Why Small Colleges Offer Big Benefits
Attending a small college may not sound as exciting as a large university, but a few hidden perks could change your mind. Large universities may boast bigger facilities and more major offerings, but with tens of thousands of students, they can’t offer a tight-knit college community where faculty and staff know students by name.
Don’t miss these other benefits of studying small:
Be known + valued.
At a college of 3,000 students or less, you’ll take classes with fewer students—giving you the opportunity to learn your classmates’ names and actively participate in discussions. Manageable class sizes also allow professors to develop relationships with their students, so they’ll be more likely to meet outside of class to offer advice and answer questions. And since they’ll know you well, profs will be able to write specific, meaningful letters of recommendation for you as you apply for jobs or graduate programs.
What do students love most about Northwestern College? Belonging to a community and learning from professors who genuinely care about their success. With a student-faculty ratio of 15:1, students describe their classes as “1:1 tutoring in a classroom setting.”
Live in community.
A There’s more to a dorm experience than four walls and a bunk bed. It’s also about making connections and having fun! Smaller colleges tend to be more intentional about building community in the dorms, so you’ll get to know the people you live with beyond just sharing living space.
At Northwestern College, dorms are not exclusive to freshmen. In fact, many upperclassmen choose to stay in the dorms after their freshman year, forming relationships with students across class years.
Enjoy small-town hospitality.
For students seeking a “home away from home,” the bustle of a big city can’t compare to a supportive college community and some down-home hospitality. Small-town colleges are usually located in rural or suburban areas, where residents love to cheer for their local teams, attend college concerts and theatre productions, and host students for home-cooked meals.
It’s not uncommon for Northwestern professors to meet students for coffee or invite them into their homes for a meal. They—along with members of the Orange City community—are committed to helping students thrive by supporting their launch into adulthood.
There’s room to be flexible.
Another benefit of attending a small college is having greater freedom to design the course of study that is right for you. If you have more than one academic interest, your adviser may be able to work with other departments to waive or substitute certain course requirements so you can pursue multiple paths of study—or develop your own interdisciplinary major—and still graduate on time. With less competition for spots in a class, it will also be easier to take the classes you need when you need them.
Be supported to pursue your passions.
On a smaller campus, professors, coaches, and music/theatre directors are better equipped to communicate with each other and accommodate your diverse interests. If you’re a gifted athlete, coaches may offer you the flexibility to split your time between two varsity sports. Professors will support your pursuits in the performing arts, helping you make up the classwork you miss while touring with a musical group or attending a theatre festival.
Unlike large universities where students commit to a single activity, Northwestern students are putting their God-given talents to work across campus—often at the encouragement of faculty and staff.
Experience all these small-college benefits and more at Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. Our campus community will value your unique gifts and encourage you in the pursuit of your goals. Visit campus to find out why 9 in 10 freshmen feel a sense of belonging after just a few weeks.
