Top-20 universities are known for the quality of their undergraduate experience. A student at a top-20 university is less likely to drop out, more likely to graduate on time, and will generally be more actively engaged in academic activities such as service-learning, study abroad and undergraduate research. (Sources: The Center, “The Top American Research Universities,” August 2002; “America’s Best Colleges 2003,” U.S. News & World Report, September 2003)
Many of the criteria used to rank universities are variables that directly impact the quality of the undergraduate experience — such as class size, student-to-faculty ratio and the quality of the faculty. Research confirms that these factors make a difference.
At least four published studies conducted between 1992 and 2002 clearly establish the link between class size and student achievement. The studies show that classes with fewer than 20 students:
- make modest increases in academic achievement,
- benefit students from economically disadvantaged homes,
- improve teacher morale,
- reduce dropout rates, and
- engage students in learning.