Choosing The Right College: Big or Small?

“Where are you going to College after graduation?” If a high school student could get paid every time they get asked this question, they may be able to pay for school without student loans altogether. While the question can be more irritating than your little sister borrowing your clothes without asking, it is more important than you might think. The College (and degree program) you choose can either help support a successful career and financial future or make it much harder to get your start in life. What many people forget to consider, however, is that picking the “right” college is also a matter of personal comfort and can affect how well you ease into a routine and culture in which supports you being able to thrive and grow. If you are not comfortable and spend your time hating your surroundings, it can be harder to focus and find success. For many people, College occurs at a formative time in their lives and will help shape habits, beliefs and structures moving forward. Let’s look at some of the differences between large and small colleges and what considerations to pay attention to when deciding on a college to spend these vital years.

Small Schools

Every campus is going to have its own vibe, energy, spirit- whatever you want to call it. The people who attend, the attitudes, the politics- it all helps shape the environment that students learn, work, live and breathe. And the size of the college and campus are no different when shaping the experience that you might encounter when gaining your education. Smaller campuses tend to be more intimate- a sort of small-town vibe where everyone knows each other and class size tends to be smaller. Small campuses may have fewer programs available but sometimes will specialize in a few subjects where they are hard to beat as far as quality, breed or recognition. Smaller campuses, many of which are private schools, can sometimes (not always) cost more as well. However, if you are someone that despises being in crowds and doesn’t want to feel like a “number”, you may want to consider college size before attending an institution with high enrollment rates. Another point to consider- when trying to get classes, you may have an easier time enrolling in the classes you need at a smaller college when you don’t have a ton of students competing for a few spots. If finishing your degree in as little time as possible without delay is important to you, steer clear of schools that would pose too much risk of overcrowding.

Large Schools

Large schools have their advantages and disadvantages as well. If you would rather blend in while you earn your degree, or if you love having tons of friends and social activities available to you, large schools have a large population to offer. Tons of people to be friends with, societies to join, or- on the other side of the coin- the ability to blend and become a number if that is what you are in to. Large schools may have more programs available to choose from as well as more options as far as housing, teachers, or students to befriend. Large schools may also have more scholarship programs available or athletic scholarships for sports. On the flip side, many people who crave the intimacy of being known, find large schools to fall short in this way. These schools can also be more competitive when securing a spot in a popular class as there may not be enough room or professors to support the population interest.

Regardless of where you choose to go to school, do yourself a favor and first visit the campus before signing on the dotted line. Every campus has its own feel and an in-person visit to check out the neighborhood, community, and campus can be a priceless tool in your decision-making kit.