I wonder how rural is defined? I grew up in a small town in Indiana, but in the second most populous county. I’ve lived in the UP of Michigan in the most populated city, which felt much larger than the stated 20k census numbers.
I now live in one of the most populated areas in PA. Of the three, it probably has the most rural feel.
Growing up, we all tried to get into Purdue, IU, or failing that Ball State etc. However, I do know fellow students who probably could have thrived at UChicago type schools if they knew about them.