Best Small Colleges in the U.S.

📖 Written by Tyson Schritter, COO Colleges of Distinction

Discover the Best Small Colleges in the U.S.

We’ve identified the best small colleges in the U.S., all with fewer than 3,000 students and a reputation for academic excellence and student engagement.

Small colleges offer personalized learning, tight-knit communities, and strong faculty relationships. If you’re looking for small class sizes, engaging academics, and a supportive campus environment, a small college may be the perfect fit.

🏆 Featured Schools: See standout institutions.
📍 Find by State: Jump to your region.
🔎 Explore All Schools: Search our full list below.
❓ FAQs About Small Colleges: Read common questions

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🏆 Featured Small Colleges in the U.S.

These standout institutions offer exceptional academics, strong student support, and vibrant campus life.

📌 Tuskegee University – Tuskegee, AL (2,846 students)
A historically Black university (HBCU) with a legacy of STEM innovation and leadership development.

📌 Pomona College – Claremont, CA (1,664 students)
A top-tier liberal arts college known for undergraduate research and small class sizes.

📌 Colorado College – Colorado Springs, CO (2,173 students)
Uses a unique Block Plan, allowing students to focus on one course at a time.

📌 Davidson College – Davidson, NC (1,904 students)
A prestigious liberal arts institution with rigorous academics and a strong honor code.

📌 Carleton College – Northfield, MN (2,069 students)
A Midwestern liberal arts powerhouse with a strong emphasis on undergraduate research.

📌 Rhodes College – Memphis, TN (1,952 students)
Recognized for community engagement, leadership programs, and strong pre-med preparation.

📌 Reed College – Portland, OR (1,458 students)
Famous for its intellectual rigor, seminar-style classes, and no-letter-grades policy.

📌 Washington & Lee University – Lexington, VA (2,277 students)
A selective liberal arts university with a respected business program and strong honor system.

📌 Furman University – Greenville, SC (2,505 students)
Offers personalized learning experiences, strong mentorship, and innovative undergraduate research opportunities.

📌 Whitman College – Walla Walla, WA (1,544 students)
A highly regarded liberal arts college with a strong focus on outdoor leadership and sustainability.

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Best Small Colleges in the U.S.

At Colleges of Distinction, we recognize that bigger isn’t always better—especially when it comes to personalized education and tight-knit campus communities. That’s why we highlight small colleges that provide exceptional student engagement, innovative teaching, and strong career preparation.

Each of the schools listed below is a College of Distinction, meaning they have been recognized for their commitment to hands-on learning, supportive faculty, and vibrant student life. Whether you’re looking for a liberal arts education, a faith-based community, or a STEM-focused curriculum, these institutions offer top-tier academics in a smaller, more intimate setting.

Explore our list of the best small colleges in the U.S. and find the perfect school where you’ll be more than just a number.

