Find your perfect college degree
Did you know that many of the Ivy League schools are considered mid-size universities? According to the Carnegie Classification of Colleges and Universities, mid-size universities have student bodies between 5,000 and 15,000.
Many of the most prestigious universities, including MIT-Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Duke University, also belong in this category.
But for your graduate studies, you may want to look beyond these names and consider equally excellent mid-size universities! You will likely find that, indeed, there’s merit in taking the path less traveled yet still enjoying the journey toward your destination – a graduate degree from a respected university.
Pros and Cons of Mid-size Universities
Let’s first consider what makes mid-size universities an excellent choice for prospective and current students and what can make them less desirable.
Keep in mind, nonetheless, that like small (less than 5,000 students) and large (more than 15,000 students) universities; mid-size universities must be accredited by either national or regional accreditation agencies for their graduate degree programs to meet, even exceed, academic standards of quality.
Note that regional accreditation is considered more credible for both two-year and four-year institutions.
What Makes Mid-size Universities Great
Class sizes
With neither too small nor too large classes, mid-size universities enable professors to provide more personalized attention to their students and a more interactive learning environment. Students also benefit from more approachable and accessible professors, meaning more meaningful professional relationships can be established.
Diverse academic programs
Most, if not all, mid-size colleges and universities offer a broad range of academic disciplines, from the arts, humanities and social sciences to STEM programs, which allows students more choices.
Research opportunities
With diversity in academic programs comes research opportunities available for graduate students, too. Take note that the mid-size Ivy League schools are private research universities, meaning professors and students have abundant opportunities for cutting-edge research.
Extracurricular activities
Just as with its academic programs, mid-size universities offer a wealth of extracurricular activities for their students, such as clubs, organizations, and sports teams, which graduate students can participate in.
Community atmosphere
Mid-size universities usually have a close-knit campus community and an extensive alumni network. Professors and staff members, students, and alumni have abundant opportunities to form strong relationships and foster a sense of belonging.
Resources
While mid-size universities may not have as extensive facilities, amenities and resources as large universities, these are usually sufficient in quantity and quality. These include libraries and databases, laboratories and research facilities.
What Makes Mid-size Universities Less Desirable
While mid-size universities can strike a balance – think Goldilocks – these institutions have a few characteristics that make them less desirable for prospective and current graduate students.
This is particularly true in comparison with large universities in terms of more limited facilities, amenities, and resources – with the definite exception of the Ivy League schools, of course.
Other drawbacks of mid-size universities for graduate students are the fewer networking opportunities, less availability of highly specialized academic programs, and limited research opportunities.
Prospective graduate students with lower educational and professional credentials may also find the selective admissions criteria a barrier to their entry.
Determining If a Mid-size University Is Right for You
If you’re considering mid-size universities for your graduate studies with the abovementioned pros and cons in mind, you should first determine if you’re a suitable candidate.
Mid-size universities are best for graduate students who want the best of both worlds – on the one hand, the academic and research opportunities, resources, and networking opportunities of a large university; on the other hand, the personalized student support and close-knit community of a small college.
In the end, choosing a mid-size university for your graduate studies is an excellent choice – it is, after all, still the right decision for your personal growth and professional advancement regardless of the school!
Mid-size Universities You Should Consider in Your Graduate Studies
We want to emphasize that these mid-size colleges and universities are among the best of their kind! We wanted you to look beyond the large universities, such as the University of California, the University of Texas, and Ohio State University, for your graduate studies.
Babson College
Wellesley, Massachusetts
Considered the best school for entrepreneurship education, Babson College emphasizes innovation, sustainable economic and social value, and leadership in its master’s degree programs offered at its Olin Graduate School of Business. Graduate students in its master’s degree programs develop their robust functional knowledge and skills in leading their businesses and organizations.
Admitted graduate students choose from several programs offered by Babson’s F. W. Olin Graduate School of Business, namely:
- MBA (One-year, two-year, evening, and blended learning programs)
- MS in Entrepreneurial Leadership
- MS in Business Analytics
- MS in Finance
Students may also earn a Certificate of Advanced Management that complements the master’s degrees, but it’s also a standalone credential. Both graduate students and alumni benefit from the extensive worldwide 43,000-strong alumni network in their entrepreneurial ventures and employment plans.
