Written by: Nicholas Sarysz
As someone who is soon to be a college graduate, who has attended four different universities throughout my four years of college, I can confidently say that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the often-asked question of whether small colleges are as good as large colleges. Ultimately, the decision of where to attend college comes down to individual preferences.
On the one hand, small colleges can offer a more personalized education. With smaller class sizes and a more intimate campus environment, students at small colleges have more opportunities to build relationships with their professors and peers, which is something a lot of people look for when choosing a school.
However, small colleges often have limited resources, both in terms of academic programs and extracurricular activities. This can impact students’ opportunities to explore different areas of interest or gain experience in their chosen fields. Additionally, small colleges may have limited name recognition outside of the general area where they are located, which may impact students’ job prospects and graduate school opportunities.
The biggest issue with small colleges is the “big fish in a small pond” conundrum, where a lot of students may gain a false sense of superiority given their lack of socialization with and understanding of the real world. This often creates a less welcoming environment for students who don’t fit into established social circles. Usually, there is far less cultural diversity within a smaller university campus as well.
Larger colleges, on the other hand, offer a much wider range of academic programs, research opportunities and extracurricular activities. There are often more options for clubs and organizations, as well as more diverse perspectives and experiences to learn from and immerse yourself in. Larger colleges also have more name recognition and resources to support students’ career and graduate school aspirations, thus providing more flexibility for those who want to relocate after they graduate.
In my personal experience, I much prefer larger universities. Larger college campuses are like their own town with daily events, multiple restaurants and things to do, making them a lot more fun. On top of this, extra fees such as incidental and meal plan costs tended to be noticeably cheaper at the larger universities I attended. Just know that private colleges are hardly ever worth it — unless one obtains an abnormally large scholarship.
All in all, a degree is just a degree, no matter where you get it from. It is not much other than a symbol of wasted money, a ticket to higher education or a one-way entrance into the bottom of the corporate ladder.
Contact the author at howlstaffwriter@wou.edu
