicate ones already in existence in their states. The universities profiled in the case reports include an older, established institution and two of the newer state universities in the nation: the University of Louisville, the University of South Florida, and George Mason University. The higher education systems and conditions in Kentucky, Florida, and Virginia are also covered. "A Comparison of Students of Two Doctoral Programs in an Urban and in a 'Flagship' University," by Eva C. Galambes compares the characteristics of doctoral students in the psychology programs at Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Virginia. A bibliography and information on research methodology are appended. (SW)