If smaller class size is a priority for you, then you should further consider private universities and colleges. Private schools try to keep class size low so that students receive a higher quality of education. A lower student to teacher ratio ensures that students get more hands-on attention from the teacher and have increased opportunities to participate within a class. This increases student engagement and often provides a better learning experience.
Private universities and colleges rely on their reputations and so put a strong emphasis on producing graduates who have obtained the best education possible. This means that attending classes at a private university is usually going to be a lot of work, however, the quality of the education you obtain is often top notch. This helps prepare students for many opportunities after graduation. Education at a private university helps prepare students well for graduate studies and makes them competitive in the job market.
The name on your degree counts for a great deal when you start trying to find a job. Your knowledge will be put to the test during the interview and on the job, but it is often the name of the school on your resume that grabs the initial interest of hiring managers. The most recognizable names of schools in the U.S. are private universities. Brown, Cornell, Harvard, MIT, Stanford and Yale are just some of the extremely well-respected private universities in the country.
The financial aid available at private universities can be quite substantial. This helps to offset the fact that base tuition expenses are typically higher than at public institutions. These awards are set up by the schools themselves, and are often through trusts and endowments created by donors and alumni. These schools are interested in having the most talented students attend their institutions, so the financial aid guidelines as to who qualifies can be broader than at public colleges and universities. Yale and Harvard might define a student as having financial need even if the family makes close to $200,000.