Best Small Colleges within the US
Choosing the right college is a huge decision, and what makes the perfect learning environment is different for everyone.
Big universities offer tons of resources and a diverse student body, but many students prefer the close-knit feel and personalized attention of smaller colleges. These smaller institutions, known for their lower student-to-faculty ratios and focus on undergraduate learning, offer a unique academic and social experience.
They often foster stronger student-professor relationships, which can lead to more individualized mentorship and research opportunities. Plus, the smaller campus environment can create a stronger sense of belonging and make it easier to connect with other students.
Featured here are 11 of the best small colleges in the United States.
The Advantages of Small Colleges
When considering what the best small colleges are, it’s important to understand the unique advantages they bring. While large universities are often praised for their scale, smaller institutions offer a distinct educational experience that stands out in several key areas.
Personalized Attention
Smaller colleges attract students with their personalized attention. Smaller student-to-faculty ratios allow professors to engage with students more deeply. This creates opportunities for tailored support, mentorship, and a learning experience that aligns more closely with individual academic goals.
Close-Knit Community
These colleges often cultivate a close-knit environment, where students and faculty know one another personally. This fosters a strong sense of community that many students find enriching. The bonds formed here can go beyond academics—students tend to create lasting friendships and support networks. Whether through small class discussions or extracurricular activities, the campus culture at smaller schools tends to be more intimate.
Active Participation
Students at smaller universitites have the chance to take on leadership roles and engage more actively in campus life. With fewer students, the opportunities to participate in clubs, organizations, and events are more accessible. Students often play a direct role in shaping the culture of their college, from organizing campus events to contributing to important conversations on campus issues.
Academic Excellence
Smaller institutions often provide a highly focused and intimate academic experience, which contributes to strong academic outcomes. With a smaller student body, professors have the time and resources to engage students in meaningful ways, often focusing on undergraduate education over research. Additionally, many small colleges offer specialized programs that allow students to dive deeper into their chosen fields. This level of attention and specialization can lead to impressive academic achievements and a more fulfilling academic journey.
Strong Alumni Networks
Graduates of smaller colleges often enjoy tight-knit alumni networks that continue to provide value long after they leave campus. These networks can be crucial in terms of career opportunities, as alumni are more likely to offer guidance, mentorship, and professional connections.
Interdisciplinary Learning
Many colleges encourage interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to explore multiple fields of interest. This approach fosters critical thinking and adaptability, which are important skills in today’s rapidly changing world. Students can pursue cross-disciplinary studies, combining areas like science and philosophy or business and the arts, helping them approach problems from different angles.
Best Small Colleges
Grinnell College
Grinnell College, located in Grinnell, Iowa, is considered one of the best small colleges, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 9:1. The college offers over 500 courses annually and provides degrees in 28 major fields with 17 concentrations. Most classes have fewer than 20 students, ensuring a personalized educational experience. Grinnell is also known for its vast internship opportunities, with over 3,000 available both in the U.S. and abroad. Additionally, 40% of students engage in a Mentored Advanced Project (MAP), allowing them to gain hands-on research experience. The student body consists of around 1,750 students.
Swarthmore College
Swarthmore College, located in Pennsylvania, ranks as one of the best small colleges. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1 and an enrollment of 1,730 students, professors provide close attention to students and lead small, interactive classes. Swarthmore consistently ranks among the top liberal arts colleges, known for its academic excellence and vibrant campus culture.
Pomona College
Pomona College, located in Claremont, California, enrolls 1,747 students and ranks as one of the best small colleges. The student-to-faculty ratio is 8:1, and with an average class size of 15, students receive personalized attention. The college boasts a strong faculty of 198 full-time professors and offers a comprehensive liberal arts education. As part of the Claremont Colleges consortium, Pomona provides students with access to additional academic resources and opportunities for collaboration across prestigious institutions.
California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
Caltech, a world-renowned science and engineering institute located in Pasadena, California, has one of the lowest student-to-faculty ratios in the nation at 3:1. With 1,023 undergraduate students and 1,440 graduate students, Caltech offers students rigorous academic programs and unparalleled opportunities for hands-on research. The faculty consists of 323 professorial faculty members and 558 postdoctoral scholars. Caltech’s small size and focus on research and innovation in fields like quantum science, bioinformatics, and sustainability make it a top choice for students interested in scientific and technological advancements.
Harvey Mudd College
Harvey Mudd College, part of the Claremont Colleges, is known for its focus on STEM education and has 921 students. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, students receive individualized attention in their academic endeavors. The college boasts 107 tenured or tenure-track faculty members, ensuring a strong academic foundation. Harvey Mudd is celebrated for producing graduates who are equipped not only with technical expertise but also with leadership skills that prepare them for success in various fields.
Haverford College
Located near Philadelphia, Haverford College is a liberal arts institution with a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1 and an enrollment of 1,472 students. Haverford is known for its collaborative academic environment and commitment to its Honor Code, which encourages integrity and ethical behavior among students. The small student body allows for close interactions with professors and peers, fostering a tight-knit academic community, making it one of the best small colleges for students seeking a rigorous, yet supportive, learning experience.
Claremont McKenna College
Claremont McKenna College, also part of the Claremont Colleges, offers a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1 and enrolls 1,383 degree-seeking undergraduates. Known for its strong programs in economics, government, and public affairs, Claremont McKenna provides students with a highly personalized educational experience and a robust network of academic resources across the Claremont Colleges consortium.
Pennsylvania State University – Penn State Great Valley
Penn State Great Valley is a small branch of the larger Penn State system, with 1,169 students. The student-to-faculty ratio is 20:1, and the average class size is 20 students. The college offers both on-campus and online graduate programs, with 34 full-time and 23 adjunct faculty members. Penn State Great Valley is known for its strong graduate programs in fields like engineering and business, offering students a focused, hands-on education, making it one of the best small colleges for graduate study.
Colorado College
Colorado College, located in Colorado Springs, has 2,239 students and a student-to-faculty ratio of 10:1. The college’s unique Block Plan, where students take one course at a time for three-and-a-half weeks, provides an immersive and focused academic experience. This innovative approach to education, combined with small class sizes, allows students to engage deeply with their subjects and professors.
University of Richmond
The University of Richmond, located in Virginia, is known for its small, close-knit academic environment. With an undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1 and an average class size of 16, students have ample opportunities for individualized attention. The university has a total enrollment of 3,890 students, with 3,164 undergraduates and 726 graduate students. The University of Richmond is particularly strong in business, law, and international studies and offers robust internship opportunities for students, solidifying its status as one of the best small colleges for career-focused education.
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is a leading arts institution with 2,518 students enrolled in its undergraduate and graduate programs. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, RISD ensures that students receive personalized guidance from its dedicated faculty. Founded in 1877, RISD is known for its exceptional arts programs and global alumni network, which provides students with a wide range of career opportunities in the arts and design fields.
In conclusion…
The best small colleges offer distinct advantages for students seeking a personalized and supportive academic experience. Smaller institutions provide a close-knit community and individualized mentorship. These colleges emphasize academic excellence, student engagement, and strong alumni networks. Students benefit from close relationships with professors and the chance to actively shape campus life. The best small colleges create an environment where students can thrive academically and personally.
