Four Reasons to Attend a Small College

When you’re deciding which college to attend, one factor to consider is the institution’s size. If you’re someone who thrives in an environment that offers individualized support and assistance, a small college may be the perfect fit for you. In today’s blog, we go over four benefits of attending a small college.

Small Class Sizes

Smaller classroom environments allow you to get to know your professors and classmates better, enhancing the overall academic experience. At larger institutions, classes with close to or more than 100 students are not uncommon, making it harder to ask questions and have discussions during class. Meredith’s student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1 and our average class is 14 students. With more opportunities to form relationships with faculty and classmates, you can feel more confident in achieving your academic goals. In fact, in a recent survey, 98% of students said one or more faculty/staff members showed an interest in their development.

Here’s what recent graduate, Yakira Gonzalez, ’24, had to say about her experience:

“Building connections with professors has helped me develop a sense of belonging. It feels so good to walk through a hallway and have a professor recognize me by my name. I am so happy to be leaving with connections and life advice from faculty and friends.”

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research

The opportunity to form close relationships with faculty also opens the door to conducting undergraduate research. At Meredith, 47% of our students have worked with a faculty member on a research project, compared to 23% of students nationally. Participating in undergraduate research can help you improve skills in critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and presenting. It also looks great on your resume and applications to graduate or professional school!

Learn more about Meredith’s Undergraduate Research Program

Personalized Advising

The personalized advising and support you will receive at a smaller college are unmatched. Starting your first year at Meredith, our team of academic advisors will help you register for classes and choose the right major. Once you’ve officially chosen your major, you’ll be assigned a faculty advisor to assist you in achieving your academic goals. And it doesn’t end there. Our Success Coaches will be your go-to person for any issue you may face during the entirety of your time at Meredith. Additionally, our Office of Career Planning will provide lifelong career guidance.

How a College Can Provide Support During Your College Journey

Active Alumnae Network

At small colleges, the tight-knit community extends beyond the campus. Through Meredith Mentors and other networking opportunities, current students and alumnae connect with one another to share job opportunities, share resources, and more.

Learn more about how Meredith alumnae stay connected

Resources:
U.S. News