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Y! MyWebThe Smaller State Universities - Your Best Option?
You have heard of Harvard and Yale, probably Columbia, and the University of Michigan. You may have even heard of some other universities through a friend or relative, or media outlet. That previous knowledge gives the school its “name recognition” to you, and that name recognition will further guide your perception of that.
But consider this! There are several thousand well known, fully accredited universities typically comprehensive institutions that may be unknown to you. Each of the fifty US states operates at least one higher education system.
In addition there are numerous “independent” and typically smaller state colleges and universities. Texas, for example, has four distinct and separate university systems, each with several affiliate institutions, plus some unaffiliated independent ones.
So why choose a smaller state school and what should you look for? Well, since every state offers one with similar characteristics, geography and location need not be a concern. You have the option to pick your ideal place. However, unless you are trying to be near relatives or a specific place, pick your location by region rather than by state. That will open up more options, and it will give you a summary that allows comparison among several states.
For example, you can pick the Northeast if you like large metropolitan areas, all four seasons, and access to immigrant communities. Or, if you prefer smaller towns, warmer weather, and a slower pace, then it would be ideal to choose the South or Southwest.
School size is something to really focus on. The “smaller” state schools can range from a couple thousand to as much as ten or twelve thousand. Smaller schools tend to have proportionally less international students as well. Don’t be daunted by that; it can actually work to your advantage.
These smaller schools typically love to get international students like you even though they may not aggressively recruit. You will find the atmosphere there very friendly, the services adaptable and personal, and the admission standards and requirements a tad less rigid than at the better known universities.
Plus, these schools, having less international students, typically are more willing to provide you with both employment opportunities on campus, and less competitive access to scholarship opportunities after you arrive. In fact, it would be in your interest to inquire about such opportunities before you settle on a school. However, be careful not to factor any potential employment income or scholarship into your financial planning.
We are deliberately advocating for these smaller state colleges for reasons that are practical yet personal. We are both the product of one of these institutions and in the case of Dr. Glean, he also worked most of his career for one. So we are familiar with their challenges and their offerings.
You can get to the next step—advanced degrees, or gainful employment and career opportunities—just as effectively as a graduate of a smaller state school. The main reason is that their credentials are recognized since they are held to the same accreditation standards as the larger schools. They will cost significantly less, and you will find the adjustment logistics much easier to embrace.
All of this is general, yet very typical information. Nonetheless, our endorsement of smaller state school, as a viable option for you as an international student, should not be construed so as to preclude other types of schools. Ultimately, you will do your research, guided by our advice, of course, and find that university that is just right for you.