Indeed, Babson alumni assert that their graduate degrees provided them with a competitive edge for leadership positions and, thus, the highest salary potential.
Barnard College
Manhattan, New York
While Barnard College, a private women’s liberal arts college, is a fairly small school, its urban setting, abundant resources for students, and full access to Columbia University make it among the best schools for graduate students!
The small academic community means more personalized attention from inspiring and engaging professors, but it’s easy to enjoy the large Ivy League feel just by crossing the street.
Barnard College is officially a part of Columbia University but maintains its independence in its admission, curriculum and finances from the Ivy League school. But graduates receive their diplomas from Columbia – truly, a boost to your career advancement opportunities!
The Graduate and Professional School at Barnard offers a wide range of master’s and doctoral degree programs through its seven schools – the School of Management and Innovation, the School of Public Affairs, the Urban School, the School of Journalism, the Law School, the Paris School of International Affairs (PSIA), and the Doctoral School.
Bentley University
Waltham, Massachusetts
Founded in 1917, Bentley University has a respected history of academic excellence in business, accounting and finance education! Graduate students benefit from the robust curriculum, responsive career services, and credentialed professors of Bentley’s master’s degree programs.
Bentley is known for producing successful leaders whose positive influence and impact come from their robust belief in doing business while doing good for their people, organizations and communities. Furthermore, the McCallum Graduate School of Business emphasizes the value of moving forward because standing still means falling behind.
Graduate students learn from expert professors with extensive experience in business, as well as learn in a conducive environment where collaboration is valued. Graduate programs are offered online, too, while their students avail of the excellent services offered by the Pulsifer Career Development Center.
The graduate programs are offered in part-time and full-time options, as well as in online formats and as STEM degree programs, namely:
- MBA
- Master’s in Accounting
- Master’s in Business Analytics
- Master’s in Finance (With a Financial Analytics track/STEM)
- Master’s in Human Factors in Information Design
- Master’s in Taxation
There are also PhD programs in business and accounting.
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara, California
Santa Clara University, a private Jesuit university, offers such a wide range of graduate degree programs that it can be a challenge to choose one! Thanks to its stellar admission-to-graduation student support services, fortunately, the graduate student experience is among the best in Silicon Valley, if not in California.
The US Graduate students and alumni assert that their professors are intelligent, passionate and approachable. At the same time, the school administration actually listens to student feedback and welcomes students in their decision-making.
The graduate degree programs are offered in several of its schools, namely:
- Leavey School of Business (MBA, MS Information Systems, MS Business Analytics
- School of Education and Counseling Psychology (MA in Applied Psychology, MA in Counseling, MA in Teaching and Teaching Credential)
- School of Law (JD, JD/MBA, JD/MS in Information Systems)
- College of Arts and Sciences (MA Pastoral Ministries
- School of Engineering (MS in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Robotics and Automation)
- Jesuit School of Theology
In all these graduate programs, students should meet standards in academic competence, engage in collaborative and creative learning, and become involved in continuous professional development.
College of William and Mary
Williamsburg, Virginia
A public research university, the College of William and Mary is an excellent choice for graduate students because of its abundant research opportunities, its prestigious reputation as a Public Ivy, and its rich opportunities for hands-on learning, including internships.
However, being admitted into its graduate programs is a challenge because of its highly selective criteria, not to mention that its extremely rigorous interdisciplinary approach means staying in a graduate program has its share of challenges, too.
Being part of the W&M student body, however, has its rewards, from the diversity and inclusivity of its students to the energetic engagement in society that its students demonstrate in and out of the classroom.
Plus, the campus is just right – large enough to meet new people, small enough to be familiar with many people – while the campus facilities are top-of-the-line in their amenities.
The graduate degree programs are offered by the Raymond A. Mason School of Business, Law School, School of Marine Science, and School of Education.
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Rolla, Missouri
Missouri University of Science and Technology, a public research university, is most known for its exceptional STEM programs, particularly in engineering and information science and technology. Furthermore, students and alumni praise the top-notch quality of its programs in business and management systems, social sciences, arts and the humanities.
Students with a keen interest – and the academic performance to show for it – will find a second home here, thanks to the extensive array of engineering branches featured and to the intensive curriculum. Here, ambitious graduate students will earn their stripes in the competitive world of engineering, and it’s been said that its alumni are among the best in the industry.