Name	Full State	Public/Private	Total undergrad enrollment	Acceptance Rate	Net Price (in-state net price given for public colleges)	SAT Range	Graduation rate 6 years	Student-to-faculty ratio
Stillman College	Alabama	Private	779	74%	$12,479	Test Blind	41%	12:1
Tuskegee University	Alabama	Private	2,846	31%	$35,126	995-1255 Test Optional	57%	12:1
University of Montevallo	Alabama	Public	2,942	54%	$17,280	Test Blind	49%	13:1
Lyon College	Arkansas	Private	584	66%	$22,675	Test Blind	56%	10:1
Claremont McKenna College	California	Private	1,384	11%	$29,978	1450-1560 Test Optional	95%	8:1
Harvey Mudd College	California	Private	949	13%	$42,720	1480-1560 Test Optional	94%	8:1
Pomona College	California	Private	1,664	7%	$17,423	1480-1560 Test Optional	93%	7:1
Colorado College	Colorado	Private	2,173	20%	$35,281	1365-1520 Test Optional	86%	9:1
Albertus Magnus College	Connecticut	Private	1,161	64%	$30,179	Test Blind	46%	15:1
Goldey-Beacom College	Delaware	Private	1,074	77%	$17,417	Test Blind	57%	18:1
Flagler College	Florida	Private	2,441	78%	$31,085	990-1200 Test Optional	56%	16:1
Reinhardt University	Georgia	Private	1,170	55%	$27,507	Test Optional	36%	11:1
Toccoa Falls College	Georgia	Private	2,532	64%	$20,657	1060-1250 Test Optional	45%	16:1
Young Harris College	Georgia	Private	1,420	64%	$20,509	Test Blind	46%	11:1
Northwest Nazarene University	Idaho	Private	1,774	63%	$27,291	940-1210 Test Optional	63%	14:1
Illinois Wesleyan University	Illinois	Private	1,576	45%	$31,310	1140-1330 Test Optional	83%	11:1
North Park University	Illinois	Private	2,624	73%	$19,910	Test Blind	56%	11:1
Trinity Christian College	Illinois	Private	883	89%	$17,218	1050-1200 Test Optional	64%	10:1
Wheaton College	Illinois	Private	2,799	90%	$31,346	1260-1440 Test Optional	87%	10:1
Anderson University	Indiana	Private	1,255	53%	$22,222	1090-1290 Test Optional	49%	10:1
DePauw University	Indiana	Private	1,819	54%	$30,507	1140-1430 Test Optional	80%	10:1
University of Evansville	Indiana	Private	2,109	78%	$21,611	Test Blind	71%	10:1
Cornell College	Iowa	Private	1,084	81%	$25,850	1150-1318 Test Optional	72%	12:1
Grinnell College	Iowa	Private	1,775	13%	$33,446	1418-1550 Test Optional	87%	9:1
Loras College	Iowa	Private	1,213	92%	$22,338	Test Blind	70%	12:1
Luther College	Iowa	Private	1,463	73%	$24,790	1098-1318 Test Optional	75%	10:1
St. Ambrose University	Iowa	Private	2,703	73%	$23,578	Test Blind	63%	11:1
Baker University	Kansas	Private	1,945	92%	$23,410	Test Optional	59%	12:1
Bethel College-North Newton	Kansas	Private	502	96%	$24,879	Test Optional	43%	11:1
Friends University	Kansas	Private	1,927	56%	$22,579	915-1090 Test Optional	61%	14:1
Newman University	Kansas	Private	2,787	48%	$19,315	Test Blind	55%	13:1
Ottawa University	Kansas	Private	1,055	80%	$28,126	880-1140 Test Optional	29%	15:1
Centre College	Kentucky	Private	1,356	54%	$23,780	1230-1423 Test Optional	85%	10:1
Spalding University	Kentucky	Private	1,555	99%	$25,539	853-1103 Test Optional	57%	11:1
Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University	Louisiana	Private	1,204	83%	$15,239	Test Blind	47%	10:1
Bowdoin College	Maine	Private	1,850	8%	$23,110	1480-1550 Test Optional	96%	9:1
McDaniel College	Maryland	Private	2,882	84%	$23,088	Test Blind	64%	13:1
Notre Dame of Maryland University	Maryland	Private	1,836	86%	$22,552	Test Blind	52%	8:1
St. John's College, Annapolis	Maryland	Private	578	44%	$27,729	1250-1500 Test Optional	67%	8:1
