Education has long been shown to be a leveler among class differences (Gilbert, 2008). In a time of increasing economic divide, how can graduate programs in universities effectively reach more of those who need mentoring the most, as do those in a metropolitan university? The metropolitan university is a specific type of university that has recently been getting more recognition for its unique mission to students as well as the larger community. This university type is located either near or in the urban center that has at least a population of 250,000 people (UALR, 2008). It has the broad mission of teaching, research, and public service and responds to both the community and regional needs materially and creatively. The metropolitan university seeks to serve the metropolitan region through economic, social, and cultural development. Considered a hybrid institution among institutions of higher education, the metropolitan university encompasses the best of liberal arts, service to the community, the importance of research as the engine of learning, and regional development (CUMU, 2010; UALR, 2008). The urban university is typically characterized as having wide student diversity, often including first-generation students with a lower socioeconomic status, and who may be also older and of varying ethnicities and racial backgrounds. Good citizenship in the broader community as well as sound academics are primary concerns of such universities (Johnson & Bell, 1995). Additionally, graduate education in the metropolitan university is increasingly pursued alongside both work and family commitments.