Ibrahim Gardner
The size of a university's student body can significantly impact a student's overall learning experience and social life. According to the Carnegie Classification of colleges and universities, institutions with fewer than 5,000 students are considered small, those between 5,000 and 15,000 are medium, and universities with more than 15,000 students are large. The choice between a small and large university is a personal preference, as smaller colleges may foster a stronger sense of community, while larger universities offer a broader range of activities and greater anonymity. In the US, there were approximately 18.58 million college students in 2022, with California having the highest number of enrolled students at 2.487 million.
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What You'll Learn
- Class sizes: Large universities may have >100 students in lectures
- Student demographics: More women than men enrol in college
- Student population: California has the highest number of enrolled students
- Campus life: Smaller colleges may foster a stronger sense of community
- Cost: The average cost of US colleges is $78,000 per year
Class sizes: Large universities may have >100 students in lectures
The class sizes you will experience at university will depend on a variety of factors, including the popularity of your major, the time of day you are taking classes, and the size of the university. Large universities will typically have larger class sizes, with some lectures taking place in halls with over 100 students.
The benefits of smaller class sizes include more hands-on learning, a stronger relationship with professors, and the opportunity to stand out. Smaller colleges can foster a stronger sense of community among classmates, with more opportunities to get involved in campus activities.
However, it is important to note that even within the same major, there can be noticeable differences in class sizes. For example, a class in a popular subject like economics might have 50 students, whereas a class in a less commonly studied subject like German might have only seven.
While the overall average class size at a university may be large, you will likely find that your class sizes decrease as you move into higher-level, major-specific courses. Therefore, when considering the average class size at a university, it is essential to look beyond the overall median and consider the specific department or major you are interested in.
To get a comprehensive understanding of the classroom experience at a particular university, it is recommended to reach out to current students or professors in your academic area of interest and, if possible, attend a class to observe the teaching style and class dynamics.
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Student demographics: More women than men enrol in college
While it is challenging to determine the average number of students at a university, college enrolment statistics offer valuable insights into student demographics. Notably, the trend of more women than men enrolling in college persists, with 8.7 million women and 6.4 million men enrolled in undergraduate programs in 2024. This phenomenon, evident since 1979, has sparked conversations about the growing gender gap in higher education.
Several factors contribute to this gender disparity in college enrolment. Firstly, girls tend to outperform boys in early reading tests and complete more college-preparatory courses in high school. Additionally, girls spend more time on homework and exhibit fewer behavioural problems or arrests than boys, enhancing their prospects for college admission. Secondly, women's participation in the labour force has evolved. Traditionally, female college graduates often pursued female-intensive occupations like teaching, but rising divorce rates and greater responsibility for children may have influenced their decision to invest in college as an insurance policy for financial stability. Moreover, the wage premium for a college degree has increased, especially for women, raising their expectations and encouraging them to pursue careers rather than just jobs.
The gender gap is also evident in graduation rates. In 2021, the overall graduation rate was 64.9%, with women graduating at a rate of 67.9% and men at 61.3%. Women are 32.3% more likely to complete their degrees within six years at the institution they first enrolled in. They also earn the majority of degrees at every level, including 62.8% of associate degrees, 58.5% of bachelor's degrees, 62.6% of master's degrees, and 57% of doctoral degrees.
The reasons for not obtaining a college degree vary between men and women. Men are more likely to cite personal choice, asserting they didn't want to attend college or didn't need a degree for their desired career. In contrast, women more frequently mention affordability as a significant obstacle to pursuing a college education. These differences have profound implications for the future composition of the nation's labour force and the economic well-being of individuals.
While the discussion focuses on the gender dynamics between men and women, it is essential to acknowledge that gender extends beyond the binary. In 2022, an analysis of over 1.2 million college applications revealed that 2.15% of applicants identified as transgender or non-binary, underscoring the diverse gender identities within the college applicant pool.
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Student population: California has the highest number of enrolled students
The average number of students enrolled in universities varies across the United States. While the postsecondary enrollment peaked in 2010 at 21.02 million, the number of enrolled students as of Fall 2024 is 19.625 million.
California has consistently been reported to have the highest number of enrolled students, with a population of over 2.4 million students. This number is a 97.8% increase relative to 1970. California's large student population can be attributed to its policies supporting students' postsecondary academic journeys. The state has maintained a lower proportion of revenue dependence on tuition, at 18%, compared to the US average of 42%. Additionally, California spent over $21 billion in state funds to support its higher education institutions and financial aid system in the 2022-23 academic year. The state's commitment to keeping education costs low has likely contributed to its high enrollment numbers.
New York and Texas are the only other states with more than a million college students enrolled. Alaska has the smallest student population, with 22,152 students enrolled, a number that has seen a significant increase of 112.7% relative to 1970. Wyoming, Montana, and Vermont also have relatively low enrollment numbers, with fewer than 50,000 enrolled college students each.