St. Mary's College of Maryland	Maryland	Public	1,587	75%	$20,679	1110-1330 Test Optional	68%	10:1
Washington College	Maryland	Private	916	66%	$33,553	1185-1345 Test Optional	74%	9:1
Dean College	Massachusetts	Private	1,151	74%	$31,472	Test Blind	37%	15:1
Lasell University	Massachusetts	Private	1,527	82%	$28,477	1085-1260 Test Optional	53%	11:1
Stonehill College	Massachusetts	Private	2,584	73%	$31,134	Test Blind	81%	12:1
Wellesley College	Massachusetts	Private	2,418	14%	$21,501	1440-1550 Test Optional	91%	7:1
Adrian College	Michigan	Private	1,760	68%	$22,053	880-1120 Test Optional	53%	15:1
Alma College	Michigan	Private	1,273	66%	$24,862	Test Blind	64%	14:1
Aquinas College	Michigan	Private	1,295	71%	$19,890	990-1210 Test Optional	62%	11:1
Cornerstone University	Michigan	Private	1,735	73%	$23,147	Test Blind	66%	15:1
Kettering University	Michigan	Private	1,605	79%	$33,616	1060-1310 Test Optional	71%	11:1
Siena Heights University	Michigan	Private	1,832	67%	$17,740	890-1140 Test Optional	51%	12:1
Spring Arbor University	Michigan	Private	2,390	37%	$21,720	935-1165 Test Optional	59%	11:1
Carleton College	Minnesota	Private	2,069	22%	$29,434	1430-1550 Test Optional	91%	8:1
Gustavus Adolphus College	Minnesota	Private	1,952	62%	$28,805	Test Optional	76%	11:1
Macalester College	Minnesota	Private	2,142	28%	$38,571	1350-1510 Test Optional	90%	10:1
University of Minnesota Morris	Minnesota	Public	1,020	70%	$9,539	Test Blind	62%	9:1
University of Minnesota Rochester	Minnesota	Public	588	72%	$13,840	Test Optional	57%	13:1
Evangel University	Missouri	Private	2,157	69%	$18,748	Test Blind	64%	12:1
Southwest Baptist University	Missouri	Private	2,155	100%	$19,781	960-1200 Test Optional	64%	10:1
Stephens College	Missouri	Private	532	92%	$23,261	1130-1270 Test Optional	47%	7:1
Carroll College	Montana	Private	1,103	73%	$26,103	1080-1330 Test Optional	66%	11:1
Rocky Mountain College	Montana	Private	991	73%	$19,173	990-1240 Test Optional	46%	12:1
College of Saint Mary	Nebraska	Private	733	44%	$14,265	Test Optional	59%	7:1
Rivier University	New Hampshire	Private	2,879	82%	$28,227	Test Blind	58%	14:1
Caldwell University	New Jersey	Private	1,864	65%	$23,071	Test Blind	55%	13:1
Saint Elizabeth University	New Jersey	Private	1,009	77%	$18,412	Test Optional	40%	11:1
Daemen University	New York	Private	2,625	76%	$18,944	Test Blind	58%	13:1
Dominican University New York	New York	Private	1,378	79%	$23,907	1095-1235 Test Optional	57%	14:1
Hamilton College	New York	Private	2,048	12%	$26,021	1410-1550 Test Optional	91%	9:1
Hobart and William Smith Colleges	New York	Private	1,669	57%	$33,172	1220-1360 Test Optional	73%	10:1
Keuka College	New York	Private	1,284	94%	$26,153	1008-1183 Test Optional	49%	11:1
Manhattanville University	New York	Private	2,379	85%	$25,017	Test Blind	54%	12:1
Nazareth University	New York	Private	2,439	79%	$31,321	1170-1330 Test Optional	73%	9:1
Skidmore College	New York	Private	2,776	23%	$32,368	1300-1460 Test Optional	82%	8:1
St. Thomas Aquinas College	New York	Private	1,950	82%	$21,257	Test Optional	60%	16:1
Vassar College	New York	Private	2,456	18%	$29,733	1435-1550 Test Optional	89%	8:1
Barton College	North Carolina	Private	1,259	96%	$23,804	Test Optional	52%	14:1
Catawba College	North Carolina	Private	1,241	78%	$18,319	1010-1186 Test Optional	52%	12:1
Davidson College	North Carolina	Private	1,904	14%	$26,510	1360-1510 Test Optional	92%	9:1
Lees-McRae College	North Carolina	Private	839	81%	$26,009	Test Optional	44%	10:1
