### Question
How does the law define urban area?


### Answer
Under *20 U.S.C. § 1139g*, **urban area** is defined as:

> a metropolitan statistical area having a population of not less than 350,000, or two contiguous metropolitan statistical areas having a population of not less than 350,000, or, in any State which does not have a metropolitan statistical area which has such a population, the eligible entity in the State submitting an application under section 1139b of this title, or, if no such entity submits an application, the Secretary, shall designate one urban area for the purposes of this part

#### Citation:
  - *20 U.S.C. § 1139g*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 28-HIGHER EDUCATION RESOURCES AND STUDENT ASSISTANCE > SUBCHAPTER VII-GRADUATE AND POSTSECONDARY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS > Part C-Urban Community Service**