While California leads in total student enrollment, Utah, Idaho, and New Hampshire have experienced the largest increases in enrollment rates relative to 2010. Utah, in particular, has seen impressive gains, with a 12% increase in college enrollments between 2023 and 2024, the highest rate of statespeople attending at nearly 7%. Idaho has also made significant strides, increasing state public financial aid by 215.2% per full-time enrolled student since 2001. These states' commitment to supporting higher education and providing financial aid has contributed to their notable enrollment growth.
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Campus life: Smaller colleges may foster a stronger sense of community
While it is challenging to determine the average number of students at a university, college enrollment statistics offer some insights. California has the highest number of enrolled college students, with 2.487 million, while Alaska has the smallest student population at 22,152. Furthermore, public four-year universities have the highest enrollment, with 7.9 million students, followed by public two-year colleges (4.8 million) and private nonprofit four-year colleges (4.1 million).
Now, let's delve into the topic of campus life and the potential advantages of smaller colleges in fostering a stronger sense of community:
Smaller colleges, with their lower student populations, often create an environment where classmates become closer and develop a stronger sense of community. This sense of community can significantly impact a student's overall college experience and social life. With overlapping campus activities, students tend to recognize familiar faces and build deeper connections. Smaller colleges provide opportunities for more intimate interactions, allowing students to stand out among their peers and form meaningful relationships.
The benefits of a tight-knit community extend beyond social aspects. Students who feel a sense of belonging on campus are more likely to feel safe in their college environment. This sense of belonging can positively affect their perception of their education's value. According to the 2015 Gallup-Purdue Index Report, relationships and meaningful interactions strongly influence graduates' belief that their education was worthwhile.
Additionally, smaller colleges often translate to smaller class sizes, which have their own advantages. Students in smaller classes benefit from more hands-on learning and stronger relationships with professors. This environment can empower students to stand out and gain more personalized attention.
While smaller colleges may foster a stronger sense of community, it is essential to recognize that campus life is what you make of it, regardless of the college size. Whether at a small or large institution, students can find ways to build community through shared interests, common majors, or various campus activities. Ultimately, the decision between a small and large college depends on individual preferences, such as the desire for a wider range of clubs and activities or the preference for a more intimate learning environment.
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Cost: The average cost of US colleges is $78,000 per year
The cost of attending college in the United States varies greatly depending on the type of school and the student's residency status. The average cost of college in the US for the 2024-2025 academic year was approximately $30,000 for in-state public universities, $49,000 for out-of-state public universities, and $63,000 for private colleges. These figures represent the cost of tuition, fees, housing, food, supplies, and transportation for full-time students at four-year nonprofit schools.
The cost of attendance (CoA), refers to the total cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies, and room and board for students living on campus. CoA does not include transportation costs, daily living expenses, or student loan interest. For the 2025 academic year, the average CoA for a student living on campus at an in-state public four-year institution was $27,146 per year or $108,584 over four years. Out-of-state students at public four-year institutions paid $45,708 per year or $182,832 over four years. Students attending private, nonprofit universities paid $58,628 per year or $234,512 over four years.
The cost of college has increased significantly over time. From 2012-13 to 2022-23, the average tuition increased by 25.6% at all four-year colleges. During the same period, in-state tuition at public four-year institutions increased by 20.8%, while private, nonprofit four-year institutions saw a 33.7% increase. The cost of a college education has more than doubled in the 21st century, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.04% for tuition. The average cost of a four-year degree from a public university in 1963 was $3,716.
The high cost of college presents a significant financial challenge for many families. The average cost of a college degree can exceed $500,000 when considering student loan interest and loss of income. Additionally, using student loans for living expenses can increase a student's loan debt. The cost of attendance can vary based on location, with differences in the cost of living and groceries across markets. For example, the average rent in San Francisco is significantly higher than in other parts of the country.
While the average cost of college in the US is already high, some elite universities can charge even more. Ivy League schools, for instance, can cost between $80,000 and $90,000 per year. On the other hand, community colleges offer a more affordable option, with an average cost of $20,600 per year, or $15,800 after grants and scholarships. Fully online colleges report lower average net costs of around $17,100 for students.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the Carnegie Classification of colleges, a "small" college has fewer than 5,000 students. Examples of small colleges include private colleges like Colgate, Grinnell, and Reed, and public colleges like SUNY Geneseo and Delaware State University.
A medium-sized college typically has between 5,000 and 15,000 students. Examples of medium-sized colleges include Yale, Brown, Howard, Duke, and the University of Arkansas.
A "large" college usually has more than 15,000 students. Examples of large colleges include the University of Southern California, New York University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
Yes, the size of a college can significantly impact a student's experience, including their learning environment and social life. Smaller colleges often foster a stronger sense of community and closer relationships among classmates. Larger colleges offer a wider range of activities and a bigger social circle, but classes tend to be larger, which may affect the level of personalized attention from professors.
