Smaller Universities: Competing For Students, Strategies Revealed

The size of a university can have a significant impact on the student experience, and smaller universities often face the challenge of competing for students against larger institutions. While smaller universities typically offer a more personalised experience with smaller class sizes, they may struggle to match the range of academic programs, extracurricular activities, and facilities provided by their larger counterparts. To attract students, smaller universities must focus on their unique strengths and adapt to the changing demands of students. This may involve specialising in certain areas, developing industry links, and partnering with other educational providers to offer a broader range of courses and resources.

Smaller universities can offer a more personalised student experience

Small universities also tend to have smaller class sizes, which facilitates a great learning environment that encourages active participation. Students have more opportunities for in-class discussions and interactions with professors. They can ask questions and receive support in a less overwhelming environment, without having to compete for attention in a large lecture hall.

The tight-knit community of small universities also extends to relationships between students and faculty. Academic advisors get to know students well and can create personalised study paths and degrees. Students can be offered more options and electives within their degree and can more easily participate in hands-on research.

While small universities may offer fewer academic programs and majors, they allow for more program customisation. They can also provide increased professor availability, making it easier for students to connect with faculty and receive the support they need.

In addition to academics, small universities can foster a sense of community through extracurricular activities. While they may offer fewer options than larger institutions, small universities can still have a variety of clubs and associations for students to join and create a well-rounded college experience.

Smaller universities can offer a less overwhelming learning environment

Small universities typically hold classes of 15-35 students, which allows for more student-teacher interaction. Students don't have to compete for attention in a large lecture hall and can ask questions in a less overwhelming environment. This immersive school experience encourages students to build relationships with their peers and connect with others across campus.

The tight-knit community of a small university extends to relationships between students and faculty. Academic advisors get to know students well and can create personalised study paths and degrees. Students can also benefit from more program customisation, with more options or electives within their degree.

The smaller campus size makes it easier to meet people and get involved in classes and campus life. If you're the sort of person that flourishes within a close-knit community, a small university may be the best fit for you.

Smaller universities can provide a smoother transition from high school

Small universities tend to have a tight-knit community, where students can get to know one another and build lasting relationships with their peers and professors. This sense of community can be comforting for students who are transitioning from the familiar surroundings of high school. In smaller universities, it's easier to be directly involved in classes and build relationships with professors and staff. This can be especially beneficial for students who may feel intimidated in larger lecture halls and prefer a less overwhelming environment in which to ask questions and participate.

Small universities usually have smaller class sizes, which can range from 15 to 35 students. This facilitates a great learning environment that encourages active participation and provides more opportunities for in-class discussions. Students don't have to compete for attention and can benefit from increased professor availability.

The transition to university life can be challenging, but smaller universities can make it smoother by providing a more intimate and familiar setting. Students who thrive in tight-knit communities and prefer a comfortable environment with familiar faces may find that smaller universities are a better fit for their educational journey.

Smaller universities can offer more opportunities for students to participate in extracurriculars

Students at smaller universities are more likely to know most people on campus, and this familiarity can make it easier to get involved in extracurricular activities. For example, students may feel more comfortable creating their own clubs and societies, or joining existing ones, when they are familiar with the people around them. Smaller universities often have tight-knit communities, which can make it easier to develop long-lasting relationships with professors and staff. This can be beneficial when seeking support for extracurricular projects or simply getting to know others with similar interests.

Additionally, smaller universities may provide more opportunities for hands-on research in classes or labs, which can be a form of extracurricular activity that enhances a student's academic profile. For instance, students may have increased access to professors and be able to engage in research projects that might not be available at larger institutions due to high demand and limited spaces.

Furthermore, smaller universities may have partnerships or affiliations with other educational institutions, allowing students to access a broader range of extracurricular activities. For example, the Claremont Colleges in California and the 5 Colleges Consortium in Massachusetts share academic departments, cultural programs, research facilities, transportation, and libraries, providing students from smaller universities within these consortia access to a wider range of extracurricular options.

Overall, while smaller universities may not have the sheer quantity of extracurricular activities that larger universities can offer, they provide a more personalised experience, increased familiarity, and enhanced access to professors and resources, all of which can facilitate greater student participation in extracurricular activities.

Smaller universities can offer more opportunities for students to develop relationships with staff

Small universities usually have class sizes of around 15-35 students, which facilitates a great learning environment that encourages active participation. There is more opportunity for in-class discussion and student-teacher interaction. Students will have the chance to talk to their professors and ask questions in a less overwhelming environment. This is in contrast to large universities, where some lectures can contain hundreds of students, making it harder to get to know professors and increasing competition when it comes to speaking up in class.

The tight-knit community of small universities also extends to relationships between students and faculty. This means strong advising systems, where academic advisors get to know students well and can create personalized study paths and degrees. This level of customization is not usually possible at larger universities, which tend to have a more standardized approach.

Smaller universities can also make the transition from high school to university smoother. The small campus size makes it easier to meet people and get involved in classes and campus life. This sense of community can help students feel more comfortable and able to flourish in a familiar environment.

Frequently asked questions