The pros and cons of doing college on a small campus

The Master’s University is currently home to around 1,200 traditional undergraduate students. For comparison, two other Christian colleges in California, Pepperdine University and Biola University, serve a much higher student body population. Pepperdine, near Malibu, boasts a student count of 3,500 on campus. Biola University, in La Miranda, has around 5,300. 

The nature of a smaller campus comes with both pros and cons that other universities may not understand. Students gave their opinions on the pros and cons they feel come with the size of TMU and how that makes the school unique. 

A common pro students discussed about the size of the campus is its tight-knit feel. Hattie Van Bibber said, “A pro that comes to mind is that it does not take that much time to trek across campus as the buildings are relatively close.” 

Not only is the school close in proximity, but also close in relationships. As one student, Brooke Harvey, said, “I don’t think a day goes by where I don’t see any of them — whether that be in passing, in class or at Trophy. This is a pro for me because as life gets busier, it can be harder to catch up with my friends, but since I see them more often, I can talk with them during our day-to-day activities.” 

Another student, Hannah Cummings, commented about the size. She said, “You get to know the people around you, and though you may not know everyone’s name or what major they are, their faces become more and more familiar. Soon enough, you get to know more people. There’s always someone to wave at or say hi to in passing.” 

Bibber added, “As a campus that stands for Christ and Scripture, it is a privilege to live life so close with fellow believers.”

Another recurring pro that some students felt came with the closeness of campus comes from the academic side. Bibber said, “The student-to-teacher ratio is small, allowing for easier access to professors, to ask questions, and to develop meaningful relationships.” 

Currently, TMU’s student-to-faculty ratio is 13-1, matching Pepperdine University but with a smaller campus. 

Cummings had a similar take on the classroom commenting, “You get to know your professors on a more personal level because most class sizes tend to be on the smaller side. These professors here at TMU are a gift and a joy to get to know.”

On the other hand, living on a small campus comes with some cons. Bibber said one of the things she feels can happen is students can lose touch with the world outside of TMU. She said, “While living on such a small campus as TMU, it can become easy to stay within the comfortable bubble and not invest in the community.” 

Cummings had a similar take on the problems that can arise from living in close proximity to people who mostly all know you. She explained, “Knowing a lot of people at a smaller school can be a blessing, the hard part is when word travels fast and your personal life isn’t as personal as you thought.”     

Pros and cons come with any university no matter the size and the students. 

Bibber explained how TMU despite some of the issues that may arise stands out, “Personally, TMU stands out against other universities because the entire staff is committed to investing in students’ lives for whatever duration they are at the school. Whether it means availability after office and class hours to talk about life, going out to get a meal, or opening their home. It makes the experience personal and allows for lifetime relationships to develop, which is arguably the most invaluable asset to take from time at a college.” 

Cummings added, “I think what makes TMU unique from other small campuses is the commitment to Christ and Scripture. You can sense the Lord’s presence on this campus, and you’re surrounded by fellow brothers and sisters who are running hard after Christ and who challenge and encourage you in your walk with the Lord. It’s an absolute blessing to be here.”