Meredith College	North Carolina	Private	1,576	75%	$23,405	1110-1260 Test Optional	65%	10:1
University of Mount Olive	North Carolina	Private	2,128	78%	$17,893	Test Optional	46%	19:1
William Peace University	North Carolina	Private	730	97%	$24,503	1140-1280 Test Optional	44%	12:1
Valley City State University	North Dakota	Public	1,754	69%	$13,841	Test Optional	48%	12:1
Bluffton University	Ohio	Private	678	61%	$21,299	920-1130 Test Optional	50%	10:1
Denison University	Ohio	Private	2,405	17%	$42,177	1300-1470 Test Optional	80%	9:1
Hiram College	Ohio	Private	1,011	93%	$21,362	Test Blind	59%	10:1
John Carroll University	Ohio	Private	2,773	81%	$30,790	1190-1350 Test Optional	76%	13:1
Kenyon College	Ohio	Private	2,184	31%	$44,470	1360-1500 Test Optional	87%	9:1
Otterbein University	Ohio	Private	2,357	83%	$22,242	Test Optional	69%	12:1
The College of Wooster	Ohio	Private	1,876	54%	$29,529	1250-1450 Test Optional	74%	10:1
Walsh University	Ohio	Private	2,160	78%	$21,009	1056-1215 Test Optional	62%	13:1
Wilmington College	Ohio	Private	964	85%	$24,915	860-1050 Test Optional	55%	12:1
Wittenberg University	Ohio	Private	1,333	91%	$21,457	1070-1260 Test Optional	54%	12:1
Oklahoma Baptist University	Oklahoma	Private	1,526	56%	$25,099	1000-1190 Test Optional	50%	15:1
Oklahoma Christian University	Oklahoma	Private	2,743	97%	$21,810	1000-1220 Test Optional	55%	15:1
Commonwealth University	Oklahoma	Private	2,165	33%	$19,825		37%	11:1
University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma	Oklahoma	Public	914	56%	$8,685	1043-1188 Test Optional	36%	13:1
Eastern Oregon University	Oregon	Public	2,798	99%	$17,219	Test Blind	37%	14:1
Linfield University	Oregon	Private	1,726	88%	$31,462	Test Blind	65%	10:1
Reed College	Oregon	Private	1,458	27%	$36,993	1300-1510 Test Optional	76%	9:1
Willamette University	Oregon	Private	2,112	79%	$27,716	1220-1430 Test Optional	73%	12:1
Albright College	Pennsylvania	Private	1,652	86%	$22,116	Test Blind	42%	10:1
Alvernia University	Pennsylvania	Private	2,485	62%	$26,166	1066-1253 Test Optional	58%	12:1
Chatham University	Pennsylvania	Private	2,319	70%	$29,051	1070-1290 Test Optional	66%	10:1
DeSales University	Pennsylvania	Private	2,919	79%	$30,524	1090-1290 Test Optional	71%	11:1
Dickinson College	Pennsylvania	Private	2,217	43%	$40,242	Test Optional	83%	9:1
Elizabethtown College	Pennsylvania	Private	2,152	77%	$27,019	1090-1280 Test Optional	77%	12:1
Franklin and Marshall College	Pennsylvania	Private	1,911	32%	$37,475	1298-1460 Test Optional	86%	9:1
Geneva College	Pennsylvania	Private	1,258	80%	$22,145		61%	12:1
King's College	Pennsylvania	Private	1,932	93%	$25,608	1060-1240 Test Optional	60%	11:1
La Roche University	Pennsylvania	Private	2,618	78%	$24,638	1055-1235 Test Optional	57%	11:1
Lafayette College	Pennsylvania	Private	2,764	31%	$34,728	1340-1490 Test Optional	88%	10:1
Lycoming College	Pennsylvania	Private	1,063	68%	$20,733	1070-1273 Test Optional	60%	11:1
Mercyhurst University	Pennsylvania	Private	2,668	83%	$26,962	Test Blind	65%	15:1
Mount Aloysius College	Pennsylvania	Private	2,967	90%	$20,570	900-1105 Test Optional	52%	12:1
Neumann University	Pennsylvania	Private	2,171	76%	$29,298	Test Blind	46%	13:1
Saint Francis University	Pennsylvania	Private	2,835	77%	$27,421	1020-1250 Test Optional	72%	14:1
Saint Vincent College	Pennsylvania	Private	1,442	59%	$23,857	993-1231 Test Optional	72%	10:1
