50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024

Badge for BEST IN THE US SMALL COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Small colleges are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical (as at Caltech) or on the liberal arts (as at Sarah Lawrence), small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.

10 Best Small Colleges in the US

Sort by:
  1. California Institute of Technology
  2. Yeshiva University
  3. Swarthmore College
  4. Wesleyan University
  5. Reed College
  6. Amherst College
  7. Williams College
  8. Illinois Institute of Technology
  9. Wellesley College
  10. Oberlin College
  1. California Institute of Technology
  2. Wesleyan University
  3. Amherst College
  4. Oberlin College
  5. Williams College
  6. Swarthmore College
  7. Smith College
  8. Wellesley College
  9. Bryn Mawr College
  10. Vassar College
  1. Hope College 92%
  2. The Catholic University of America 86%
  3. Fairleigh Dickinson University 85%
  4. Samford University 84%
  5. Willamette University 80%
  6. Hampshire College 75%
  7. University of Tulsa 75%
  8. Calvin University 75%
  9. Ashland University 70%
  10. Illinois Institute of Technology 66%
  1. Ashland University 16 to 1
  2. Fairleigh Dickinson University 15 to 1
  3. Morehouse College 15 to 1
  4. Calvin University 12 to 1
  5. Samford University 12 to 1
  6. Hampshire College 12 to 1
  7. Spelman College 11 to 1
  8. The Catholic University of America 11 to 1
  9. Hope College 11 to 1
  10. Macalester College 10 to 1
  1. Kenyon College $63,310
  2. Vassar College $62,870
  3. Reed College $62,730
  4. Colorado College $62,070
  5. Wesleyan University $62,049
  6. Colgate University $61,966
  7. Union College, New York $61,659
  8. Trinity College $61,370
  9. Haverford College $61,210
  10. Amherst College $61,150
  1. Claremont McKenna College $64,288
  2. Vassar College $61,940
  3. Colgate University $61,594
  4. Wesleyan University $61,449
  5. Williams College $59,728
  6. Occidental College $57,830
  7. California Institute of Technology $56,364
  8. Smith College $55,830
  9. The Catholic University of America $50,670
  10. Bryn Mawr College $48,328
  1. Hope College
  2. Ashland University
  3. Bucknell University
  4. Samford University
  5. Trinity College
  6. Grinnell College
  7. Spelman College
  8. Sarah Lawrence College
  9. Macalester College
  10. Hampshire College
  1. Ashland University
  2. Hope College
  3. Calvin University
  4. Willamette University
  5. Macalester College
  6. Samford University
  7. University of Tulsa
  8. Fairleigh Dickinson University
  9. Claremont McKenna College
  10. Harvey Mudd College
  1. California Institute of Technology 4%
  2. Pomona College 7%
  3. Swarthmore College 8%
  4. Amherst College 9%
  5. Williams College 9%
  6. Bowdoin College 9%
  7. Harvey Mudd College 10%
  8. Claremont McKenna College 11%
  9. Barnard College 11%
  10. Grinnell College 11%
  1. California Institute of Technology 3 to 1
  2. Pomona College 6 to 1
  3. Williams College 6 to 1
  4. Amherst College 7 to 1
  5. Swarthmore College 7 to 1
  6. Yeshiva University 7 to 1
  7. Smith College 7 to 1
  8. Wellesley College 7 to 1
  9. Bowdoin College 8 to 1
  10. Carleton College 8 to 1
  1. Ashland University $23,090
  2. Spelman College $28,181
  3. Morehouse College $29,468
  4. Fairleigh Dickinson University $33,114
  5. Samford University $35,360
  6. Hope College $36,650
  7. Calvin University $38,240
  8. Willamette University $44,234
  9. University of Tulsa $45,673
  10. Yeshiva University $47,500
  1. Dickinson College $3,750
  2. Ashland University $6,972
  3. Fairleigh Dickinson University $9,780
  4. Calvin University $11,880
  5. Trinity College $18,780
  6. Samford University $20,935
  7. University of Tulsa $24,282
  8. University of Richmond $25,620
  9. Mount Holyoke College $25,833
  10. Bucknell University $26,112

