Why Attend College at a Small School?

U.S. colleges and universities come in many shapes and sizes. They are rural, suburban or located in the heart of large cities. They can range in size from under 1,000 undergraduates to over 50,000. While some students might crave the excitement of living in a large city and being able to interact with numerous peers on a daily basis, others prefer a slower pace and attend a smaller, less urban college. If you’re undecided on where to begin your undergraduate studies and don’t know whether to choose a smaller or larger university, these are some reasons that choosing a small college – one with under 5,000 undergraduates – may be the way to go. 

Smaller classes that are taught by professors 

Small colleges mean small classes – generally, most colleges that enroll less than 5,000 undergraduates offer course sections with fewer than 50 students. At Concordia University, Nebraska, larger courses can reach the 50-student mark; however, many even have fewer than 20 students. In addition, most small-college courses are taught by full-time professors, not teaching or graduate assistants. Although these assistants can be highly skilled and knowledgeable, professors with years of experience teaching a particular course are likely to offer students a more comprehensive educational experience.  

Write papers and do projects 

Papers, essays and projects are somewhat more common at smaller colleges. The reason is grading – going through hundreds of student essays and evaluating them for content accuracy is difficult. At larger colleges, it’s much easier for professors to give multiple-choice tests and delegate grading duties to TAs or computerized programs.  

Writing is a creative process – it requires students to consider their own knowledge, fill in gaps and produce an original contribution to existing scholarship. In addition, completing unique projects allows students to process their learning in a new manner. Methods of creative scholarship like this help learning to “stick.”  

Increased interaction with advisors and professors 

The lower student-to-faculty ratios at smaller universities are extremely conducive to personalized attention and make individual interaction with one’s professors far more common. At Concordia, faculty advisors often meet with advisees to determine course schedules, career plans or to answer general questions. These advisors, who include professors from the student’s field of study, are chosen by students themselves based on academic needs and aspirations.  

Having access to professors outside of class on a regular basis also allows students at small colleges to bring concerns, questions or ideas to them when they arise. It is rarely difficult to find time to talk to a professor at a small college. In addition, for students who wish to apply to graduate school and need letters of recommendation, professors at smaller colleges may be more able to assess and speak to a student’s character instead of purely academic achievements.  

Sense of community 

One of the most significant advantages for many students at small colleges is the sense of community they develop during their time there. From direct interactions with professors to frequent meetings with peers with whom they may share multiple courses, opportunities for relationship-building at these colleges abound. Often, students can develop friendships and professional relationships in college that last a lifetime. Plus, primarily residential colleges like Concordia strive to create an environment in which students find community on campus first.  

Wherever you’re at in your college search, if these attributes appeal to you, you may want to consider adding a few smaller schools to your list. You’ll find a school that not only cares about you as an individual, but one where learning is done, lifetime connections are made and scholarship abounds.  

Concordia University, Nebraska promises students a Lutheran, Christian higher education that equips them not only with skills and a degree, but also a sense of vocation and purpose for the future. It emphasizes the importance of the Gospel and is a Christ-centered community of believers and academics. Learn more about applying to Concordia here.