Large vs. Small Colleges: Which One is Right for You?

By Liz Jackson

When we begin talking to 10th graders about what type of higher education environment they are seeking, we often ask them if they envision themselves attending a small college or a larger university. We've learned that many students don't understand how those two options are different, and how their experiences would vary at each type of institution. This month, we break down some of the key differences between the academic and social experiences at large and small colleges so you can get a sense of which one might be a good fit for you.

Small Schools

Sometimes called “liberal arts colleges,” a tricky moniker because many of these schools do offer pre-professional programs like engineering or business, small colleges tend to emphasize undergraduate teaching, close faculty relationships, and broad-based intellectual exploration. Examples include colleges like Amherst College, Pomona College, or Carleton College. Most enroll between 1,500 and 3,000 students, creating an environment where classes are discussion-based and professors often know students personally.

At liberal arts colleges, undergraduates are typically taught by professors rather than graduate assistants, and students may find it easier to participate in research, leadership, and mentorship opportunities early in their college careers. These schools also encourage interdisciplinary thinking, which can be especially appealing for students who have multiple academic interests or who are still undecided about a major.

Students who thrive at liberal arts colleges often enjoy close-knit communities, smaller class sizes, and active classroom participation. They may value strong relationships with professors, individualized support, and a campus culture that emphasizes collaboration over competition. These colleges can be particularly attractive to intellectually curious students who enjoy discussion, writing, and academic exploration across disciplines.

Big Schools

Large research universities, on the other hand, offer a very different experience. Schools such as University of Michigan, University of Wisconsin–Madison, University of California, Los Angeles, or University of Texas at Austin may enroll tens of thousands of undergraduate students and provide enormous academic breadth. Students often have access to cutting-edge research facilities, Division I athletics, large alumni networks, and a wide range of majors, minors, and extracurricular opportunities.

Research universities can be an excellent fit for students who are highly independent, excited by big-campus energy, or seeking specialized academic programs that smaller colleges may not offer. However, the scale of these institutions also means students may need to advocate for themselves more actively. Introductory courses can be large, advising may feel less personal, and students often need to seek out opportunities independently. For some students, this environment feels exciting and energizing; for others, it can feel overwhelming.

Of course, there is a whole other category of institution, which is mid-sized universities (like American University, Chapman University, or Vanderbilt University) which typically offer a little bit of a mix of the small- and big-school experience. 

In USM’s College Guidance office, we typically suggest that students research and, ideally, visit colleges of a few different sizes. Because the scale of the student populations at colleges are all much different from high schools—even a very small college would be three or four times the size of USM’s Upper School!—it can be hard for students to know which type of environment will best suit their needs without thorough research or an in-person campus tour. There are so many wonderful options available for undergraduate education, none of which are inherently better or worse. As always, we recommend thinking about fit when researching colleges, and trying to find out which type of institution will best meet your own individual needs and goals. 

About Liz Jackson

Liz Jackson serves as the director of College Guidance at University School of Milwaukee. She has more than 15 years of experience helping students and families find the right college. With experience in counseling, higher education research, and school leadership, Liz enjoys getting to know students and matching their interests to the unique offerings of each college.