The average starting salary combined with the affordable tuition in its graduate programs means getting the best value for your money and the fastest return on investment.
Graduate programs offered at Missouri S&T cover disciplines as diverse as aerospace, ceramic and chemical engineering, applied mathematics, biological sciences and business administration.
University of West Florida
Pensacola, Florida
With its location in a beautiful nature preserve, the University of West Florida offers graduate students plenty of opportunities for de-stressing from their intensive studies. Graduate students love the comprehensive research university for its Goldilocks-sized classes, affordable tuition and fees, and modern campus facilities, as well as its abundance of research opportunities.
The professors aren’t just knowledgeable and skilled in their fields but are also gifted in transforming abstract concepts into practical applications.
Earning a West Florida graduate degree or certificate isn’t just about the new knowledge and skills you will learn! Your student experiences will also include meeting new people, strengthening your network, and improving your research opportunities.
West Florida offers several graduate degrees at the master’s and doctoral levels in a wide array of disciplines. These include robotics engineering, business, nursing and nursing education, social work, data science, and cybersecurity, among others, which are widely recognized in and out of the state.
University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi, a public research university, is the epitome of Southern hospitality with its diverse student body, exceptional student support services, and an impressive array of academic programs and extracurricular activities. Individuals interested in earning a well-respected graduate degree will find numerous master’s and doctoral degree programs at Southern Miss.
Many of these programs are also accredited by industry accrediting agencies, too, meaning the quality of education meets professional and licensing standards.
Graduate degrees offered at Southern Miss are in the A-Z range, too, from accounting, anthropology and business administration to mathematics and theater (design, directing or performance concentrations), among others.
Indeed, there’s a graduate degree for every passion and interest! Note that the business and accounting programs have AACSB accreditation, while its theater, art and design, dance and music programs have programmatic accreditation, too. Did we mention that Southern Miss offers the only ocean engineering degree in the state?
Colorado College
Colorado Springs, Colorado
In both its undergraduate and graduate programs, Colorado College hates mediocrity! Students are encouraged to excel not just in their academic studies but in their personal and professional pursuits, too – and it’s a holistic approach that has produced notable alumni like Liz Cheney, Marc Webb, and James Heckman.
With its excellent student support services and extensive alumni connections, graduate students in the private liberal arts college find accessible opportunities for personal and professional growth. The shared values emphasizing the importance of physical and mental health – a must considering the challenging curriculum – as well as intellectual engagement, community service, and passion, make for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Colorado College Education Department offers two master’s programs, namely:
- Master of Arts – Teaching Initial Licensure Program
- Master of Arts – Teaching – Dyslexia Specialist Program
If you’re looking for master’s degree programs that combine a robust curriculum based on sound contemporary practices, an innovative liberal arts foundation, and the best value in education, then Colorado College should be on your list. Did you know that Colorado College is considered a Hidden Ivy? There’s that, too.
Tufts University
Medford, Massachusetts
The vibrant campus culture at Tufts University, a private research university, attracts graduate students from diverse backgrounds that, in turn, strengthen the inclusive environment. Here, students assert that their academic experiences are characterized by small classes where professors establish a conducive learning environment in pursuit of academic excellence.
Graduate students who demonstrate knowledgeable enthusiasm in their fields can also be offered meaningful research positions – an enviable benefit that comes with Tufts being an Association of American Universities (AAU) member and an R1: Doctoral University.
While academic excellence is valued, real-world experience is also emphasized. Tufts provides its graduate students with exemplary professional resources in achieving their goals, as well as abundant opportunities for collaborative work for positive impact.
Graduate students are enrolled in Tufts’ 100 master’s degree programs, 56 doctoral programs, and 42 certificate programs in a wide array of disciplines.
These include Agriculture, Food and Environment, Animals and Public Policy, Art History and Museum Studies, Biochemical and Molecular Nutrition, Bioengineering, and Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Cedarville University
Cedarville, Ohio
With its current Southern Baptist Convention affiliation, Cedarville University takes pride in being a Christ-centered university where students benefit from stellar education with a strong Biblical worldview. Students prepare for a lifetime of service and success through a combination of intensive studies, Bible studies, and a vibrant campus life.
