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Students face several decisions when they’re debating what college to attend. For many, one of the biggest is whether they should attend a large or a small college or university.
Large and small schools each offer their own advantages and disadvantages. Incoming students need to look at their own needs, personalities and goals to determine which type of school is best for them.
But whatever decision students make, the good news is that the country offers a wide variety of both small and large institutions of higher education.
On the large side, Ohio State University leads the pack: This Midwest university boasts an enrollment of 52,000 students. Following close behind are the University of Minnesota with 51,800 students, University of Florida with 51,700, Arizona State University with 51,400 and University of Texas with 51,100.
On the small-school side, Alaska Bible College has an enrollment of just 38 students, making it the smallest school in the country. Behind it come Shimer College, 81 students; Thomas More College, 84; Sterling College, 105; and Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, 151.
How do costs compare at large and small colleges?
At Ohio State University, Ohio residents attending classes on a full-time basis at the university’s Columbus campus spend $8,706 in tuition a semester. Non-residents attending the same campus spend $22,278 in tuition every semester. Room-and-board costs an additional $8,409 every semester here.
At Alaska Bible College, the costs are lower. Students here spend $3,420 a semester to take 12 to 18 credits. Room-and-board costs average $2,700 a semester.
It’s important to note, though, that not every large university comes with the same tuition and room-and-board costs as does Ohio State University, while not every small college has the same fee and tuition schedule as does Alaska Bible College.
Costs aren’t the only factors that students should consider when debating whether to attend a large or small university. There are also several pros and cons associated with each type of school that students need to study.
The pros of attending a large university include the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of majors and the chance to study in well-stocked campus libraries. Large universities also boast many housing options for students and well-funded sports programs. Many larger schools are home to famous and well-respected professors. These schools also offer a wide range of academic and social opportunities.
On the negative side, though, large universities are often cursed with large class sizes, while many teaching assistants, not professors, teach classes. Many professors at large schools are preoccupied with their own research or with getting published; they often don’t interact with their students. Students enrolling at large universities must also deal with more red tape and bureaucratic rules. It’s easy, too, for students to get lost in the crowd when attending a larger university.
Small colleges come with their own sets of pros and cons. On the pro side, smaller colleges offer students the chance to experience hands-on learning. The advisors at these schools often get to know their students more closely. Small schools also foster a sense of community among their student bodies. Most professors at these universities teach their own classes. Students have more of an opportunity to get to know their professors outside the classroom.
On the negative side, most small colleges offer a limited number of majors and housing options. These schools have smaller library systems and fewer entertainment and social options.
Choosing the right college is never an easy task for new students. By narrowing down whether they want to attend a large or small university, though, new students can at least boost their odds of finding the right school for their needs.
