Size
These are the smallest colleges in our dataset by number of undergraduates. 354 of the 354 colleges in our dataset qualify for this list, and colleges with a missing value for the fields used here are left out rather than guessed. The table below shows the top 20, led by Beacon College (Florida).
Across all 354 qualifying colleges the undergrads runs from 506 (Beacon College) to 163,164 (Southern New Hampshire University), with a median of 7,078. For comparison, the median across the 354 colleges in the full dataset that report it is 7,078.
| # | College | State | Undergrads | Students per faculty | Acceptance rate | Net price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Beacon College | FL | 506 | 12:1 | 43.5% | $53,517 |
| 2 | University of Providence | MT | 528 | 9:1 | 50.3% | $17,649 |
| 3 | Sterling College | KS | 538 | 8:1 | 48.2% | $22,371 |
| 4 | Manhattan School of Music | NY | 539 | 6:1 | 40.8% | $51,754 |
| 5 | Brescia University | KY | 545 | 13:1 | 35.2% | $8,709 |
| 6 | Millsaps College | MS | 549 | 9:1 | 43.1% | $26,034 |
| 7 | Hope International University | CA | 564 | 13:1 | 33.0% | $29,310 |
| 8 | Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses | IN | 607 | 13:1 | 39.9% | $15,788 |
| 9 | Paul Quinn College | TX | 620 | 20:1 | 40.3% | $12,709 |
| 10 | Minerva University | CA | 637 | 14:1 | 3.0% | — |
| 11 | Bethany Lutheran College | MN | 669 | 12:1 | 39.0% | $20,148 |
| 12 | Mount Marty University | SD | 697 | 12:1 | 42.6% | $22,227 |
| 13 | Minneapolis College of Art and Design | MN | 705 | 12:1 | 48.5% | $29,926 |
| 14 | Judson University | IL | 708 | 10:1 | 47.6% | $18,558 |
| 15 | Warner University | FL | 756 | 13:1 | 42.8% | $19,748 |
| 16 | Hallmark University | TX | 769 | 15:1 | 51.3% | $12,513 |
| 17 | Bennington College | VT | 780 | 9:1 | 44.5% | $30,947 |
| 18 | Crown College | MN | 796 | 15:1 | 22.8% | $26,672 |
| 19 | Kansas City Art Institute | MO | 812 | 10:1 | 54.8% | $27,650 |
| 20 | Brevard College | NC | 815 | 12:1 | 42.2% | $23,509 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education, College Scorecard, Most-Recent-Cohorts-Institution, May 2026 release (file published 2026-05-26). Data fetched 2026-10-14. Open any row for the full college profile.
Of the 354 qualifying colleges, 172 are public and 182 are private nonprofit. Within the table, Minnesota appears 3 times, Florida appears 2 times, California appears 2 times. The median students per faculty among the 20 listed colleges that report it is 12:1, against 14:1 for the whole dataset. The median acceptance rate among the 20 listed colleges that report it is 42.7%, against 44.6% for the whole dataset. 8 of the 20 listed colleges report an SAT range, and the midpoints of those ranges have a median near 1070.
Our dataset only includes four-year colleges with at least 500 undergraduates, so the smallest colleges here still have a real campus community. Small size often means small classes and a close campus.
Each column in the table means the following.
Small colleges usually offer fewer majors and facilities. Enrollment is the fall 2022 headcount of degree-seeking undergraduates.
To see how your own score compares, read what a 1070 SAT or a 22 ACT means for a college list, then check college costs by state for price context.
Beacon College is first on this list, with undergrads of 506. It leads 354 qualifying colleges in the dataset, so check what the number measures before treating it as a recommendation.
354 of the 354 colleges in our dataset qualify, and the table shows the top 20. Colleges with a missing value are excluded.
No. The list sorts on one number. It does not measure teaching, fit, program strength or what you would pay, so use it to find colleges to look at and then check each profile and the college's own website.
Colleges are drawn from the 354-college dataset built from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (May 2026 release (file published 2026-05-26); fetched 2026-10-14). Selection: Four-year public and private nonprofit colleges with at least 500 undergraduates: every college admitting 55% or fewer applicants, plus the 150 largest by undergraduate enrollment. Colleges that do not report test ranges are included with ranges shown as not reported. Reporting periods for the fields on this page: AcadYr 2021-22; Fall 2022. Full definitions are on the methodology page, and the numbers are available as an open download.
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