Hot take: Small private universities in Texas are underrated. Here's why.

[AnnaMarya]

Everyone in Texas seems obsessed with size. How many students are at UT? How big is the Aggie football stadium? And look, I get it. I almost went that route. But I ended up at Trinity University in San Antonio (about 2,500 students), and I feel like the small private school experience doesn't get enough love on here.

If you're on the fence, here's what sold me:

1. The class sizes are insane. My largest class freshman year had 28 people. My smallest had 6. My professors know my name, my career goals, and my dog's name (okay, maybe not the dog, but close). They write me recommendation letters that actually sound like they know me, not a form letter.

2. The money isn't what you think. Yeah, the sticker price is scary. Like, $50k+ scary. But private schools have huge endowments and throw money at students they want. I'm paying less than I would have at UT after merit aid. Don't let the price tag stop you from applying.

3. You get opportunities earlier. Research isn't just for grad students here. I'm a sophomore and I'm already helping a professor with a project that'll probably get published. Try doing that at a school with 50,000 students.

Other great small privates in Texas:

• Rice (Houston): Obviously the superstar. If you can get in, go. It's elite.
• Southwestern (Georgetown): Great liberal arts feel, beautiful campus.
• Austin College (Sherman): Strong pre-law and pre-med track.

Not saying big schools are bad. But if you're feeling lost in the crowd, consider going small. Anyone else have good experiences at a Texas private school?

 

[Cler]

I went to a small private in Texas (St. Edward's in Austin) and it was the best decision I ever made.

The class size thing can't be overstated. I had a philosophy class with 8 people. We sat in a circle. The professor called on everyone. You couldn't hide in the back and scroll your phone. You had to actually THINK and TALK. Scary at first, but I learned so much more than I would have in a lecture hall.

Also, the community is different. You see the same people in your major over and over. You become friends. You study together. You struggle together. By senior year, your whole department feels like family.

The downside? Everyone knows your business. Drama spreads fast. And dating pool is small (literally). But for the education? Worth it.

Trinity is a great school. Proud of you for choosing what fits YOU, not just the big name.