Are you on the lookout for a small college where you can receive personalized attention, enjoy a tight-knit community, and gain access to unique opportunities? Look no further! In this post, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 small colleges in the USA that offer incredible academic programs, diverse extracurricular activities, and an unforgettable college experience. Whether you’re interested in liberal arts or engineering, these schools have something for everyone. So without further ado, let’s dive into our list of America’s best small colleges!
See More: List of Fully Funded Undergraduate Scholarships
Introduction to Small Colleges in the USA
There are many reasons why students might choose to attend a small college in the USA. Smaller class sizes, individualized attention from professors, and a close-knit community are just a few of the benefits that can be found at these institutions.
In addition, small colleges often have a more intimate and personal feel than large universities. This can make for a more positive and supportive learning environment. Students at small colleges also tend to be more engaged in their studies and more invested in their education.
If you’re considering attending a small college in the USA, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, research the schools you’re interested in to make sure they offer the programs and majors you’re looking for. Second, consider your budget and whether you’re willing to pay higher tuition rates for a smaller school. Finally, think about what kind of atmosphere you want to be surrounded by during your college years.
If you’re looking for an intimate and supportive learning environment, then attending a small college in the USA may be the right choice for you!
How many small colleges are there in the US?
There are over 4,000 small colleges in the United States. These schools have an average enrollment of under 2,000 students. Many of these schools are private liberal arts colleges that offer a traditional college experience.
Some students prefer small colleges because they offer a more intimate and personal learning environment. Professors at small colleges often know their students by name and are more accessible to them outside of class. Smaller class sizes also mean that students can get more individualized attention from their instructors.
If you’re looking for a close-knit community and a more traditional college experience, then a small college might be the right fit for you.
What are the top 10 easiest colleges to get into?
There are many reasons why a college may be easy to get into. The most common reason is that the college has lower admissions standards than other colleges. This can be due to the college’s size, location, or type of school. Other reasons for easy admission may include having a strong admissions essay or being able to demonstrate financial need.
The top 10 easiest colleges to get into are:
- Amherst College
- Bowdoin College
- Carleton College
- Claremont McKenna College
- Colby College
- Connecticut College
- Davidson College
- Middlebury College
- Swarthmore College
- Williams College
Who has the smallest college campus?
There are many small colleges in the United States, but which one has the smallest college campus? This is a question that does not have a definitive answer, as there are many factors to consider. However, we have compiled a list of the top small colleges in the US based on various criteria, including student-to-faculty ratio, average class size, and campus size.
Here are the top small colleges in the US:
- St. John’s College – Annapolis, Maryland: St. John’s College has an enrollment of just under 500 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1. The average class size at St. John’s is 16 students. The college campus covers 126 acres.
- Berea College – Berea, Kentucky: Berea College has an enrollment of around 1,600 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1. The average class size at Berea is 17 students. The college campus covers 300 acres.
- Earlham College – Richmond, Indiana: Earlham College has an enrollment of around 1,200 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1. The average class size at Earlham is 16 students. The college campus covers 290 acres.
- Macalester College – Saint Paul, Minnesota: Macalester College has an enrollment of 2,000 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1. The average class size at Macalester is 18 students. The college campus covers 110 acres.
- Deep Springs College – Deep Springs, California: Deep Springs College has an enrollment of just 26 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 4:1. The average class size at Deep Springs is 5 students. The college campus covers 27,000 acres.
What is the cheapest big college?
The cost of college is a major concern for many students and their families. With the rising cost of tuition, it’s important to know which colleges offer the best value. Here are the top small colleges in the US with low tuition rates and scholarships that make them affordable for everyone.
- CUNY Hunter College – Located in New York City, Hunter College is part of the City University of New York system. Tuition for NYC residents is just $6,330 per year, making it one of the most affordable colleges in the country. Out-of-state students pay slightly more at $11,880 per year.
- SUNY Geneseo – This public college in upstate New York has a tuition of just $8,445 per year for NY state residents and $19,245 for out-of-state students. It’s also one of the best schools in the country for academic quality and student outcomes.
- Georgia State University – Georgia State University is a large public university located in Atlanta with an annual tuition of $9,158 for GA residents and $22,658 for out-of-state students. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, making it a great choice for many students.
- Florida International University – This Miami-based university has an annual tuition of $9,691 for FL residents and $22,791 for out-of-state students. It’s a large university with a diverse student body and many different degree options.
