University Student Population: What's The Average Number?

The size of a university's student body can vary widely, and this can have a significant impact on the overall university experience. The Carnegie Classification of colleges and universities defines small colleges as those with fewer than 5,000 students, medium colleges as those with 5,000 to 15,000 students, and large colleges as those with more than 15,000 students. According to this classification, the average university has around 6,400 students, which would place it in the medium category. However, it's important to note that this number can vary depending on various factors, such as the type of university (public or private), its location, and its selectivity. Additionally, the student population can also fluctuate from year to year, with some universities experiencing increases or decreases in enrollment over time.

Public vs private institutions

The average college or university in the US has about 6,400 students enrolled. However, this number can vary depending on whether the institution is public or private, and other factors such as location, selectivity, and more.

Funding and Tuition

The main difference between public and private universities is their source of funding, which affects their tuition fees. Public universities are typically owned and funded by the government, meaning they can offer lower tuition, especially for in-state students. In some countries, public universities can even provide free education depending on a student's exam scores. Private universities, on the other hand, rely on higher tuition fees, private investments, and donations, making the cost of attendance much higher on average.

Class Sizes and Diversity

Public universities tend to be larger, with more students enrolling each year, and thus have bigger class sizes, especially for foundational courses. They also tend to attract students from a wider range of demographic backgrounds, usually from the same state. Private universities, being smaller, have fewer students and smaller class sizes, and due to their higher tuition, attract students from across the country and the world, resulting in a more geographically diverse community.

Academic Programs and Specializations

Public universities, due to their larger student bodies, usually offer a wider range of degree programs, specializations, and research opportunities. Private universities, on the other hand, might be specialized institutes or smaller institutions offering a limited range of majors.

Graduation Rates and Outcomes

Private non-profit universities have the highest graduation rate at 80%, while public 4-year institutions have a graduation rate of around 72%. However, there is no conclusive research indicating that one type of degree leads to better salary prospects than the other.

Other Considerations

When deciding between a public or private university, it is important to consider factors such as your financial situation, academic goals, desired university experience, and location preferences. Public universities are generally more affordable, offer more program options, and have better research facilities due to government funding. Private universities, despite being more expensive, may offer more substantial financial aid, and provide more individual support and supervision from professors due to lower student-to-faculty ratios.

Undergraduate vs graduate students

The size of a university can vary, and this can affect the experience of its students. According to the Carnegie Classification of colleges and universities, "small" colleges have fewer than 5,000 students, "medium" colleges have between 5,000 and 15,000 students, and "large" colleges have more than 15,000 students.

The number of students at a university can also be classified according to whether they are undergraduate or graduate students. Undergraduate students are those pursuing a degree at the first level of higher education, typically a bachelor's degree, after high school. Graduate students are those who have completed their bachelor's degree and are pursuing an additional, more advanced degree, such as a master's or doctoral degree.

Undergraduate programs typically take four years to complete and offer a broad introduction to a field, allowing students to explore various academic areas and build a solid foundation of knowledge. On the other hand, graduate programs offer more specialized and in-depth learning, often requiring independent research, seminars, and theoretical application. Master's programs typically last 1-2 years, while PhD programs usually take 4-6 years or more and involve extensive research.

The average number of undergraduate students at US colleges was about 6,400, according to data from US News. However, this number can vary significantly, with some colleges enrolling tens of thousands of undergraduates. Graduate students make up a smaller proportion of the student population, with 17.13% of all postsecondary students enrolled in graduate programs.

The choice between pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree depends on an individual's career goals and learning preferences. Undergraduate studies provide a broad foundation across various disciplines, while graduate programs allow for specialization and in-depth research in a specific area.

Full-time vs part-time students

The number of students at a university depends on several factors, including whether it is a public or private institution, its location, and its size. The average number of students at a university can vary from a few thousand to tens of thousands.

