30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees

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In this article, we profile 30 great small colleges for STEM degrees.

As we see a rise in STEM-related jobs, students are spending their college years elbow-deep in:

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  • math problems
  • computer projects
  • science experiments

A STEM degree is most often associated with larger campuses where huge class sizes and high student/faculty ratios provide limited research opportunities and restrict students’ ability to forge relationships with peers and faculty. However, through research and data collection, we located 30 great small colleges for STEM degrees that offer unique benefits.

Top 30 Small Colleges for STEM Degrees

Some of the nation’s top liberal arts colleges and small institutions offer STEM degrees for both undergraduates and graduates. The schools on our list were selected by applying the following criteria:

  • Size: The schools on this list have an undergraduate population of less than 3,000 students.
  • Research Opportunities: Schools on this list have unique undergraduate research opportunities.
  • Awards and Recognition: Schools on this list have received at least one ranking with U.S. News & World Report.
  • Variety of STEM majors: Finally, schools on this list were selected because of their degree offerings. In fact, some schools offer more than 10 STEM majors.

Below are the resulting selections for our 30 great small colleges for STEM degrees, ranked according to acceptance rate with the most selective school ranking highest on our list.

#30 – Bryn Mawr College

Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

Website

Acceptance Rate: 38%

A logo of Bryn Mawr College for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
Their eight-to-one student-to-faculty ratio earns Bryn Mawr a spot on our list of great small colleges for a STEM degree.

Bryn Mawr earns a spot on our list of great small colleges for STEM degrees. It has a student population of 1,634. This includes 1,299 undergraduates, among which are ample STEM majors. Popular STEM degrees include:

  • biology
  • biochemistry
  • chemistry
  • computer science
  • environmental studies
  • mathematics

Bryn Mawr’s small campus gives way to an equally small student/faculty ratio of 8:1. In addition to the school’s quality STEM programs and intimate learning environment, Bryn Mawr ranks with major publications like U.S. News & World Report:

  •  #30 on their list of best liberal arts colleges
  • #37 in best value schools
  • #19 for best first-year experience.

#29 – Kenyon College

Gambier, Ohio

Website

Acceptance Rate: 37%

A logo of Kenyon College for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
Selective and ranked! Kenyon College – a small college for STEM degrees!

Kenyon College is a top-ranked national liberal arts college. It’s recognized for its academics and reputation. Rankings by U.S. News & World Report include #30 in best national liberal arts colleges. Other rankings include #55 in best value schools and #26 in most innovative schools. As far as STEM degrees offered at Kenyon, there are several to choose from. Among the most popular STEM majors are:

  • biology
  • chemistry
  • mathematics
  • statistics
  • physics

Students are in an intimate learning environment while enrolled in courses and labs. The undergraduate enrollment does not exceed 1,615. Also, the student/faculty ration is just 9:1.

#28 – Smith College

Northampton, Massachusetts

Website

Acceptance Rate: 37%

A logo of Smith College for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
Ranked with U.S. News! Though small, Smith College offers ample STEM degrees.

At Smith College, students can major in various STEM disciplines. Popular STEM degrees include:

  • biology
  • computer science
  • engineering

It also offers physical sciences like:

  • chemistry
  • geology
  • physics

The small class sizes and intimate learning environment make Smith College a top choice for STEM degrees from a small college. The total student population is 2,50. The student/faculty ratio is just 7:1. In addition to small class sizes, Smith offers a strong reputation for academics. U.S. News & World Report ranks Smith #17 in best national liberal arts colleges and #51 in best value schools. Also, the undergraduate engineering programs at Smith rank #16 in the country.

#27 – Lafayette College

Easton, Pennsylvania

Website

Acceptance Rate: 36%

A logo of Lafayette College for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
Study engineering at Lafayette College – a great small school for a STEM degree.

Lafayette College is a favorable choice for STEM degrees. The student/faculty ratio is 9:1. It has a small combined small student population of 2,514 undergraduates. This makes Lafayette a great small college. STEM majors include:

  • biology
  • computer science
  • math, and more

Engineering programs at Lafayette include:

  • civil engineering
  • chemical engineering
  • electrical and computer engineering
  • integrative engineering with a bioengineering concentration
  • integrative engineering with an environment and energy concentration

In addition to the number of STEM programs offered, Lafayette ranks with U.S. News & World Report. Current rankings include #38 in best national liberal arts colleges and #96 in best value schools.

#26 – Trinity College

Hartford, Connecticut

Website

Acceptance Rate: 36%

A logo of Trinity College for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
Small class sizes and several STEM programs! Trinity College.

Founded in 1823, Trinity College is a small liberal arts school with national rankings and plentiful STEM degree offerings. Trinity offers a small campus size with a student population of 2,241. Popular programs for those interested in a STEM degree include:

  • computer and information sciences
  • engineering
  • environmental science
  • mathematics
  • physical sciences (chemistry and physics), and more

Small class sizes provide an intimate learning environment. The student/faculty ratio is 9:1. In addition to small classes, Trinity offers rankings with U.S. News & World Report. These rankings include #46 in best national liberal arts colleges and #69 in best value schools.

#25 – William Jewell College

Liberty, Missouri

Website

Acceptance Rate: 36%

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Accredited and ranked! William Jewell, a top school for STEM degrees.