These aspects are also true at the Graduate School, where graduate students prepare for career success, underlined by Christina’s values in their chosen fields. The graduate programs are in business, healthcare, and ministry, and graduate students can choose from on-campus and online programs.
The stellar student support services combined with accessible, engaging and expert professors make for a memorable graduate experience, too.
The master’s degree programs include Business Administration, Biblical Leadership, Innovation with concentrations in Business Innovation and Business Analytics & Visualization, Worship and Theology, Cybersecurity Management, and Nursing with concentrations in Nursing Leadership, Acute Care Gerontology, and Family Nurse Practitioner, among others.
Middlebury College
Middlebury, Vermont
Among the country’s best liberal arts colleges, Middlebury College may have a rural campus, but its exceptional approach to intellectual and social preparation for success makes it a great place of learning for graduate students.
With a rigorous curriculum – graduate students are expected to stay on top, if not ahead, of their reading assignments and research projects – delivered by top-notch professors, the overall graduate experience is considered intensely challenging but rewarding.
Middlebury College isn’t an immediately obvious choice for prospective graduate students because, well, it’s there. But when you consider its many accolades, such as being recognized for its impressive impact on students and alumni, its sustainability practices, and its quality of student life, it becomes a more obvious – and great – choice.
The widely respected graduate degrees are offered in three schools:
- Middlebury Institute of International Studies
- Middlebury Language Schools
- Middlebury Bread Loaf School of English
Graduate students report that their professors can be demanding in their academic expectations but also go out of their way to ensure that students actually understand the concepts.
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
While it’s a mid-size university, Lehigh University‘s academic offerings are among the most innovative in the country, such as its arts-and-engineering interdisciplinary IDEAS program. Both undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to adopt out-of-the-box thinking and become involved in research.
Indeed, the private research university attracts the best and brightest of its rigorous curriculum and rich research opportunities.
Individuals interested in top-notch graduate degrees at Lehigh can choose from the extensive list of degree programs offered by its five colleges – the College of Arts and Sciences, the College of Education, the College of Business, the College of Health, and the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science.
The research-heavy doctoral programs emphasize student-professor collaborations on breakthrough research and direct contributions to the body of knowledge.
Smith College
Northampton, Massachusetts
Set within the epitome of a college town, Smith College offers graduate students rich opportunities for pursuing their passions, engaging in critical interdisciplinary discussions, and becoming involved in cutting-edge research. Indeed, graduate students who earned their bachelor’s degrees at Smith College continue their research! Regardless of their graduate degree program, graduate degree students benefit from the holistic approach and robust commitment to scholarship and research.
Yet another reason for Smith College being a university that isn’t an immediate choice for graduate students but should be is its membership in the Five College Consortium! Basically, students in good academic standing can register for classes in the other four member institutions – Amherst College, Mount Holyoke College, Hampshire College, and UMass Amherst.
Such flexibility means expanding your academic horizons, professional network, and career advancement opportunities.
Smith College offers master’s degree programs in:
- Biological Sciences
- Dance
- Exercise and Sport Studies
- Theatre (Playwriting)
- Teaching
- Social Work
There’s also a standout doctorate in social work degree program, among other PhD programs.
Tulane University
New Orleans, Louisiana
Get excited about being part of Tulane University, a private research university known for its highly selective admissions process, an impressive roster of notable alumni, and prized research opportunities! Tulane is an AAU member and an R1: Doctoral University, meaning graduate students have plenty of exciting opportunities for impactful research.
Graduate students also thrive despite the rigorous curriculum, thanks to exceptional student support services like academic advising, success coaching, and career development services. Here, every grade is earned, but the strong sense of community and camaraderie make the graduate experience worth every time and effort.
The graduate degree programs cater to every interest, too, meaning prospective and current graduate students will find something that will feed their personal passion and fuel their career ambitions.
In addition to the master’s degree programs, there are also several bachelor’s to master’s 4+1 degree programs offered in the Liberal Arts and Science & Engineering school. The degree programs are in accounting, business, admiralty and marine law, and pharmacology, among others.
University of Richmond
Richmond, Virginia
While the University of Richmond, a private liberal arts college, is more well-known for its undergraduate degree programs, its graduate degree programs are just as excellent in their quality. Graduate students are enrolled across five schools: the E. Claiborne Robins School of Business, the School of Law, the School of Professional & Continuing Studies, the School of Arts and Sciences, and the Jepson School of Leadership Studies.
