Which one is better: Small colleges or big universities?

Question

Small colleges have that homey feel and undergrads can have more opportunities. You can meet more people in big universities.
What do you think?

Answer 1

I've been to both.

I'm from a town of 1700, and I went to a university with over 22,000 students.

The pros of a big university: great ways to get experience and involved, the connections are incredible, easier to get an on-campus job, cheaper, LOADS more people to meet, classes are more diverse

The cons of a big university: you really are just a number--if you are in a huge lecture and your test gets lost, you have to pay for it because there's no proof you even went to close, it's REALLY easy to get lost in the number of people, unless you know your roommate, you may end up with a nut case

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The pros of a smaller college: better to be known sooner--you can be the star of a show your first semester if you want, you aren't just a number; people actually know and will help you, you won't have to live off campus if you join a frat or sorority, easier to find someone to sit by at lunch, shorter walks to class

The cons of a smaller college: you get spoiled by the close proximity, harder to avoid people you don't like, more pricey, unless you're on federal aid you won't be able to get a job on campus, rules are more conservative, security will be lax, clubs won't be as extensive

Basically, it's going to come down to your preferences. Can you be comfortable with a large university? Can you survive in a smaller college?

Because I've come from such a small town, the university was too big for me and I had to switch. I'm not glad that I did, but I was able to graduate a year early. Personally I hated that college and it took FAR too much of my money.

Answer 2

Excellent question.

I believe with big universities you get real breadth and depth in different courses. Not to say that small colleges are lacking, they too have great diversity when it comes to courses. But a university definitely has more.

Don't expect too much help in a university. If you're highly independent and want to go about things your own way, then it's more likely that a big university is for you. If you prefer receiving feedback, help etc etc, you'll find that a small college can offer you that. Definitely more opportunities on research programs, and the professors are actually willing to help you any time. In a big university, you'll be lucky if the professors even remember your name.

You may meet more people in a big university, but I think the quantity of relationships make up for the quality. Like you said, small colleges have that homey feel.

To summarize, it's really up to you. Whatever floats your boat. Try visiting www.collegeconfidential.com. The discussions there are loaded with information that can better answer your question.

Answer 3

No matter whether you go to a college or university, you will meet many, many people. The most important thing is picking a school with a good program for whatever your interests are in life...or, if you are not sure what you want to do, then choose a university. This would allow you to choose and sample many subjects before selecting a major. If finances are a concern, then a state university would probably be best. It's cheaper than a small, private college and will have more aid opportunities. Many universities are now focusing on having smaller class sizes to improve student relations and boost learning. Visit several campuses and see what feels right.

Answer 4

Tough call. I think the best bet all around is to ask the registrar if they'll allow you to sit in or audit some of the classes you'll be taking possibly with the same instructors. This'll really tell you anything you want to know. The bigger the school, the more relative anonymity you have, which is often the better of the two. If it's a small school and tightly run with good professors and curriculum, that's also a plus as the intruction would be more personalized. Again, it would help to audit. Then again, people who want to achieve and build a life for themselves through a solid academic training, and I've known people like this; preponderently serious, not flaky, substantive, and admirable, will shine in the ' lowliest ' community or city college imaginable. It's what you make it, I think.
There are no sure bets in life. Death and taxes. Make it worth your while.

Answer 5

It depends on what you are more comfortable with. Big universities can have classes with literally hundreds of students in them. They can be taught by the professer and T.A.s (teaching assistants, usally grad students). The professer will probably never know your name, and there is barely 1 on 1 help, and the information to be learned moves by very fast. I, for one, find it harder to learn in those situations. Smaller colleges you probably have a better chance at getting that good teacher:student ratio. Teachers stop for questions and are there to help the student.

I go to Rutgers University, and I'd probably classify that as a medium sized school. This semester I have 2 small classes where there is a great teacher:student ratio and we have great discussions. But I am also stuck in 2 classes where the teachers don't really care about the students, the T.A. teaches half the time and there are about 60- 80 students in the class.

And don't think you won't meet people in smaller universitys. I started out in a community college and met plenty of people.

Answer 6

Small colleges are for people who need more personal attention and the 'homey' feel - Big U's are for people who like swimming in a big pond and meeting lots of kinds of people. Also by default, the bigger they are the more class options you have.
All depends on you . . .

Answer 7

Small Colleges I think are best then to transfer.

Answer 8

depend on what ur goals are, small colleges are not for everyone, and big colleges are the same

Answer 9

It all depends on what you want and what you're gonna study. Large ones are better if your more social and small one's are better if you want more one on one attention.

Answer 10

SMALL COLLEGES I THINK