Key Takeaways

  • A higher learning institution with no more than 5,000 students is considered a small college or university. The average student body of small private and liberal arts institutions is 1,000. The average student body of a small public research institution is 3,000.
  • The best small colleges and universities offer a tight-knit community experience to their student body. These colleges give students more opportunities to get to know their professors and peers.
  • The best small colleges in America provide the same academic excellence as their counterparts. In fact, smaller colleges tend to invest more time in each student’s success. Additionally, these colleges offer a range of undergraduate and graduate degrees that provide a more tailored curriculum.

Featured Programs

When comparing a big college campus to a small college campus, consider that the latter offers more individualized experiences, including opportunities for illuminating classroom discussions, independent research, and one-on-one relationships with your instructors.

Small Schools, Big Success

Others will be drawn to the experience that a small college and university can give, while many prospective students will yearn for vast campuses and the anonymity of a bustling student population. However, small universities may not receive the same exposure as their larger counterparts and have diverse student organizations due to size and budgetary differences. But even so, going to a small institution or university has many advantages.

Different kinds of small colleges offer undergraduate and graduate-level degrees. Before enrolling in one, students should know the differences between them.

Major Types of Small Colleges

Liberal Arts College

These universities provide a wide range of liberal arts courses, covering subjects like literature, history, languages, arithmetic, and the social sciences. The majority are private and provide four-year bachelor’s degree programs. These institutions can help you get ready for a range of jobs or graduate school.

However, a private liberal arts college may cost more than public technical schools. Thankfully, many private and national liberal arts colleges, such as Washington and Lee University, Union College, Mount Holyoke College, Swarthmore College, and Smith College, provide financial aid opportunities for students interested in pursuing liberal arts education.

Public And Private Colleges

Public universities receive funding from local and state governments and frequently charge less for tuition than private institutions, particularly for students who live in the state where the college is located. On the other hand, tuition, fees, and private money are the primary sources of funding for private colleges. Sometimes large financial aid packages for students are made possible by private donations.

Historically Black Colleges and Universities

A historically black university gives black children the chance to experience an educational community where they are finally the majority and celebrate African-American culture and empowerment.

Spelman College ranks as a leading Historically Black College and University. This small college is one of the few small HBCU colleges that produced African-American females who completed doctoral degrees.

Pros and Cons of Attending the Best Small Colleges and Universities

Attending a small college has both advantages and disadvantages. You must choose what matters most to you: culture, resources, or staff.

Cons:

  • Fewer party scenes
  • Limited resources and small facilities
  • Small colleges are mostly private and thus more expensive

Pros:

  • Smaller class size
  • Greater flexibility
  • Less competition
  • You won’t feel lost in the crowd

How to Choose the Best Small College or University For You

The decision of which college or university to attend is important. Many high school students may feel overwhelmed by the process due to the overwhelming number of schools to consider. Here are some crucial considerations to remember so you can choose wisely.

  • The major you plan to pursue.
  • Visit the campus and tour the university.
  • Know the academic level and college requirements.
  • Don’t reject a college based only on the cost of tuition.
  • Explore financial aid options.
  • Ask about internship and job placement opportunities
  • Review graduation rates

Remember that you want to be a fantastic fit while selecting a college. You should pick an institution that aligns with your values and who you are. You can attend a college that best suits your needs by using the following advice to organize your goals and interests.

Our ranking of the best small colleges and universities is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though many offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 1,069 small colleges in the US. In order to be included in this list of best small colleges and universities, a school must be a fully accredited non-profit institution, and must have a student body of 5,000 or fewer students.

