Benefits of a Small Local College

• Author: Michael |University Scholar
• Filed under: College Advice
• Date: Jun 3,2008

It is the time of year when many students are making their final decision on what college they will be attending this fall. Many students feel that they must go away for college, but I would like to share some benefits of going to a smaller local college.

The most apparent benefit of attending a small local college is the price. A large university can cost $20,000 a year or more. A local college may only be $8,000. There is a big difference. But an important question arises. “When you pay less, do you get less?”

I believe the answer is yes; however, would you spend $200,000 on your first house? I know I wouldn’t. I would purchase a starter home.

Possible Potential vs Potential Used

I know many students who are going to large universities and are spending a fortune. When the semesters are over and I reunite with my friends and discuss school, many of them have achieved just as much or less than I have.

Just because a university has a higher level of potential for a student, does not mean reaching that potential is reasonable for the average student.

Unfortunately, I do not have any statistical evidence to support this claim. But I will say that I view myself as an average student, if not slightly higher, and I do not believe I took maximum advantage of my local college.

Professors are Just as Good or Better

Universities are businesses, and research is very important to the business; therefore, many professors are hired for their research, not because they are good teachers.
At a local universities research is important, but not to the point where it will drastically affect the professors.

At a local university you will actually have classes with professors, and not their pawn graduate students. Even though graduate students are capable of teaching the course, they too are distracted by research and their expected dissertation.

Small fish in an ocean or a big fish in a pond!

With Social Darwinism in mind which sounds better, 1 out of 40,000 students or 1 out of 6,000. Which is better? I’ll let you decide.

Growth

I am going to a small local college, and one thing I have noticed is that the college is growing. When I started college last fall, the honors program just started its first year. As an active member of the program I have the ability to help the program grow. At a small university there is a smaller amount of student organizations, allowing you to start one of your own.

Living with Your Parents isn’t too bad

Yes, I live with my parents. But because I live with them I have help with chores and finances. I can work less, eat healthily, and avoid large debts.

There are Downsides

Obviously living with your parents can be a blessing and a curse.

Large universities offer an environment that you cannot discover at a small local university. Local universities are lacking a diverse amount of students from different ethnic backgrounds.

Local colleges also lack a sense of camaraderie that usually can be found at large universities, especially those that have a lot of focus on their sports teams.

Can you think of more Pros and Cons of a small local university? I’d love to hear everyone’s opinions.