- University of North Carolina – Located in Chapel Hill, UNC is one of the oldest public universities in the US with an annual tuition of just $8,910 for NC residents and $34,170 for out-of-state students. It’s known for its top-notch academics and student support services.
Ranking of Top 20 Small Colleges in the USA
The following is a ranking of the top 20 small colleges in the USA based on various factors such as student-teacher ratio, retention rate, graduation rate, and alumni salaries.
- Alfred University
- Bard College
- Claremont McKenna College
- Dartmouth College
- Franklin & Marshall College
- Grinnell College
- Haverford College
- Macalester College
- Middlebury College
- Williams College
- Yale University
- Amherst College
- Hamilton College
- Swarthmore College
- Oberlin College
- Pomona College
- Wesleyan University
- Vassar College
- Reed College
- Smith College
There are many great small colleges in the United States. Here is a brief overview of each college.
-Alfred University is located in New York and has an enrollment of about 2,000 students. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Website: https://www.alfred.edu/
-Bard College is located in New York and has an enrollment of about 2,000 students. The college offers a variety of liberal arts programs.
Website: http://www.bard.edu/
-Claremont McKenna College is located in California and has an enrollment of about 1,300 students. The college offers a variety of undergraduate programs.
Website: https://www.cmc.edu/
-Dartmouth College is located in New Hampshire and has an enrollment of about 6,000 students. The college offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Website: https://home.dartmouth.edu/
-Franklin & Marshall College is located in Pennsylvania and has an enrollment of about 2,300 students. The college offers a variety of undergraduate programs.
Website: http://www.fandm.edu/
-Grinnell College is located in Iowa and has an enrollment of about 1,700 students. The college offers a variety of undergraduate programs.
Website: https://www.grinnell.edu/
-Haverford College is located in Pennsylvania and has an enrollment of about 1,200 students. The college offers a variety of liberal arts programs.
Website: http://www.haverford.edu/
-Macalester College is located in Minnesota and has an enrollment of about 2,000 students. The college offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Website: https://www.macalester.edu/
-Middlebury College is located in Vermont and has an enrollment of about 2,500 students. The college offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Website: http://www.middlebury.edu/
-Williams College is located in Massachusetts and has an enrollment of about 2,000 students. The college offers a variety of liberal arts programs.
Website: http://www.williams.edu/
-Yale University is located in Connecticut and has an enrollment of about 12,000 students. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Website: http://www.yale.edu/
-Amherst College is located in Massachusetts and has an enrollment of about 2,000 students. The college offers a variety of liberal arts programs.
Website: https://www.amherst.edu/
-Hamilton College is located in New York and has an enrollment of about 2,000 students. The college offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Website: http://www.hamilton.edu/
-Swarthmore College is located in Pennsylvania and has an enrollment of about 1,500 students. The college offers a variety of liberal arts programs.
Website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/
-Oberlin College is located in Ohio and has an enrollment of about 2,800 students. The college offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Website: https://www.oberlin.edu/
-Pomona College is located in California and has an enrollment of about 1,600 students. The college offers a variety of undergraduate programs.
Website: https://www.pomona.edu/
-Wesleyan University is located in Connecticut and has an enrollment of about 3,000 students. The university offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Website: http://www.wesleyan.edu/
-Vassar College is located in New York and has an enrollment of about 2,500 students. The college offers a variety of undergraduate programs.
Website: http://vassar.edu/
-Reed College is located in Oregon and has an enrollment of about 1,400 students. The college offers a variety of undergraduate programs.
Website: http://www.reed.edu/
-Smith College is located in Massachusetts and has an enrollment of about 2,500 students. The college offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Website: https://www.smith.edu/
Advantages and Disadvantages of Smaller Schools
The advantages of smaller schools are that they typically have lower student-to-teacher ratios, more personal attention from teachers, and a more intimate learning environment. The disadvantages of smaller schools are that they may have less course and extracurricular options than larger schools, and may be located in rural areas.
Typical Student Population at Small Schools
Small schools typically have a student population of under 1,000 students. These schools offer a more intimate learning environment, where students can receive individualized attention from their professors. Class sizes are usually smaller at small schools, which allows for more interaction between students and faculty. Students at small schools often form close relationships with their classmates and develop strong bonds with their professors.
Extracurricular Activities Offered at Small Colleges
Small colleges typically offer a variety of extracurricular activities to their students. These activities can include clubs, sports, and other organizations.
Clubs and organizations offered at small colleges can vary widely. Some common examples include academic clubs, honor societies, musical groups, and religious organizations. Sports teams are also often available at small colleges. These can include both intramural and intercollegiate teams.
