The amount of students enrolled at a university not only affects class size but also the relationships you are able to build with professors, the extracurricular activities your school provides, and your social experiences on campus. Make sure you think about what type of atmosphere will be best for your learning style.
| Size |
Population |
Class Size |
Faculty Student Ratio |
Class Instructor |
Facility |
Campus Life |
| Small |
500 - 8,000 |
Small |
1: 5-30 |
Professor; Individual attention |
Small campus with limited facilities |
Fewer students lead to an intimate sense of community
Build close relationships with professors
|
| Medium |
8,000-20,000 |
Small |
1: 5-30 |
Professor; Individual attention |
Libraries and housing but limited research facilities |
Offer a variety of athletic program and activities
Large sense of student community with the opportunity to meet new people
|
| Large |
20,000+ |
Large |
1-2: 30-200 |
Sometimes Professor or Teaching Assistant (Graduate Student); Impersonal |
Large libraries, Research facilities, Extensive Housing |
Large athletic program and extensive range of organizations and activities
Many social opportunities
|
U.S. Education System