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The Best Small Colleges and Universities in the US 2023

  1. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    4%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1555/35

    Career Outlook for degree at California Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $60,864
    Expenses: $22,734
    Starting Salary: $106,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  2. #3

    Swarthmore College

    Swarthmore , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    8%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1467/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Swarthmore College

    Cost of Degree: $59,328
    Expenses: $20,686
    Starting Salary: $70,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  3. #4

    Wesleyan University

    Middletown , CT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    19%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Wesleyan University

    Cost of Degree: $64,022
    Expenses: $20,850
    Starting Salary: $63,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  4. #5

    Reed College

    Portland , OR
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    44%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Reed College

    Cost of Degree: $64,760
    Expenses: $18,550
    Starting Salary: $52,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  5. #6

    Amherst College

    Amherst , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1495/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Amherst College

    Cost of Degree: $64,100
    Expenses: $19,550
    Starting Salary: $83,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  6. #7

    Williams College

    Williamstown , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Williams College

    Cost of Degree: $61,770
    Expenses: $19,230
    Starting Salary: $89,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  7. Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    66%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    7K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1295/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Illinois Institute of Technology

    Cost of Degree: $50,279
    Expenses: $21,270
    Starting Salary: $78,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  8. #9

    Wellesley College

    Wellesley , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    16%

    Graduation

    92%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1435/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Wellesley College

    Cost of Degree: $61,920
    Expenses: $21,130
    Starting Salary: $71,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  9. #10

    Oberlin College

    Oberlin , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    34%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1315/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Oberlin College

    Cost of Degree: $62,024
    Expenses: $22,206
    Starting Salary: $45,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 23 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  10. #11

    Barnard College

    New York , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1434/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Barnard College

    Cost of Degree: $62,525
    Expenses: $21,884
    Starting Salary: $69,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  11. #13

    Smith College

    Northampton , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    30%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Smith College

    Cost of Degree: $58,768
    Expenses: $23,366
    Starting Salary: $51,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  12. #14

    Vassar College

    Poughkeepsie , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    20%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Vassar College

    Cost of Degree: $64,800
    Expenses: $18,810
    Starting Salary: $61,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  13. #15

    Haverford College

    Haverford , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1440/33

    Career Outlook for degree at Haverford College

    Cost of Degree: $63,348
    Expenses: $21,120
    Starting Salary: $75,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  14. #16

    Pomona College

    Claremont , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    7%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Pomona College

    Cost of Degree: $59,238
    Expenses: $21,958
    Starting Salary: $77,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  15. #17

    Bryn Mawr College

    Bryn Mawr , PA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $56K

    Acceptance

    39%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bryn Mawr College

    Cost of Degree: $59,330
    Expenses: $20,050
    Starting Salary: $61,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  16. #18

    Clark University

    Worcester , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1250/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Clark University

    Cost of Degree: $52,352
    Expenses: $12,914
    Starting Salary: $54,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  17. #20

    Middlebury College

    Middlebury , VT
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1430/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Middlebury College

    Cost of Degree: $62,460
    Expenses: $19,800
    Starting Salary: $71,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  18. #21

    Bowdoin College

    Brunswick , ME
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    9%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bowdoin College

    Cost of Degree: $61,528
    Expenses: $18,862
    Starting Salary: $83,300
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  19. #22

    Mount Holyoke College

    South Hadley , MA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $57K

    Acceptance

    52%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1385/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Mount Holyoke College

    Cost of Degree: $58,498
    Expenses: $19,180
    Starting Salary: $53,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  20. #23

    Colgate University

    Hamilton , NY
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    17%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1385/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Colgate University

    Cost of Degree: $64,290
    Expenses: $19,360
    Starting Salary: $81,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  21. #25

    Bard College

    Annandale-On-Hudson , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    71%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Bard College

    Cost of Degree: $60,622
    Expenses: $20,080
    Starting Salary: $43,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 23 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  22. #26

    Union College, New York

    Schenectady , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    47%

    Graduation

    85%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1305/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Union College, New York

    Cost of Degree: $63,954
    Expenses: $17,766
    Starting Salary: $80,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  23. #28

    Denison University

    Granville , OH

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    28%

    Graduation

    81%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1325/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Denison University

