Choosing the right size university can mean the difference between a wonderful experience…or an overwhelming one. Learn why small can be your best bet.

Sprawling campuses. Thousands of students. Packed lecture halls. It’s all part of the large-university experience, and some students thrive on it.

But let’s be honest: big schools aren’t for everyone. Many students prefer a quieter, more personalized college experience, and for those students a small university—sometimes called “liberal arts” or “teaching” universities—are exactly the right fit.

If you’re still torn between the two, here are five reasons why a small university could be the right choice for you.

1. Small class sizes—Most small-college classes have fewer than 30 students, which allows for more individualized learning. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions, get involved in interesting discussions and be taught by a professor who knows your name and would recognize you in the hallway. It also makes collaborating with other students and getting to know your classmates much easier.

2. Lower student-to-faculty ratio—According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, the average national student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1—in other words, one faculty member for every 18 students. Small universities tend to have much lower student-to-faculty ratios. For instance, at Rochester Christian University, the student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1.

The lower the ratio, the more time your professors have to evaluate your work and offer detailed critiques. You’ll also have more opportunities to get to know your professors on a personal basis and develop relationships that make it easier to ask for help—or even letters of recommendation and networking opportunities when the time comes for grad school or job-searching.

3. The professors are the teachers—At large universities, graduate students do much of the actual teaching instead of professors. When you’re learning at a small institution, you’re learning from the people who have earned the highest level of education in that field (actual professors) and have valuable real-life experience.

4. More flexible curriculum—Smaller universities are often a bit more flexible about program requirements. In fact, they may even give you leeway to construct programs in a way that better fits your individual interests and goals, so you don’t have to sit through classes that have nothing to do with your major just because the administration says you must. Keep in mind, though, that every university is different, so check with your advisor for details.

5. You’re an important part of a strong community—If you think of larger schools as the big cities of higher education, small universities are the small towns where you know almost everyone. Both faculty and other students are ready to help, it’s easy to find your way around and you get lost in the crowd or feel overwhelmed.

At a small university, because you’re not competing with thousands of other students you don’t have to settle for second-best. So, whether you’re longing for a spot on the school newspaper or to play goalie on the soccer team, it’s more likely you’ll be able to participate in your first choice of activities.

Many small universities are also commuter-friendly, so depending on your choice you might even be close enough to live at home and commute back and forth to classes. Or, if you live on campus and your family is close by, you’ll be able to see them on a regular basis. And for online or working students, it’s easier to access campus resources like supplemental instruction, tutoring and library services at small universities.

Still Not Sure? Here’s More Help

If we spelled out all the good reasons to look at a small university, like…

• Excellent financial aid options
• More personal advising
• More opportunities to stand out and make a difference
• A well-rounded education that prepares you for many different types of careers

…we’d end up with a book the size of which JK Rowling would envy. Which is why we’ll just add some links at the end of the article to help get the decision center of your brain warmed up—and encourage you to take advantage of all the great information and advising resources your potential schools will have available.

Also, keep in mind that your situation is uniquely yours; what worked for friends, co-workers or family members might not work for you. Your own personal future is out there waiting, and whether you choose a large university or a small one, make sure it’s the right one for you. Good luck!

Looking for a small, personal university that will help you reach your potential and make a positive impact on the world? At Rochester Christian University in Rochester Hills, Michigan, you’ll achieve the academic excellence, global awareness, character and leadership you need to succeed in a changing, exciting and inspiring world.

 [Article revised, October 4, 2021]

Sources and Resources

Here are more good articles on choosing the right size university:

• “10 Reasons to Go to a Small College,” by Jeremy S. Hyman and Lynn F. Jacobs, usnews.com, July 28, 2010.
• “Big College Vs. Small College: How to Choose the Right One,” by Amanda Rahn, metroparent.com, January 25, 2019.
• “Top 15 Mistakes to Avoid in Choosing a College,” by Elizabeth Hoyt, fastweb.com, April 7, 2019.
• “Should I Go to a Big or Small College?” by Samantha Lindsay, blog.prepscholar.com, August 15, 2015.

U.S. News & World Report has one of the most useful college profile sites we’ve ever seen:

• “S. News Best Colleges,” usnews.com.

And here’s a completely unscientific and fun quiz that won’t make up your mind for you, but it will get you thinking:

• LoveToKnow’s Personality Quiz to Find the Right College, lovetoknow.com.