In this article, we highlight the best small public colleges that offer the best academic offerings and exceptional campus aesthetics. The schools we describe here are among the smallest in the country; they are also some of the most charming, successful and accomplished.
The attractiveness of attending a large university is real for many high school graduates. Leaving home and moving to the city to live on a mega-campus is a dream of many students, but it is not the best solution for all future freshmen. Enrollment in small public colleges in US has its advantages, in particular the smaller class size, more attention of teachers to each other and a more common learning community, for example.
Why go for small public colleges in US?
Small public colleges are a great option for students who are interested in a more intimate on-campus experience, more personal attention from excellent faculty, and faster access to support services. Whether you focus on technology or the liberal arts, small colleges give you the opportunity to get a comprehensive education by working with classmates and teachers in a dynamic community atmosphere.
Ivy league vs small public colleges in US?
It may be easy to gravitate to larger, more well-known schools, but small public colleges in US offer some unique benefits. Classes are usually much smaller, which ensures that you get more individual attention from the professors. You will learn more by name, which can make it easier to attend campus activities. Some people think that small schools lack resources and academic diversity, but think twice before jumping to conclusions!
Small but powerful, well defines the colleges on this list. A small college means a close-knit community and a good chance that your voice will be heard. Some of the best schools in the country are considered small!
What are the benefits of attending small public colleges in US?
The main benefits of studying in one of the best small towns in America include the opportunity to enjoy an intimate educational experience. Small colleges have fewer students, which means that teachers can spend more time interacting meaningfully with each student. In addition, smaller classes allow students to establish professional relationships with peers.
These benefits can lead to a healthy campus community that promotes communication and greater participation in clubs and sports. In addition, students living in one of the best university cities in America may feel like members of the community, not strangers.
The following list of the small public colleges in US consists mainly of four-year bachelor schools (although some also offer graduate programs).
ALSO CHECK: Best roommate agreement dorm Samples in 2023
20 Best small public colleges in US
1. Florida Memorial University
The only historically black university in South Florida, Florida Memorial University is the best small college that is committed to diversity and makes higher education accessible to students from a variety of socioeconomic backgrounds. It offers 28 bachelor’s programs and three master’s programs. FMU is easy to translate and facilitates readmission for students who want to return and complete their degree. Students who wish to collaborate with the campus community can join student government, sports, and student organizations. Research and other practical learning opportunities are available to both graduate and undergraduate students.
2. Maranatha Baptist University
Maranatha Baptist University is the best small college whose academic knowledge and campus culture are deeply rooted in Christian principles. All students complete basic Bible lessons along with their primary and secondary requirements, and emphasis is placed on participation in the local church. The university offers 33 bachelor’s degrees, eight academic degrees and master’s programs in teaching and organizational leadership. The main source of student activity on campus is societies. All Maranatha students join one of five different societies that provide opportunities for entertainment and community through ministry, volunteering, face-to-face sports, and walking.
3. Huston-Tillotson University
Houston Tillotson University is a private, historically black university and was the first higher education institution in Austin, Texas. It offers several bachelor’s and juvenile degrees, as well as a master’s degree in educational leadership. Adult students have access to special accelerated programs to make the degree more accessible and accessible to busy students. Other special programs include an engineering program for freshmen that helps high school students transition to university STEM programs and an alternative teacher certification program. The culture of the campus at this best small college is largely related to sports, campus ministries, and student-run organizations.
4. Wilberforce University
Wilberforce University is the best small college and private school of the humanities, which seeks to educate all-round graduates who will be responsible citizens of the world. Ethics, honesty and integrity are emphasized, and most students improve themselves and the community through learning and local ministry. The university offers several traditional bachelor’s programs, as well as several flexible, accelerated adult bachelor’s programs. There is also a graduate program for students who are interested in rehabilitation counseling. The university has a powerful athletics program with men’s and women’s basketball, golf and cross-country teams.
5. Lyndon State College
Lyndon State University is the best small college, offering several two-year and four-year programs, as well as several master’s programs. These offerings include nationally recognized professional programs in atmospheric sciences, graphic design, music business and industry, as well as mountain recreation management. The special Explorations program gives students who are unsure what specialty they want to study, the opportunity to explore their capabilities and still graduate in four years. The college is also an active part of the local community, holding cultural and sports events and many other programs for both students and the public.
6. Dickinson State University
Dickinson State University is the best public small college in the North Dakota University system. Its main focus is on providing affordable, high-quality education to its students, but it also seeks to serve and improve the health and economy of the region and the state. Bachelor’s degrees are available in ten different areas of study, and there are programs for teachers. DSU’s status as an institution of the University of North Dakota allows students to attend courses not offered at the university at another institution of the system, but at the same time receive all the benefits of DSU studentship.
7. Central State University
Ohio’s only state-funded historically black university, Central State University, is the best small college available that provides its students with a broad and rigorous education. It offers 30 graduate programs in many different fields of study, and also offers graduate programs in education. Most bachelor’s programs are designed to be completed in four years, but some business and social studies programs have three-year options for students who want to try a faster pace. The university promotes a healthy balance between school and life and encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities such as sports and student clubs.
8. Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City University is the best small college that seeks to promote social, environmental, and economic progress by making professional, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees available to students with diverse backgrounds. It is the most accessible historically black college in America, with a low level of education and many opportunities for financial aid. Students are encouraged to grow socially and interact with the community through extracurricular activities. Events and activities are held regularly by the Student Activities Committee and a student-led club, and the university has a powerful athletics program with teams from several sports, including football, basketball, golf, cross-country and volleyball.