    Cost of Degree: $60,000
    Expenses: $16,900
    Starting Salary: $57,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  24. #30

    Claremont McKenna College

    Claremont , CA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    11%

    Graduation

    93%

    Student body

    1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1415/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Claremont McKenna College

    Cost of Degree: $60,715
    Expenses: $21,412
    Starting Salary: $93,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  25. #31

    Carleton College

    Northfield , MN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $60K

    Acceptance

    18%

    Graduation

    91%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1425/32

    Career Outlook for degree at Carleton College

    Cost of Degree: $62,634
    Expenses: $18,716
    Starting Salary: $67,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  26. #32

    Colorado College

    Colorado Springs , CO
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    14%

    Graduation

    86%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Colorado College

    Cost of Degree: $65,028
    Expenses: $18,200
    Starting Salary: $49,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  27. #33

    Kenyon College

    Gambier , OH
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    37%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1370/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Kenyon College

    Cost of Degree: $66,490
    Expenses: $17,310
    Starting Salary: $54,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  28. #34

    University of Richmond

    University of Richmond , VA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    29%

    Graduation

    89%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1370/31

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Richmond

    Cost of Degree: $60,330
    Expenses: $17,000
    Starting Salary: $78,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  29. #36

    University of Tulsa

    Tulsa , OK
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $46K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    73%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1205/27

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Tulsa

    Cost of Degree: $46,676
    Expenses: $18,396
    Starting Salary: $60,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  30. #38

    Occidental College

    Los Angeles , CA

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    38%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1365/30

    Career Outlook for degree at Occidental College

    Cost of Degree: $60,566
    Expenses: $20,070
    Starting Salary: $59,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 19 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  31. Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    80%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Willamette University

    Cost of Degree: $45,260
    Expenses: $16,852
    Starting Salary: $57,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  32. #40

    Dickinson College

    Carlisle , PA

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    48%

    Graduation

    82%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Dickinson College

    Cost of Degree: $61,326
    Expenses: $19,190
    Starting Salary: $64,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  33. #41

    Hampshire College

    Amherst , MA

    Tuition + fees

    $53K

    Acceptance

    75%

    Graduation

    62%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Hampshire College

    Cost of Degree: $54,452
    Expenses: $16,922
    Starting Salary: $39,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 22 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  34. #42

    Macalester College

    Saint Paul , MN
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    31%

    Graduation

    90%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1365/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Macalester College

    Cost of Degree: $62,500
    Expenses: $16,400
    Starting Salary: $55,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 20 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  35. #43

    Sarah Lawrence College

    Bronxville , NY

    Tuition + fees

    $59K

    Acceptance

    58%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1315/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Sarah Lawrence College

    Cost of Degree: $61,234
    Expenses: $18,180
    Starting Salary: $48,000
    Cost Recoup Time: 21 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Sarah Lawrence College known for?

    Sarah Lawrence College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

  36. #44

    Spelman College

    Atlanta , GA
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $28K

    Acceptance

    51%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1125/22

    Career Outlook for degree at Spelman College

    Cost of Degree: $28,885
    Expenses: $20,681
    Starting Salary: $50,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
  37. #47

    Samford University

    Birmingham , AL
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $35K

    Acceptance

    84%

    Graduation

    79%

    Student body

    6K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1150/26

    Career Outlook for degree at Samford University

    Cost of Degree: $36,725
    Expenses: $17,209
    Starting Salary: $59,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 15 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Samford University’s Online Degrees

    BA in Liberal Studies
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    BA in Organizational Leadership
    • Required Credits: 128
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online

Looking for a small college or university in your state?

You know by now that the best large universities are not always the best learning environment for students who prefer smaller, more personal settings.

If you want a top-notch education from a small college, but would like a school that is close to home, check out our list of the best colleges and universities in each state.

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Find the Best Small Colleges and Universities in Your Area of Interest

The best small colleges by discipline

Check out the College Admissions Process Guide for additional tips on finding, applying to, and getting into the college of your choice.

See our Resources Guide for much more on studying, starting your job search, and more.

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