Pros and Cons of Large State Universities

For some individuals, a large state university is the best college choice. For others, a smaller school or private college might be the best selection. Before making a final decision to attend the largest university in your state, it is a good idea to consider the pros and cons of state universities.

 
• Affordable tuition, particularly for in-state students
 
• Knowledgeable instructors
 
• Large library facilities
 
• Many social opportunities
 
• On-campus employment opportunities
 
• Opportunity to meet and develop relationships with many different types of people
 
• School spirit and student loyalty
 
• State universities often attract distinguished scholars as professors
 
• Varied selection of extracurricular activities
 
• Well-funded athletic programs
 
• Wide variety of majors from which to select
 

State University Cons  

 
• Access to professors may be limited
 
• Classes may fill quickly, so you might not be able to get the schedule you want
 
• Class sizes may be very large
 
• Environment may not be as nurturing as a smaller college
 
• Lack of one-on-one attention from instructors
 
• Some professors may be more focused on conducting research and publishing than teaching
 
• Sometimes there is a tendency to over-emphasize athletics
 
• Students may get lost in the crowd, particularly if they are introverted or not inclined to join student organizations
 

For more information on choosing the right college, major,  or even roommate, visit our resources section.