While each has its strong points it is important to visit both settings to determine which elements are right for your child. Obviously, some large institutions seem like towns unto themselves and it is likely that some students will feel less comfortable in such an environment. Other students love the anonymity provided by a large university setting and gravitate toward such atmospheres. But large schools offer more diversity and resources. Look at both types of schools.
Location can play a key role in the quality of a college experience.
What may be exciting for one student can prove overwhelming and terrifying for another. The concept of a closed off campus changes the way students experience a school and many urban settings offer little distinction between the life of the city and that of the campus. The answers to such questions can greatly aid in narrowing the search. A liberal arts college with few requirements like Brown University provides a very different sort of education than a school with a specific slant and heavy requirements like RPI or Babson College. Thinking about these considerations in advance may save time and trouble later.