I have often talked about the strength of small liberal arts colleges in the sciences and how they often do a better job than bigger universities in preparing students for graduate and professional schools in the sciences. A new study is further confirmation of this fact.
The study, entitled “Strengthening the STEM Pipeline: The Contributions of Small and Mid-Sized Independent Colleges” found that students in smaller colleges are more likely to complete a STEM degree in four years and more likely to attend graduate school than students attending larger colleges.
In almost every math and science field the smaller colleges were producing a disproportionate number of STEM grads and PhD’s in these fields.
Smaller colleges are not the best option for everyone, but if you are considering getting a degree in a STEM field or considering a PhD or professional degree in the sciences, don’t discount the smaller colleges. You might be making a huge mistake.
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