What are Some Differences Between Large and Small Christian Colleges and Universities?

differences between large and small universities

There are some legitimate differences between a Christian-based university and a secular school, but when it comes to choosing which Christian college or university to attend, size can matter. Here we take a look at some of the differences between large and small Christian colleges and universities.

Class Size

When it comes to large schools versus small schools, there is usually a big difference in overall class size. One general education class can have upwards of 150 students packed into a lecture hall at a larger Christian school. In a smaller environment, you might have only 20 students in a class session. This allows for the professor to focus on students a bit more personally. Questions can be answered easily and overall, a smaller class tends to be a better educational environment.

More Opportunities

This factor can really go either way and it depends on the specific university. A larger university may have more opportunities on campus because of its size and its budget. A smaller school doesn’t always have as big of a selection of classes or extra curricular activities. However, when a smaller school does have opportunities, there is a better chance of getting involved if there are fewer students wishing to participate.

Degree Program Choices

A college that has more students on campus will generally offer more degree programs to choose from, as well as more concentrations and graduate opportunities. When a school is limited in the amount of students enrolled, it is not able to offer an extensive array of degree options as there may not be enough students to make them cost-effective offerings. Small schools, though, may offer more individualized study options that allow students to chart their own unique learning path and curriculum, something which larger schools may not have the resources to manage well.

The Ability To Connect

A smaller amount of students on a campus allows for a much better sense of community. Everyone tends to know everybody, regardless of what each person is studying. This is a beneficial scenario when it comes to education, but it is also beneficial when it comes to developing one’s faith. On campus staff and clergy will be able to connect with each student on a more personal level when there are fewer students to attend to.

According to U.S. News & World Report, enrollment at Christian universities is rising. When deciding between a large Christian college and a smaller school of the same nature, there are pros and cons to be considered. Everybody is different and what you may want as part of your college experience isn’t necessarily what someone else is looking for. You might be best off making a list of everything you have thought about for both schools. Not just the good information should be included, but also the negatives. This way you can look at everything at once and really narrow down what you would like to do with your future.

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