Fredonia's Student to Faculty Ratio: Why It Matters
Choosing a college is a significant decision, and understanding the benefits of a low student-faculty ratio can help you make an informed choice. In a nutshell, large colleges and universities tend to have more students per faculty member, and this ratio can tell you a lot about the campus and it's culture.
The student-faculty ratio tells you how many students there are for each faculty member. in the US, 18-to-1 is a typical ratio, meaning most colleges and universities have 18 students for every professor. SUNY Fredonia's ratio of 12-to-1, with an average class size of 22, typically means smaller class sizes, creating an engaging and supportive learning environment with more individualized attention from professors. This is particularly beneficial for complex subjects that require in-depth discussion and personalized feedback.
Higher Ratios
- Lots of People: Higher ratios (18:1, 25:1, 40:1!) often mean more students on campus
- Big Campus=Big Classes, usually with less time for personal attention
Lower Ratios
- Increased accountability, making it harder to "fall through the cracks."
- Students tend to form closer relationships with classmates and more collaborative learning environments
- Improved academic performance as many students thrive in smaller classes
- More personalized attention, leading to higher retention rates
- Increased opportunities for faculty to mentor individual students
Be aware, the student to faculty ratio does not guarantee all of your classes will have 22 students. This is an average class size across campus. In general, the student to faculty ratio and average class size statistics vary year to year and are meant to suggest a more personalized experience for students during their time at Fredonia.
The Benefits of Knowing Your Professors
One of the most significant advantages of a low student-faculty ratio is the opportunity to build strong relationships with your professors. These relationships can be invaluable for academic guidance, career advice, and personal development. Professors who know their students well can offer tailored advice and support.
In smaller classes, professors also have more time to provide detailed feedback on assignments and exams. This personalized feedback helps students understand their strengths and areas for improvement, fostering continuous growth and learning.
- Building strong relationships
- Increased accessibility
- Personalized feedback
To be honest, I wasn’t that excited about going to a small school, but I honestly love it because you really get to know the people within your major and your professors. Going to smaller school allows for more connections to be made. —Makayla Barone
The Benefits of Your Professors Knowing You
When professors know their students well, they can provide more personalized recommendations. Whether it’s suggesting specific courses, research opportunities, graduate programs or careers, faculty members can offer insights that align with each student’s unique interests and goals. And when your professors know you well, they can also connect you with valuable networking opportunities they have in business, industry, or across their field. These connections can be crucial for building a successful career after graduation.
- Enhanced learning experience with hands-on research opportunities in your undergrad
- Tailored recommendations for learning, continuing your education, or when entering the workforce
- Networking opportunities for internships and after graduation
Collaborative Relationships at SUNY Fredonia
At SUNY Fredonia, the intimate learning environment cultivates strong and collaborative relationships between students and professors. This is one of the many benefits of the low student-faculty ratio. In smaller class settings, students are encouraged to engage openly with their professors, facilitating frequent and meaningful interactions. Such an environment nurtures a collaborative spirit where professors and students work together on projects, engage in deep discussions, and share insights on various academic topics.
Moreover, professors at Fredonia are more accessible and approachable, often extending their support beyond the classroom. They become mentors who not only guide students through the curriculum but also involve them in research initiatives, academic conferences, and other collaborative learning experiences. This active and ongoing partnership enables students to gain a deeper understanding of their subjects, spark innovative ideas, and build a strong academic foundation.
- Encouragement of open engagement
- Regular and meaningful interactions
- Professors as mentors and collaborators
- Involvement in research and academic projects
- Enhanced academic foundation
These collaborative relationships not only enrich the learning experience but also prepare students for future academic and professional endeavors, making SUNY Fredonia a nurturing ground for academic excellence and growth.
An Individualized University Experience
SUNY Fredonia’s low student-faculty ratio allows students to create customized academic paths and fosters an environment where students feel comfortable exploring their unique academic and career interests. With smaller classes, our students often form study and research groups. This sense of community at SUNY Fredonia is bolstered by the close relationships students develop with their professors.
Professors and advisors are invested in their students, offering support in areas such as mental health, extracurricular activities, and career planning. In fact, our faculty and staff often continue to mentor their students long after they leave campus. This supportive connection can help you prepare for real-world challenges students will face in their professional lives.
- Customized academic paths
- Supportive learning environment
- Focus on holistic development
- Real-World applications
One-of-a-Kind Experience for Students
Opting for a college with a small student-faculty ratio offers an unparalleled educational experience that stands out in several significant ways. Firstly, the intimate learning environment fosters a sense of community and belonging that is hard to find in larger institutions. Students are not just numbers; they are known by name, and their individual contributions are valued. This close-knit setting allows for more in-depth discussions, personalized feedback, and collaborative learning opportunities, which are key to mastering complex subjects.
Lifelong Learning
The relationships built at SUNY Fredonia don’t end at graduation. Professors often continue to mentor their students long after they leave campus, fostering a culture of lifelong learning. This ongoing support can be invaluable as graduates navigate the complexities of their careers. At SUNY Fredonia, a 12-to-1 student-faculty ratio ensures that students receive personalized attention, build meaningful relationships with their professors, and enjoy a supportive and engaging learning environment.
