Liberal Arts Colleges

Advantages and disadvantages of small private colleges and a liberal arts education

Jan 21, 2007

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Is a small liberal arts college right for you? Here are some advantages and disadvantages for you to consider.

Liberal arts colleges are institutions characterized by small numbers of students. The enrollment numbers vary, but liberal arts institutions are much smaller than most state universities or colleges. Most (but not all) liberal arts colleges are funded privately and not through government and taxpayer money. Although some of these schools offer graduate programs, the primary focus is on undergraduate students and their education. Many of these colleges focus on the study of the liberal arts subjects such as English, history, philosophy, and similar subjects, but the coursework varies quite a bit from school to school.

Is a liberal arts college right for you? Here are some advantages and disadvantages of liberal arts colleges.

ADVANTAGES OF LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES

The emphasis is on the student! At state universities and colleges, faculty members are required to spend a good deal of time with their research and with graduate students. Not at a liberal arts college. Even though many faculty members do conduct research, undergraduate student education comes first.
Small class size. At state universities and colleges, many classes have way too many students to have discussions and to get to know the teacher. Small classes really make a difference in the quality of education.
Fewer registration nightmares. At large schools, students often have to fight the system to get into the classes they want or need to graduate. That happens much less frequently at small schools.
Good students. Well, this isn't always true, but often liberal arts colleges are competitive and attract motivated, intelligent students who value their education highly.
Access to professors. At a liberal arts college, professors get to know you. They are more likely to be in their offices, ready and eager to help you or to just chat.
Close community atmosphere. Students get to know each other well and forge close friendships for life.
Students don't get lost. Some students flourish at large universities, but others feel overwhelmed by the campus and the huge numbers of students. Students from small towns may feel especially overwhelmed. At a small college, you're not a number.
Students don't fall through the cracks. If a student is struggling, academically or personally, professors will probably notice and try to help.
Smaller bureaucracy. University bureaucracies can be a nightmare! Students find themselves struggling with everything from financial aid to parking. With fewer students, small colleges run more smoothly.
Active alumni. The sense of community spirit of a liberal college often spills over into the alumni experience, so you'll be a member of an alumni community for life.
Easy to get involved. At large universities, you might need to be the best-of-the-best to participate in activities like sports and music. With fewer students, you'll have more opportunity to participate in what you like, even if you're not a star.

DISADVANTAGES TO LIBERAL ARTS COLLEGES

Money, money, money. This reason alone drives many students away. In the U.S., the average cost of a state school is about $13,000, The average cost of a private school is about $31,000. For some students, financial aid may make the liberal arts experience affordable, but not for everyone.
Debt. Many students finance liberal arts educations through thousands of dollars of student loans. Starting your working years out with a heavy student loan payment can be quite a burden.
Small town atmosphere. Some students love the close-knit community of a liberal arts college. Others do not. When everyone knows each other, there's lots of gossip and lots of drama. There also tend to be cliques that might make you feel like you're back in high school.
Lack of diversity. Liberal arts colleges often have a hard time attracting minority students, even though many make a strong effort. Liberal arts colleges also do not tend to be socioeconomically diverse, for obvious reasons. Many students find that being exposed to many different people and ideas is an important part of their education, and you're less likely to have these opportunities at a liberal arts college.
Fewer people to meet. You get to know the people around you well, but there aren't as many people to get to know.
Liberal arts students can be sheltered. Liberal arts colleges cater to students and go out of their way to make their experiences comfortable and rewarding. Professors hold your hand. The real world isn't like that.
Fewer majors and class options. It's much easier to get into classes, but there also aren't as many classes to get into.
Fewer activities. Large universities offer clubs and organizations of all sorts, and you may find fewer of them at a small college. Small colleges may or may not offer fraternities and sororities. Some students may find the liberal arts experience to be dull.
No major sports teams. Hopefully this isn't a major factor in your college choice, but if you love sports, it's something to keep in the back of your mind. Small schools often have excellent sports teams to follow, but it's unlikely your basketball team will participate in March Madness.

What's your experience or opinions about liberal arts colleges? Join the discussion!

The copyright of the article Liberal Arts Colleges in Campus Life is owned by Naomi Rockler-Gladen. Permission to republish Liberal Arts Colleges must be granted by the author in writing.