Finding universities by size

I'm starting to build my college list and am feeling a bit overwhelmed. I know I want a smaller-sized college, but I'm not exactly sure how to search for them. Any recommendations on how to find universities sorted by their size? Thanks!

It's great that you already have a preference for the type of college environment you'd like! When searching for smaller-sized colleges, you can utilize a few different resources to help you narrow down your list. Here are a few strategies you can use:

1. College search engines: Many college search websites, like CollegeVine, CollegeBoard's BigFuture, and U.S. News, have filters that allow you to sort colleges by their undergraduate enrollment size. Use these filters to find colleges with smaller student populations. Typically, a smaller-sized college would have 7,000 or fewer undergraduate students.

2. Regional guides: If you already have a specific region or state in mind, look for regional college guides or rankings that focus on smaller colleges. These lists often group schools into categories based on size, public vs. private, and other factors. You can also search for liberal arts colleges in your desired region, as these institutions generally have smaller student bodies compared to larger research universities.

3. Connect with your high school counselor: Your high school counselor has likely worked with numerous students and can provide suggestions for smaller colleges that might be a good fit for you. They can also help you navigate the complexity of college rankings and admissions statistics to find schools that align with your preferences and match your profile.

4. Attend college fairs: Many college fairs specifically feature smaller colleges and universities. You can attend these events to gather information on these types of institutions, talk to admissions representatives, and learn more about what these smaller colleges have to offer. Keep an eye out for any college fairs that may be taking place in your area or even virtual college fairs, which have become more common due to the pandemic.

5. Networking: Reach out to current college students, alumni, or other acquaintances who attend or have attended smaller-sized colleges. Ask them about their experiences and what they enjoyed about their college's environment. This can help you understand the campus culture and community dynamics of a smaller college firsthand.

Remember to also take other factors, such as academic programs, location, and financial aid, into account when building your college list. Good luck in your college search!