There's a popular debate among business academics regarding the size of the business school you attend. Some say a small school experience is more beneficial for students, while others swear by larger institutions. Most people will tell you there's no clear-cut answer, and here's why:
Typically undergraduates value classes and majors with smaller classroom sizes because it provides a more intimate and hands-on learning experience. In business school, however, there's value in meeting more people and building a strong and diverse network of contacts, which draws some people to larger schools.
But the debate doesn't stop there. There are several factors that sway graduate students one way or the other — or to that sweet spot right in the middle.
Large Schools vs. Small Schools
When the professor-to-student ratio is small, your odds of receiving help improve. You'll almost always have your questions answered when you raise your hand, whereas a student in a big classroom or lecture hall may be overlooked. Many consider a small school education more valuable because the same amount of resources are split among fewer people. The experience is closer to personal tutoring than it is in larger programs.
At the same time, large school advocates insist that larger class size provides a much more diverse experience with greater potential for networking. This isn't always the case, though, when you consider the way in which you really know your connections Large school critics point out that smaller programs contain more tight-knit classes, with maybe a few dozen classmates in one class. In this scenario, students are almost guaranteed to develop a professional relationship with most — if not all — of their fellow students and professors. At a larger school with more options, you could attend an MBA program with hundreds of others and simply never have the chance to build a solid relationship with someone graduating alongside you.This fact hasn't been lost on some large schools like Wharton and Columbia, who split their classes into smaller cohorts. With several hundred full-time students — Columbia enrolls around 1,300 full-time MBA students, while Wharton enrolls 1,700 — the faculty decided to pare the student body down into groups of 70 or so, emulating the small school experience. However, the cohort system isn't shared across the board at large schools.
School Size by the Numbers
For hopeful MBA students, it makes more sense to judge the value of the school by the potential return on investment. Surely this would show a difference between large school programs, right? Actually, the opposite is true.
One of the main goals of any MBA graduate is to find or advance employment, and studies have shown that class size doesn't play a huge factor in relation to the employment statistics. The majority of graduates from large and small programs receive job offers within three months of graduation. Ultimately, there are many more factors and personal preferences that determine the value of a B-school, and size isn't the be-all and end-all.
The Right Size is the One That Fits
When you're buying a pair of shoes, there are really only two sizes to choose from: the right size and the wrong size. The pragmatic learner might choose to look at MBA programs the same way. Picking the right size — big or small — really depends on personal preference and individual learning style. Different sized programs may be geared toward particular types of people.
Large Programs
In an MBA program with hundreds of students, you might have to rely on persistence and a little charisma to capitalize on networking opportunities and a valuable classroom experience, especially without a cohort system. In all likelihood, there's greater opportunity for building a wide network, but doing so may be more difficult. Students may not see each other as often, and professors may have less time to devote. A little more effort, like extracurricular participation in societies or organizations might be required to get the same level of connections at a larger school. Thus, these programs may benefit conversational and opportunistic students first and foremost.
Small programs
While you're casting a smaller net with a smaller MBA program, the value of the connections you do make may be more significant. You'll see and interact with classmates more often, developing opinions about their work and industries, which may make you feel more comfortable reaching out to them professionally down the road. The onus isn't on being conversational and opportunistic, although these qualities may still be valuable. Instead, you're charged with focusing on your professional development first and foremost. The networking comes more naturally among classes with time.
Aim for the Middle
Remember, if you don't know whether a large or small program is right for you, there are dozens of options in the middle to explore. Why settle for the extremes on either side of the spectrum? Class size isn't a black and white issue, so you should pay close attention to the shades of gray.
Visiting a campus is the best way to gauge how well you fit in. Take a trip to a prospective school, talk with the students and decide what feels right to you. Make sure you tour several schools of various sizes before making a choice.