They are governed by independent boards of trustees, are beholden neither to state nor federal authorities, and are free to act as they see fit. By consciously remaining small, wisely using available resources, and hewing steadfastly to their mission, small colleges have sustained themselves since the earliest times of the Republic. Today, America's small colleges are a vital component in higher education. Small size is a proven success story. These are the reasons.
Small colleges focus on the education of the undergraduate student.
Teaching comes first. This sharp focus on the undergraduate gives small colleges a beneficial advantage in developing the academic talents of students. Small colleges provide high quality education to all kinds of students. Small colleges exist to provide a diverse group of students an education of high quality, aimed squarely at preparing all kinds of young people to be fully functioning citizens in the democracy. Small colleges offer an educational experience configured for all students, not merely for the economically, socially, or academically elite.