Seton Hill University	Pennsylvania	Private	1,984	76%	$23,732	1070-1270 Test Optional	71%	13:1
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford	Pennsylvania	Public	1,003	91%	$17,015	1030-1260 Test Optional	47%	12:1
Washington & Jefferson College	Pennsylvania	Private	1,162	82%	$26,051	Test Blind	71%	10:1
Waynesburg University	Pennsylvania	Private	1,315	92%	$22,837	1000-1220 Test Optional	61%	10:1
Westminster College	Pennsylvania	Private	1,203	86%	$26,780	880-1120 Test Optional	66%	12:1
Furman University	South Carolina	Private	2,505	53%	$32,901	1260-1425 Test Optional	81%	9:1
Presbyterian College	South Carolina	Private	1,136	72%	$20,058	1080-1280 Test Optional	58%	11:1
Wofford College	South Carolina	Private	1,873	59%	$31,061	1200-1350 Test Optional	81%	12:1
South Dakota School of Mines & Technology	South Dakota	Public	2,492	85%	$20,243	1130-1320 Test Optional	58%	12:1
Carson-Newman University	Tennessee	Private	2,735	68%	$19,755	940-1130 Test Optional	47%	12:1
Christian Brothers University	Tennessee	Private	2,043	88%	$17,068	1040-1300 Test Optional	56%	9:1
Johnson University	Tennessee	Private	950	54%	$20,713	890-1090	63%	11:1
Maryville College	Tennessee	Private	1,147	66%	$20,990	1018-1188 Test Optional	47%	12:1
Rhodes College	Tennessee	Private	1,952	50%	$30,590	1290-1490 Test Optional	82%	11:1
Hardin-Simmons University	Texas	Private	1,655	97%	$21,321	968-1190 Test Optional	50%	15:1
Lubbock Christian University	Texas	Private	1,589	73%	$25,351	900-1160 Test Optional	49%	12:1
McMurry University	Texas	Private	2,549	58%	$20,817	1010-1170 Test Optional	39%	13:1
Southwestern University	Texas	Private	1,457	39%	$30,687	1170-1340 Test Optional	69%	11:1
Trinity University	Texas	Private	2,694	28%	$32,264	1320-1465 Test Optional	82%	9:1
Middlebury College	Vermont	Private	2,857	10%	$22,912	1430-1550 Test Optional	93%	9:1
Bridgewater College	Virginia	Private	1,436	91%	$19,660	1070-1375 Test Optional	49%	12:1
Emory & Henry University	Virginia	Private	1,364	96%	$21,714	1030-1240 Test Optional	54%	12:1
Mary Baldwin University	Virginia	Private	1,792	86%	$18,838		56%	14:1
Randolph College	Virginia	Private	634	95%	$20,856	960-1210 Test Optional	51%	7:1
Randolph-Macon College	Virginia	Private	1,523	83%	$29,058	1040-1210 Test Optional	75%	10:1
Roanoke College	Virginia	Private	1,835	80%	$27,695	1090-1270 Test Optional	66%	11:1
University of Virginia	Virginia	Public	1,911	17%	$10,409	935-1175 Test Optional	95%	15:1
Washington and Lee University	Virginia	Private	2,277	17%	$24,667	1410-1530 Test Optional	95%	8:1
Saint Martin’s University	Washington	Private	1,505	76%	$22,779	970-1180 Test Optional	57%	10:1
University of Puget Sound	Washington	Private	1,914	76%	$42,301	1185-1390 Test Optional	68%	10:1
Whitman College	Washington	Private	1,544	50%	$41,601	1270-1480 Test Optional	81%	10:1
Davis & Elkins College	West Virginia	Private	683	58%	$19,762	880-1125 Test Optional	36%	11:1
University of Charleston	West Virginia	Private	2,758	65%	$21,100	Test Blind	46%	15:1
Beloit College	Wisconsin	Private	948	57%	$24,941	1210-1360 Test Optional	67%	11:1
Lawrence University	Wisconsin	Private	1,410	63%	$27,393	1200-1430 Test Optional	76%	7:1
St. Norbert College	Wisconsin	Private	2,165	92%	$27,236	1066-1220 Test Optional	74%	12:1
Viterbo University	Wisconsin	Private	2,301	73%	$23,901	1040-1380 Test Optional	65%	12:1
Wisconsin Lutheran College	Wisconsin	Private	1,094	79%	$22,809	1060-1300 Test Optional	63%	11:1

