5 Strengths of Attending a Small Bible College
If you are undecided about what college to attend, don’t get stuck thinking you have to choose between the few popular universities in your area. There are plenty of small colleges to choose from, and depending on what you are looking for, a small college may even have everything you are looking for.
A small college may have a lower number of students but this does not equate to lower academic quality. Depending on how you plan to go about your academic career, a smaller college could even prove to be an advantage. While large universities may have pristine campuses, grand sports arenas, and other extracurricular benefits, small colleges also have their own advantages you should consider. However, the benefits of these smaller colleges will vary based on the individual school itself. While large universities have their standard programs, there are a variety of smaller colleges which can offer a more diverse college experience for those looking for something more.
If you really like small colleges, you could even consider a micro-college. A micro-college typically has less than 500 students and is typically more narrow in its focus. For example, the Institute for G.O.D. is highly focused on Biblical literacy. However, narrow focus and smaller size aren’t a bad thing; its smaller size can even be seen as a benefit. Check out these 5 benefits of attending a small school, especially a small Bible school:
Smaller schools also have the power to make special moments for the students they accept, like this young man who received his acceptance box and balloons after his high school basketball game, with the whole crowd cheering for him!
1. Acceptance
While large universities accept a large number of students, they also have a large number of applicants. This means there is more competition and getting in could be difficult. Depending on how you performed in high school or on standardized tests, you may find that getting in isn’t as easy as you may have hoped. Because smaller colleges typically get less applicants, they are not as quick to turn people away.
If it is a school which specializes in a certain major, they may be less likely to concern themselves with grades which are not related to their course of study. This is a benefit to students who may excel in certain areas but struggle in others. When it comes to Bible schools, they will likely be interested in your walk with God, how you have been involved in serving your community, or why you believe God is calling you there.
Smaller school = staff who hear their students loud and clear. Smaller schools can be more agile in forging creative solutions to keep cost down for students because they are in more regular contact with student needs.
2. Cost
Counting the cost is an important factor when choosing a school as you don’t want to find yourself drowning in student loans if there are cheaper alternatives. At smaller colleges the facilities may not be the top of the line, but it also allows the school to operate at a lower cost which in turn can mean a lower tuition rate. Unless you have the means to pay, affordability should be a consideration when choosing where to study. Remember that higher costs doesn’t necessarily mean a better education. There are other factors that play into the overall cost of a college, and often many of those factors are unrelated to the academics.
You could also take into consideration whether there are any work compensation programs, as this will help you to graduate with as little debt as possible. Take us for example: at the Institute for G.O.D., the average student graduates with zero debt! This is largely due to their partnership with local businesses to ensure every student can find meaningful employment flexible enough to allow them to effectively manage the work-study balance.
Jesus had twelve students, seems like 12:1 is a pretty successful ratio! We try not to break out of it too often.
3. Teacher-Student Interaction
Large classes means less individualized attention. The teachers are not able to know their class and individual interaction with the teachers is fewer and far between. When classes get too large, teachers have to rely on easy-to-grade multiple choice question tests or have papers graded by teacher assistants, lessening the dynamic feedback from the professor. When there are fewer students in the class, it provides more opportunities for direct communication with the teachers.
Classes at the Institute are relatively small, so much so the teachers are able to know the names of each of their students. Small classes combined with a flipped classroom model increases the teacher-student interactions, allowing for better feedback and deeper understanding of the content.
When it comes to professors at small schools, they’re also your administrators, your life mentors, and sometimes even your neighbors. (This is the case at the Institute, where almost every faculty walks to work.) Decisions aren’t tied up in high places, they are addressed by administrators who know and love their students with a greater sense of intimacy.
4. Less Bureaucracy
Smaller colleges can be quicker and a bit more flexible when it comes to admin concerns, as opposed to universities with thousands of students. The more people, the less personal. It doesn’t necessarily mean people are less friendly, but you’re likely to become less of a name and more of a number. Adjustments such as switching a class, making a change to your meal plan, or other logistical matters become a longer process when the administrators are dealing with thousands of students. On the other hand, well-organized smaller colleges are often able to more swiftly make the necessary changes as it is easier for students to connect with the right staff.
At The Institute, everything is within reach. Someone to pray with, a job opportunity, homework help. If getting lost is not your thing, you should consider a small college filled with growth opportunities you’ll never forget!
5. Community
Community may be the best part about a small college, especially ones who are trying to live out the Bible. It’s easy to get lost in the crowd at large colleges or feel like you’re invisible. At small colleges, you get to feel seen. When you and your classmates are not only studying the Bible but are living out the word together outside the classroom, you more easily develop healthy friendships which are based on God’s word.
At the Institute for G.O.D. International, there are a number of ways people can feel seen and heard. Accountability groups, morning prayer, mentors, and an integrated community are opportunities which not only ensure students feel socially connected but also provide opportunities for spiritual growth. By living alongside others who want to live out the Word, you are stepping into the life God desires for people to have with one another.
Sources
“Size & Setting Classification Description” Carnegie Classifications of Institutions of Higher Education. Visited 24 November 2022) https://carnegieclassifications.acenet.edu/carnegie-classification/
“College Sizes: Small, Medium, or Large?” CollegeData.com. (visited 24 November 2022). https://www.collegedata.com/resources/the-facts-on-fit/college-size-small-medium-or-large
“5 Benefits of Attending a Small College.” Best Degree Programs. 6 May 2022 (visited 24 November 2022). https://www.bestdegreeprograms.org/lists/5-benefits-of-attending-a-small-college/
V. Peter Pitts, M.A. “Top 10 Advantages of a Small College.” Collegiate Parent. (visited 24 November 2022). https://www.collegiateparent.com/high-school/top-10-advantages-of-a-small-college/
Hyman, Jeremy S. and Lynn F. Jacobs. “10 Reasons to Go to a Small College.” US News. 28 July 2010 (visited 24 November 2022).
