Medium-sized colleges, typically enrolling between 3,000 and 15,000 students, strike a balance between personalized education and diverse opportunities, making them ideal for a vibrant student experience. These schools offer robust academic programs, engaging campus life, and strong community connections, often in dynamic locations.
Below is a list of the top 10 medium-sized U.S. colleges for 2025, selected for their exceptional student experience based on academic quality, extracurricular offerings, campus culture, and student reviews, with a focus on programs relevant to modeling and fashion enthusiasts where applicable.
#1. Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
With 7,145 undergraduates, Vanderbilt blends academic rigor with a lively social scene. Its location in Music City offers fashion-related internships and cultural events. Students enjoy a 96% graduation rate, diverse clubs, and NCAA Division I sports. Niche gives it an A+ for student life, with reviews praising the vibrant community and Southern hospitality.
#2. University of Richmond, Richmond, VA
This liberal arts college (3,750 undergraduates) fosters a close-knit community with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Its picturesque campus and emphasis on experiential learning, including fashion-related internships, create an engaging experience. Students highlight the supportive environment and active clubs, earning an A+ Niche student life rating.
#3. Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA
Bucknell’s 3,750 undergraduates enjoy a cozy campus with a 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Its arts programs, including theater and design, complement fashion interests. With 740 student-athletes and diverse clubs, Bucknell offers a dynamic student life, rated A+ by Niche for its inclusive, energetic vibe.
#4. Colgate University, Hamilton, NY
Colgate (3,150 undergraduates) combines academic excellence with a tight-knit community. Its arts and media programs support fashion enthusiasts, while a 94% freshman retention rate reflects student satisfaction. Niche rates it A+ for student life, with reviews citing strong social bonds and scenic campus traditions like Mountain Day.
#5. Santa Clara University, Santa Clara, CA
Located in Silicon Valley, Santa Clara (6,115 undergraduates) offers robust business and arts programs, ideal for fashion marketing. Its red-and-white campus spirit, 51% male/49% female student balance, and active clubs earn it an A Niche rating. Students praise the supportive faculty and internship opportunities.
#6. Elon University, Elon, NC
Elon’s 6,300 undergraduates thrive in a vibrant college town. Its communications and performing arts programs align with fashion interests, and a #1 ranking for undergraduate teaching (U.S. News) ensures engagement. Niche gives it an A for student life, with students loving the warm social culture.
#7. Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA
With 5,600 undergraduates, Lehigh offers a balance of academics and athletics. Its business and design programs support fashion-related careers, and a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio fosters connection. Niche’s A rating reflects a spirited campus with active Greek life and sports culture.
#8. Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Tulane’s 8,700 undergraduates enjoy a culturally rich location, perfect for fashion enthusiasts drawn to New Orleans’ vibrant arts scene. With strong programs in marketing and design, plus a lively social calendar (Mardi Gras!), Tulane earns an A+ Niche student life rating for its inclusive community.
#9. Bentley University, Waltham, MA
Bentley’s 4,200 undergraduates focus on business and marketing, ideal for fashion industry aspirations. Its 48% acceptance rate and 79% four-year graduation rate reflect accessibility and success. Niche rates student life A, with reviews highlighting career-focused networking and active clubs.
#10. Macalester College, St. Paul, MN
Macalester’s 2,100 undergraduates (slightly below the typical medium-size range but included for excellence) enjoy a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a 96% retention rate. Its arts and media programs support fashion interests, and its urban campus fosters a global, inclusive vibe, earning an A Niche student life rating.
Why These Colleges Stand Out
These medium-sized colleges excel in fostering community, offering diverse extracurriculars (e.g., fashion clubs, art showcases), and providing access to internships in fashion hubs like Nashville or New Orleans. Their balanced size ensures personalized attention and robust resources, ideal for modeling and fashion enthusiasts. Niche and U.S. News rankings, combined with student reviews, highlight their vibrant campuses, strong academics, and supportive environments, making them top choices for an exceptional student experience.
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FAQs About Medium-sized Colleges
❓ What is the best class size for college?
The ideal class size depends on the student’s learning style, but smaller class sizes (15–30 students) often offer more personalized attention, while larger classes (100+) are common at big universities. Medium-sized colleges typically balance both.
❓ Is Harvard a medium-sized school?
Yes. Harvard is considered a medium-sized college with around 20,000 total students, including undergraduates and graduates. Its undergraduate college has about 7,000 students, offering a mix of small and large class experiences.
❓ What is the biggest college by size?
As of recent data, Texas A&M University and University of Central Florida rank among the largest U.S. colleges by student population, with over 70,000 students enrolled.
❓ How small is a small college?
A small college typically has fewer than 5,000 students, fostering a close-knit campus, smaller class sizes, and more personal interaction with faculty.
❓ What defines a medium-sized college?
A medium-sized college generally has 5,000 to 15,000 students. These schools often provide a balance of academic resources, extracurriculars, and community feel without being overwhelming.
❓ What are examples of medium-sized colleges in the USA?
- Tufts University (MA)
- Wake Forest University (NC)
- Lehigh University (PA)
- University of Richmond (VA)
- Santa Clara University (CA)
❓ What are good medium-sized colleges for B students?
Some medium-sized schools that admit B-average students and offer strong support systems include:
- Butler University (IN)
- Clark University (MA)
- Loyola University Chicago (IL)
- University of Dayton (OH)
- Hofstra University (NY)
❓ Are there medium-sized colleges with strong school spirit and sports?
Yes. Consider:
- University of Delaware
- James Madison University
- Miami University (OH)
- University of Vermont
These schools offer active campus life, sports teams, and strong community engagement.
❓ Where can I find medium-sized colleges with business programs?
- Bentley University (MA)
- Babson College (MA)
- University of Denver (CO)
- Elon University (NC)
- Villanova University (PA)
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