Extracurricular activities can provide students with opportunities to explore new interests, build teamwork skills, and make friends. They can also help students relieve stress and stay healthy. Participation in extracurricular activities can also look good on a resume or college application.
Choosing the right college is an important decision. Be sure to consider all aspects of a school, including the extracurricular activities offered, when making your choice.
Financial Aid Opportunities at Smaller Institutions
When it comes to financial aid, smaller colleges may have an advantage over larger institutions. They may be able to offer more competitive scholarships and grants, as well as need-based aid. In addition, smaller colleges typically have lower tuition rates than larger schools.
For students who are considering a small college, it’s important to research the financial aid opportunities that are available. Each school has its own process for awarding aid, so it’s important to get in touch with the financial aid office at the schools you’re interested in and ask about their policies.
Some small colleges that are known for their generous financial aid packages include Amherst College, Swarthmore College, and Williams College. These schools typically have large endowments, which allows them to offer more aid to students. Other small colleges worth considering include Berea College and St. Mary’s College of Maryland, both of which have strong need-based aid programs.
Academic Offerings at Smaller Institutions
Many small colleges offer unique academic programs that you may not find at a large university. These smaller institutions also tend to have lower student-to-faculty ratios, which means you’ll get more individualized attention from your professors. Here are some of the top small colleges in the USA for academic offerings:
- Amherst College in Massachusetts offers over 30 majors and minors, as well as interdisciplinary concentrations. You can also study abroad through their many programs.
- Bates College in Maine has over 40 majors and programs, including an environmental studies program that is one of the oldest in the country.
- Bowdoin College in Maine offers over 50 majors, minors, and interdisciplinary concentrations. They also have a strong study abroad program with over 60% of students participating.
- Carleton College in Minnesota has over 70 majors, minors, and concentrations to choose from. They also offer an 5-year MA/BA program in which you can earn both degrees in just five years.
- Colby College in Maine has over 50 majors and programs, including an environmental studies program that is one of the oldest in the country. You can also study abroad through their many programs.
Location Considerations for Selecting a School
There are a number of important factors to consider when choosing a college, but location is often one of the most important. After all, you’ll be spending four years (or more) in the same place, so it’s important to make sure you’re comfortable with your surroundings. Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering colleges:
- The climate: Do you prefer warm weather or cold weather? Do you want to be near the beach or mountains? Consider your preferred climate when looking at colleges.
- The size of the town or city: Are you looking for a big city experience or a more rural setting? Keep in mind that the size of the town or city can impact things like nightlife and job opportunities after graduation.
- The distance from home: Are you looking for a school that’s close to home or are you open to attending college far away? This is an important factor to consider if you have family ties or want to be close to home during your college years.
- The cost of living: A college in a big city is likely to be more expensive than one in a small town. Make sure you research the living costs of different areas before you make your decision.
- Safety: Do some research into the neighborhood and safety records of different colleges. Make sure you feel comfortable with the security measures that are in place.
- Student life: Find out how much school spirit and activities there are on campus. Are there clubs or organizations for students to join? Read up on reviews from current and former students to get an idea of what student life is like at each college.
Tuition Cost Comparison between Large and Small Colleges
The cost of tuition at large colleges and universities can be two or even three times as expensive as the cost of tuition at smaller schools. In addition, room and board costs at large schools are often much higher than those at smaller colleges. As a result, when comparing the overall cost of attending a large school versus a small school, the difference can be significant.
For example, according to the College Board, the average annual cost of tuition and fees for private four-year colleges was $34,740 in 2016-2017. The average annual cost of tuition and fees for public four-year colleges was $9,650 for in-state students and $24,930 for out-of-state students. In contrast, the average annual cost of tuition and fees for private two-year colleges was $13,830, while the average annual cost of tuition and fees for public two-year colleges was just $3,520 for in-state students and $6,360 for out-of state students.
When it comes to room and board costs, there is also a big difference between large and small schools. According to the College Board, the average room and board costs for private four-year colleges was $11,890 in 2016-2017. The average room and board costs for public four-year colleges was $10,440 for in state students and $11,880for out -of state students. In contrast ,the average room annd board costs for private two-year colleges was $8,680 while the average room and board costs for public two-year colleges was just $7,330 for in state students and $7,920 for out -of state students.
See Also: Starr Foundation Scholarships at Carleton College in USA
Overall, it is clear that attending a large school can be much more expensive than attending a small school. The cost difference is due mainly to higher tuition rates and room and board costs at those institutions.