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📍 Best Small Colleges by State

Looking for small colleges near you? Choose a state to explore top institutions.

🔗 Best Small Colleges in California
🔗 Best Small Colleges in Texas
🔗 Best Small Colleges in New York

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❓ FAQs About Small Colleges

1. What qualifies as a small college?

A small college is generally defined as an institution with fewer than 3,000 students. Many of the best small colleges have under 3,000 students, creating a tight-knit academic and social environment where students can receive personalized attention from faculty and build strong relationships with peers.

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2. What are the benefits of attending a small college?

Small colleges offer several advantages, including:
✅ Smaller class sizes – More individualized attention from professors.
✅ Strong faculty relationships – Easier access to mentorship and research opportunities.
✅ Close-knit community – A strong sense of belonging and more meaningful connections.
✅ Opportunities for leadership – Easier to get involved in clubs, athletics, and student government.
✅ Customized education – More flexible academic paths and specialized programs.

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3. Are small colleges as academically rigorous as larger universities?

Yes! Many small colleges are known for their challenging coursework, dedicated faculty, and strong academic reputations. Schools like Claremont McKenna, Davidson, and Bowdoin are small but highly selective, offering a top-tier education.

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4. Do small colleges offer the same extracurricular opportunities as large universities?

Absolutely! While small colleges may not have large-scale Division I sports programs, they often have a diverse range of clubs, student organizations, intramural sports, and study abroad programs. Students at small schools also have more opportunities to take on leadership roles.

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5. Are small colleges more expensive than larger universities?

Not necessarily. While some private small colleges have higher tuition costs, they often provide generous financial aid, scholarships, and grants. Additionally, small class sizes and strong alumni networks can lead to higher job placement rates after graduation.

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6. What is the student-faculty ratio at a small college?

One of the biggest advantages of small colleges is their low student-to-faculty ratios, often around 10:1 or lower. This means more one-on-one interactions with professors, better academic support, and a more engaging classroom experience.

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7. How do small colleges compare in terms of career opportunities?

Small colleges often have strong career services, internship pipelines, and alumni networks, helping students gain valuable work experience. Employers value the critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills that small colleges emphasize.

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8. Do small colleges have strong alumni networks?

Yes! Small colleges often have tight-knit and highly engaged alumni communities, leading to mentorship opportunities, job connections, and career support long after graduation.

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9. What types of students thrive at small colleges?

Small colleges are a great fit for students who:
✔️ Prefer individualized learning over large lecture halls.
✔️ Want to build close relationships with professors and classmates.
✔️ Are looking for leadership opportunities and campus involvement.
✔️ Value community and a strong support system.

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10. Are small colleges only for liberal arts students?

Not at all! While many small colleges emphasize liberal arts education, many also offer STEM programs, business degrees, pre-professional tracks (pre-med, pre-law), and even engineering programs.

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About the Author

📖 Written by Tyson Schritter
Chief Content Officer, Colleges of Distinction

📅 Published on February 19, 2025 | Last Updated on February 21, 2025