Graduate students benefit from the stellar learning and research opportunities offered in these schools, as well as from the collegial environment where professors and students are engaged in collaborative initiatives.
The university’s emphasis on a robust liberal arts curriculum underlining its degree programs in business, law and leadership studies have produced highly sought-after graduates.
Master’s degree programs and certificate programs are offered in diverse disciplines, including human resource management, liberal arts, nonprofit studies, and teaching and education with Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Leadership & Policy Studies c-concentrations.
University of Rochester
Rochester, New York
Staying true to its “Learn, Discover, Heal, Create and Make the World Ever Better” mission, the University of Rochester takes pride in being a truly innovative university focused on discovery. Aside from being an AAU member and an R1 Doctoral University, which many graduate students look for, Rochester’s impressive list of discoveries makes it a haven for research and development.
Think of Gardasil, Zoloft, and WebWorK, aside from the state-of-the-art research centers in laser energetics, medicine and translational sciences.
Rochester offers several bachelor’s-to-master’s degree programs, such as the Rochester Early Medical Scholars (REMS) and Guaranteed Rochester Accelerated Degree in Education (GRADE) programs. Graduate students are also enrolled in more than 30 degree and certificate programs in these schools:
- Eastman School of Music
- School of Medicine and Dentistry
- School of Nursing
- Simon Business School
- Warner School of Education
Degree programs run the gamut from biology, biomedical engineering and mechanical engineering to technical entrepreneurship management, English, and linguistics.
Villanova University
Villanova, Pennsylvania
From among the best regional universities, Villanova University has become a highly-ranked national university! As a private Catholic research university, its degree programs emphasize service, a Nova Nation ideal where students and alumni have a deeply rooted sense of duty to make the world a better place.
Such a service-centric philosophy also applies to its respected graduate degree programs, some offered in hybrid and fully online formats.
Note that Villanova has high admissions standards, but enrolled graduate students thrive in the rigorous curriculum due to a great support system, easy access to top-notch resources, and faculty and staff members committed to student success. Graduate students and alumni assert that their professors are the real deal – educators and scholars cognizant of their influence on students.
Villanova offers master’s and doctoral degree programs in many disciplines in the arts and sciences, business and economics, and STEM fields. Examples include applied statistics and data science, classical studies, and theater. Graduate students can also earn graduate certificates.
Mercer University
Macon, Georgia
Graduate students and alumni of Mercer University, a private research university, report that their choice was influenced by the prestige that a Mercer degree carries in Georgia, even outside of the state. The strong sense of community and familiarity between students and professors were also often cited for its growing popularity.
Known for its engineering program with its strong focus on interdisciplinary study, Mercer’s programs are also characterized by their pervasive emphasis on service learning. Graduate students learn not just from their professors but from each other, too, through group-based assignments and projects, as well as from intensive individual study.
Mercer’s research-centric approach to graduate education is supported by its ample research funding and other crucial resources.
More than 450 doctoral degrees are awarded every year, a testament to its commitment to excellent graduate education. The graduate programs are offered in the School of Business, College of Education, School of Engineering, and College of Health Professions, among others.
Wesleyan University
Middletown, Connecticut
Considered a historic private liberal arts university, Wesleyan University places high value on diversity and inclusivity, as demonstrated by its unique academic programs and courses (e.g., queer studies).
Professors aren’t just teachers but also mentors to students who are encouraged to engage in interdisciplinary academic explorations and research projects. Even the alumni are known for their accessibility to students who want to learn more and expand their horizons.
Wesleyan University offers numerous graduate degree programs that appeal to bright, ambitious, and enthusiastic working professionals seeking meaningful career advancement. The two-year Master of Arts programs are in computer science, mathematics, music, astronomy, and earth and environmental sciences.
There are also bachelor’s-to-master’s programs in these fields, as well as in biology, chemistry, and psychology, among others, where students develop their knowledge and skills for leadership positions and advanced study.
The Ph.D. degree programs are in chemistry, biology, mathematics, ethnomusicology, physics, molecular biology, and biochemistry. Small class sizes mean more peer-to-peer and student-to-professor interactions.
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