Analyzing the Cost of Colleges: From Big Schools to Small Schools

If you’re a parent or student and are in the process of outlining a plan early for what kind of college you want to attend, we are here to help when it comes to giving a proper analysis of what works best. Picking a college to attend is one of the most important steps in life, as it will represent a place you spend a lot of time in away from family, as well as give you the education needed for a future career. 

One of the key decisions that comes with choosing a college relates to its size, and this can impact both the cost of admission and the quality of education the school provides.

In this blog, we will analyze the differences, pros and cons, and cost of many different colleges, from big schools to small schools, and how that will be important for your long-term success in education. 

The Differences Between Big and Small Schools

Before we break down the differences, we think it’s important to ask something of you. Do you picture yourself going to a big concert and holding off studying for an exam for one night, or will you stay in and go to your college's only library to study hard for a full day without any distractions? 

Big colleges offer the resources to allow big concerts and other events to happen, and small colleges don’t have the resources and prioritize your education more. This question outlines a big difference between choosing a small school versus a big one. How comfortable you are with either of them is what we would love to know about you when we help you on this journey.

BIG SCHOOLS

How big the campus is or how many students attend aren’t the only things that define a bigger school. Through a wide array of academic and extracurricular programs that are backed by an extensive number of resources, big schools offer so much for any kid to be instantly wowed by. 

Bigger schools offer larger-scale classes, multiple different types of housing options, Division 1 and 2 athletic programs across multiple different sports that participate in national games and tournaments, big social events, and, most importantly, a much more extensive networking system between faculty and alumni. 

Regardless of the major/minor that you take, many of these options and activities will instantly appeal to you if you’re someone who wants a sense of fun in their college experience.

SMALL SCHOOLS

Smaller schools may not have EVERYTHING that a larger school has, but that doesn’t mean a smaller school can’t offer a perfect college experience. It’s all about who YOU are and what experience YOU are looking for!

Smaller colleges have smaller class sizes and a smaller but sometimes closer-knit faculty and advising system, which can offer a more personalized educational experience.

These aspects help to build on something else small schools do well, which is to build a strong community. A community filled with students and professors who can get to know you at a more personal level, which helps build better connections and can demonstrate your work ethic for classes with great results.

Pros and Cons of Small and Big Schools

We outlined what makes big and small schools stand apart from each other, but with that in mind, what are the pros and cons that come from those details that make them different?

Pros of Big Schools

Larger-scale classes and the multitude of different housing options offer endless connection opportunities between students. One of the best things you can do while at college is make as many friends as possible, and that makes it a big pro for these schools. If you want to spend time equally amongst education and social/extracurricular pursuits, big colleges are a great choice. 

Compared to small colleges, which have a more concentrated pool of classes and majors, big colleges may offer more opportunities for what you are looking for. A big school might carry a higher number of majors to choose from, whereas a smaller school may have fewer. This is important if you’re going into college undeclared. 

An underrated pro that many people won’t think about with big colleges is that they offer a better incentive for your future AFTER your four years of undergraduate studies are over. Graduate school, depending on your major, might be something you want because you need more educational experience, or you aren’t ready for the big career life yet. That’s not a bad thing either! If anything, big colleges want that thinking from you because it could mean your future is much better off down the line, and more opportunities will come your way for a great career.

Cons of Big Schools

Maybe the most apparent con of a big school is within that very description… It’s TOO big. If you’re someone who doesn’t like how overwhelming a big college can be, then smaller colleges will make you more comfortable. 

Certain systems, like changing majors and getting in touch with your academic advisor, will also be harder to go through and spend time on. Advisors handle so many more students, and changing a major can be a painstaking process.

Pros and Cons of Small Schools

As we mentioned already, the atmosphere of a smaller school can help to create a sense of community, and that’s a big pro for it, especially if you’re big into meeting new people. It feels less crowded, and everyone has a chance to get to know each other a lot better. 

You have much better flexibility with academic success in smaller schools, where things like grants, fellowships, and other awards are much easier to win. This can help push you forward even more with anything else you receive after your four years are over, especially a great job opportunity. 

The only major cons that small schools provide are smaller housing options, as well as a lack of social activities and big division sports. Most small schools do have athletics, but not to the degree that bigger schools have. 

How Does This Affect the Cost of Paying for College?

We do have two final pros for small and big schools to discuss, and it is about the cost for each:

The reason cost is a pro for big colleges is that it comes down to how they are funded. Many big universities are funded by state governments, which allows them to charge lower tuition, especially for in-state students. If you want to make something out of a big school with a smaller cost to pay, then that will be your best bet.

The reason cost is a pro for small colleges is that the financial aid offices of these schools are friendlier, easier, and more personal. With that friendly nature to them, you could be put in a position to make better financial decisions, and that’s what we want to see from the students that we help.

If you need any help with selecting colleges, this information is key to your success, and we are always on hand to educate students and parents about it. We have a whole page dedicated to financial aid around FAFSA (a form that helps with eligibility for student financial aid). These tools can help you with whatever you need, so reach out to us today, and we can’t wait to speak with you!