One of the most important decisions high school students can make is whether to attend a large university or a small college. Personally, I’ve attended small schools all my life and have loved each and every experience, particularly here at Regis, which has just achieved university status with about 2,000 students enrolled from 26 states as well as 30 countries.
As a college student that will be graduating in two weeks, I cannot tell you how much attending a small college has allowed me to excel and reach my full potential.
With that being said, here are the four main benefits I’ve found from going to a small college.
Small Class Sizes
Smaller colleges have smaller class sizes than larger universities, which translates into students receiving more one-on-one attention from professors. At Regis, our student-to-professor ratio is about 14 students to one professor. In turn, this gives students more opportunities to ask questions, contribute to class discussions, and be more than “just a number” in a sea of faces as professors make it a point to learn your name. It’s less overwhelming than a lecture hall filled with over 300 students and you’ll have plenty of chances to connect with your classmates.
For me, I find that I’m able to ask professors questions and have them answered in-class without having to schedule an appointment to meet with them later on. It’s a win-win and benefits you when it comes to studying for exams, writing papers, or just keeping up with the material being discussed in class.
Strong Relationships Built with Professors
For me, the best feeling is when I am able to just stop by a professor’s office—no appointment necessary—to talk, catch up, or go over an assignment. Professors make time for you and it really shows. From this, I’ve developed strong relationships with many of my professors and the ones I chose to write my law school recommendations were faculty advisors for clubs I’m in, could attest to my academic prowess in the classroom, and speak to the leadership opportunities I’ve taken advantage of within the college community. If I had gone to a larger college or university, I know I wouldn’t have gotten the same value.
It’s Easy to Get Involved
At a smaller college or university, you’re able to take advantage of so many opportunities, particularly if you are looking to be a student leader (Resident Assistant, Orientation Leader, E-Board Member of a Club, Student Ambassador, etc.).
When it comes to participating in clubs and organizations, I am apart of nine student-run associations on-campus, holding three leadership positions within each. This is great if you’re looking to be a big fish in a small pond, which is harder to do at some of the larger universities.
Interestingly, Regis allows you to start your own club or organization as well. With help from a few of my fellow classmates, the Student Business Association (SBA) was created last year, and I was able to bring the Odyssey Online to Regis, since we didn’t have our own chapter. The things that I’ve done are part of the legacy I get to leave behind and now students are able to come together to learn about the business program as well as put pen to paper to have their works published online.
In turn, because there are fewer students, every person’s contribution is more meaningful and adds to the social fabric of the college.
At a smaller school, it is nearly impossible to not get involved, and it seems like everyone is a part of something. The best part? You can start at any time!
Strong Sense of Community
Most small colleges and universities, like Regis, pride itself on its strong sense of community. The moment you step on campus, it feels like home. With the close-knit student body, easily accessible campus, and college wide traditions, it’s easy to see why. Smaller schools provide a comforting environment that any student can be proud of.
The perfect part about it is that everyone knows your name and your accomplishments are likely to stand out. Students feel like they belong to something bigger—when one of us is hurting, we all hurt.