Now, here is some information on full-time versus part-time students:

The main difference between a part-time and full-time student is the number of credits they take each semester. Full-time students typically take on a heavier course load, requiring more credits to be completed in a shorter amount of time. Part-time students, on the other hand, have more flexibility and can take fewer credits per semester, often resulting in a longer overall degree completion time.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Full-Time Study

Full-time students often have the advantage of graduating sooner and becoming fully immersed in campus life. They may also have access to more financial aid opportunities. However, the heavier course load can be demanding, leaving less time for work, personal life, and other commitments.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Part-Time Study

Part-time students benefit from a more flexible schedule, which can be especially advantageous for those with family or work commitments. They often have more time for internships, athletics, and extracurricular activities. Additionally, part-time students may experience lower tuition costs by spreading out their financial burden over a longer period. However, they may receive fewer scholarship opportunities and typically take longer to graduate.

Employment Considerations

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in October 2020, 41.5% of full-time college students worked, while a significantly higher percentage (82%) of part-time students were employed. This suggests that part-time study can provide more opportunities for employment alongside education.

Cost Considerations

Full-time students often pay a flat rate for 12-18 credits per semester, which can result in significant savings. Part-time students, on the other hand, typically pay per credit, which can add up over a longer period of time, especially if there are additional fees for each semester of enrolment.

Time Commitment

Full-time students devote a significant amount of their time and energy to their studies, often taking on multiple classes simultaneously. This immersive experience can be beneficial for staying engaged and excited about their field of study. In contrast, part-time students have a lower academic course load, allowing them to focus more intensely on a smaller number of classes and providing time for other pursuits.

Eligibility and Aid

Full-time enrolment is often a requirement to receive financial aid, health insurance, and scholarships. However, part-time students are usually still eligible for some financial aid, provided they meet the minimum credit requirements, typically at least six credits per semester for federal aid.

Personal Considerations

The decision to enrol full-time or part-time depends on various personal factors. For those seeking a faster route to graduation and wanting a more immersive campus experience, full-time study may be preferable. On the other hand, part-time study can offer a better balance for those with family or caregiving responsibilities, providing more time for external commitments and a less hectic schedule.

Ultimately, the choice between full-time and part-time study depends on an individual's unique circumstances, goals, and priorities.

Male vs female students

The size of a university can vary, and this can affect the experience of students. A large university can feel overwhelming to some, while a smaller college can feel friendly and comfortable. The average number of students across 1,190 colleges that reported data to U.S. News in an annual survey was about 6,400.

When it comes to male vs female students, there is a notable gender imbalance in U.S. colleges, with women outnumbering men. As of spring 2021, women made up 59.5% of all U.S. college students, a record high. This trend has been ongoing for over four decades, and it is not limited to four-year colleges; it is also seen in two-year colleges, or community colleges.

There are several potential reasons for this gender imbalance:

• Women's labour force participation has increased over time, and they have relatively higher financial returns from college enrolment. College education helps women gain access to careers where they have a comparative advantage, such as office work.
• Women are more likely to complete their degrees. U.S. Department of Education data shows that 65% of women who started at a U.S. four-year university in 2012 had graduated by 2018, compared with 59% of men.
• Women are more likely than men to enrol in college immediately after high school.
• Women are outperforming men at the high school level, which may be a factor in the increased number of women attending college.

It is worth noting that men still tend to end up in higher-paying fields, like engineering, after graduating from college, while many lower-paying fields are disproportionately female.

Student age

The average age of a college student in the US is 26.4 years. However, the 'average' age range for undergraduate college students is generally between 18 and 22 years old. Most students start college immediately after graduating high school, usually at 18 years old, and complete their undergraduate program in four years.

Age diversity in colleges is becoming more common, with about 38% of undergraduate students in the US being over 25 years old. This is due to more students taking gap years, attending community college before transferring to a four-year institution, or pursuing non-traditional paths.

Age diversity varies among institutions, with community colleges, online schools, and large public universities usually having more age diversity than small private colleges or highly-selective institutions.

According to the Carnegie Classification of colleges and universities, colleges with fewer than 5,000 students are considered "small". "Medium" colleges have between 5,000 and 15,000 students, and "large" colleges have more than 15,000 students. A "huge" university would be one with more than 30,000 students.

Frequently asked questions