9. College of the Ozarks
College of the Ozarks is the best private college that emphasizes patriotism and character education. One of its most notable features is its work program. This program allows students to attend college full-time without paying for tuition in exchange for 15 hours of work each week. Between a work program and a scholarship to cover accommodation and meals, many students find it possible to complete their education almost free of charge. Students can often find workstations that are relevant to their field of study, giving them valuable hands-on experience that sets them apart from potential employers.
10. Southwestern Christian University
Southwestern Christian University, one of the best small colleges in the country, offers 30 different undergraduate programs and three master’s programs. Many bachelor’s programs are available not only traditionally, but also online and through evening classes once a week. Students can gain real-world experience through research, training, and internships. Outside the classroom, students can participate on campus and in the community through clubs and service groups. Students can also take part in an athletics program that boasts 16 different sports teams.
11. Kentucky State University
Located on a beautiful 882-acre campus, the University of Kentucky is the best small college with 27 undergraduate and five master’s programs. Most of the KSU campus is dedicated to an agricultural research farm and environmental education center, which provide students with several opportunities for practical research and studies. The university also boasts the lowest student-faculty ratio among Kentucky public universities and one of the most diverse populations in the Commonwealth. KSU considers joint and extracurricular activities an important part of the college experience and strives to provide students with constantly innovative programming.
12. University of Maine- Presque Isle
The University of Maine, Press Isle, is a leading state-run small college that provides a full education for both traditional and non-traditional students. The main pride of UMPI is its personalized learning initiative. This initiative allows students to take programs at their own pace and demonstrate their knowledge in the classroom, online and during internships. Three majors can be completed entirely online, and many more majors have some courses available online. No matter what format students choose, they can count on a high-quality and rigorous education that meets their specific needs.
13. Valley City State University
The University of Valley City is the best small college, the small size is not related to the possibility of obtaining a degree. The university offers more than 80 undergraduate programs as well as online master’s programs in education. As part of the University of North Dakota’s system, VCSU can work with 11 other institutions in the state to provide students with opportunities and courses that it cannot provide on its own. Students can also choose from more than thirty different honor societies and student organizations to participate outside of class. The Viking Campus-led Student Council is always working to ensure that students have the opportunity to participate in several exciting group and extracurricular activities.
14. Mayville State University
Mayville State University is the best small college that boasts an impressive number of educational programs and an emphasis on student success. MSU students receive individual education at an affordable price, and the annual cost is on average more than $ 3,000 less than in major public colleges in the region. Students can choose from more than 70 majors, minors and programs, and all programs include opportunities for hands-on learning. Students can participate in research, global experience, internships, and entrepreneurial experiences that provide them with the skills and experience necessary to succeed after graduation.
15. Montana State University-Northern
Montana North University is the best public small college that specializes in serving a large geographic region. Along with the award of several certificates, two-year, four-year and master’s degrees, MSU-North is one of the most valuable cultural resources in the region. Its expanded university provides both students and the public with many unique credit and non-credit courses, such as road training and wastewater treatment. Student activities include off-campus outdoor activities sponsored by the university, as well as athletics, student government and student-led clubs.
16. Blue Mountain College
Blue Mountain College is both the best small college and the Christian College of Humanities, offering undergraduate and graduate programs for traditional and non-traditional students. Its two programs, business administration and psychology, are fully available online to accommodate students who need more flexibility. There are national societies of honor for each discipline, as well as many other student organizations for those who want to join non-scholars. Students who wish to gain practical experience can take advantage of departmental internships organized by the Office of Academic Affairs.
17. University of Maine Fort Kent
Relatively accessible to the best small college, the University of Maine Fort Kent takes advantage of its location in the St. John’s Valley to give students a unique cultural and urban experience. Students can choose from 13 bachelor’s programs, four undergraduate degrees and three certificate programs. Many of these programs include concentrations and online options. Athletics is an important part of campus culture outside of academia. Students can participate in both university and full-time sports, and many students participate in international sports such as cross-country skiing and rifle shooting.
18. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology
The New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology is a state-leading small college that focuses on STEM industries. It offers 20 bachelor’s and 27 master’s degrees, as well as three graduate certificates. All students participate in interdisciplinary collaboration, primarily through research. Partnerships with NASA, General Electric, national laboratories and many other companies and organizations give students many opportunities to gain real-world experience before graduation. Outside of class, students can join campus clubs that serve a range of professions and special interests, as well as participate in club sports.
19. University of Maine-Farmington
The first public higher education institution in the state of Maine, the University of Maine Farmington, provides education and an atmosphere comparable to private colleges in the region at a much more affordable price. Students can choose one of the bachelor’s degrees in 45 different fields of study, and a master’s program is available for students studying education. The location of this best small college among great hiking, skiing and kayaking allows students to have fun outside of class. Buses connect to the Amtrak Downeaster train, giving students easy access to the surrounding area.
20. Montana Tech of the University of Montana
Montana Tech University of Montana, is a public school STEM, which offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees. It is one of only two schools in the United States to offer a bachelor’s degree in geophysical engineering and one of ten to offer a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering. Other unique educational programs, such as mining and petroleum engineering, make Montana Tech a great school for students looking for a highly specialized engineering program that is not available at most universities. Students have several opportunities to gain valuable practical experience through research and internships.
Small public colleges in US frequently asked questions and answers
Does the size of my college matter?
There are pros and cons to the size of the college you choose, and it’s important to understand the differences between large, small, and high schools, as well as what qualities you like and don’t like.
Is there a disadvantage for attending Small public colleges?
If a student is looking for a very specific major and experience on campus with an unlimited number of clubs, a smaller campus with more limited academic offerings and a freshman class size of approximately 600 people will not meet that student’s goals.
Do small public colleges have limited social scenes?
Students often think that small colleges have limited social scenes, research opportunities, or academic offerings; but that is not necessarily true. Some small schools are teaming up with other colleges and universities to provide more of these resources and experiences.