William Jewell College is a small private school with a student population of about 750. Nearly all students are undergraduates, as few graduate degree programs are available. Small class sizes and a student/faculty ratio of 10:1 make William Jewell a great small college for a STEM degree. Popular STEM programs include:

  • biochemistry
  • biology
  • civil engineering
  • nursing

William Jewell is fully accredited and ranks with major publications like U.S. News & World Report. In fact, the most current rankings include:

  • eighth in best regional colleges in the Midwest
  • #18 in best value schools
  • #40 in top performers on social mobility
  • #432 in nursing.

#24 – Oberlin College

Oberlin, Ohio

Website

Acceptance Rate: 35%

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Ranked one of the best national liberal arts colleges – Oberlin College! A great small college for a STEM degree.

Oberlin College is a private liberal arts institution located 35 miles Southwest of Cleveland. It offers an intimate learning environment for those seeking a STEM degree. This nationally ranked liberal arts college has been recognized by major publications as a top school. In fact, U.S. News & World Report ranks Oberlin:

  • #37 in best national liberal arts colleges
  • #83 in best value schools
  • #16 in most innovative schools

Oberlin’s has  a 9:1 student/faculty ratio. That and the small student population of fewer than 2,700 students lends to the school’s intimate classroom experience. For those seeking a STEM degree, popular choices include:

  • biology
  • computer science
  • engineering
  • neuroscience
  • physical sciences like geology and physics.

#23 – Point University

West Point, Georgia

Website

Acceptance Rate: 35%

A logo of Point University for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
Point University – a small college for STEM degrees in biology and IT.

With over 80 programs, many of them STEM-related, Point University lands a spot on our list of great small colleges for STEM degrees. This small Christian college offers a 13:1 student/faculty ratio and a student population of 1,946. Of the total student population, about 1,900 are undergraduates. Traditional, online, and blended programs are available for students seeking STEM degrees. Popular STEM majors include:

  • biology
  • information systems security
  • information technology

There are also programs in healthcare administration, though this is not considered a STEM major. In addition to being fully accredited, Point ranks with U.S. News & World Report as a top regional college in the South.

#22 – Thomas University

Thomasville, Georgia

Website

Acceptance Rate: 35%

A logo of Thomas University for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
A great small college for a nursing degree – Thomas University.

At Thomas University, students seeking STEM majors have ample choices. In fact, the school offers bachelor’s degrees in:

  • biology
  • biomedical laboratory sciences
  • nursing
  • rehabilitation science

Graduate degrees are also offered in nursing for those interested in earning an MSN. Thomas University is a small Georgia college with a student population of about 1,300. There are 732 undergraduates. It has a 12:1 student/faculty ratio and intimate learning environment. This makes Thomas a top choice for those seeking a small college where they can earn a STEM degree. In addition to being accredited, Thomas University ranks with major publications like U.S. News & World Report. Current rankings include #104-#137 in best regional universities in the South and #134 in top performers on social mobility.

#21 – Skidmore College

Saratoga Springs, New York

Website

Acceptance Rate: 32%

A logo of Skidmore College for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
Study geosciences and neuroscience at Skidmore College – a great small college for STEM degrees.

Skidmore College is one of the nation’s top liberal arts institutions. It offers STEM degrees for qualified students. The small, suburban college located in Saratoga Springs, New York has a student population of 2,582 undergraduates. The student/faculty ratio is just 8:1, which is one of the lowest ratios on our list. Skidmore’s STEM degrees include disciplines like:

  • biology
  • chemistry
  • computer science
  • environmental studies
  • geosciences
  • human physiological sciences
  • neuroscience
  • physics

Students may earn a bachelor’s degree in any one of these in-demand STEM programs. Skidmore is a top-ranked liberal arts college, according to U.S. News & World Report. In fact, current rankings include #38 in best national liberal arts colleges and #48 in best value schools.

#20 – Rust College

Holly Springs, Mississippi

Website

Acceptance Rate: 29%

A logo of Rust College for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
Small class sizes and rankings with U.S. News! Rust College is a great small college for a STEM degree.

Rust College is a small, HBCU Mississippi college with a student enrollment of just 623 undergraduates. This small student population correlates with one of the smallest student/faculty ratios (6:1) on our list. But the size doesn’t impede the many programs offered at Rust. In fact, those interested in pursuing a STEM major will find several bachelor’s degree programs. Some of the STEM majors offered at Rust College are:

  • biology
  • chemistry
  • computer science
  • math

In addition to offering quality programs, Rust is accredited and ranked with U.S. News & World Report. Current rankings include #168-#222 in best national liberal arts colleges and #106 in top performers on social mobility.

#19 – Denison University

Granville, Ohio

Website

Acceptance Rate: 28%

A logo of Denison University for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
STEM degrees at Denison include biochem and neuroscience!

Denison University earns a spot on our list of great small colleges to earn a STEM degree at. It has a 9:1 student/faculty ratio and student population of 2,258 undergraduates. STEM bachelor’s degrees are available in:

  • astronomy
  • biochemistry
  • biology
  • chemistry
  • computational science
  • environmental studies
  • geosciences
  • mathematics
  • neuroscience
  • physics

The number of programs offered makes Denison one of the schools on our list with the largest selection of STEM degrees. In addition to its quality offerings, Denison University ranks #42 in best national liberal arts colleges with U.S. News & World Report. Other rankings include:

  • #42 in best value schools
  • #26 in most innovative schools
  • #115 in top performers on social mobility.

#18 – Kentucky Christian University

Grayson, Kentucky

Website

Acceptance Rate: 28%

A logo of Kentucky Christian University for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
A top STEM school – Kentucky Christian University!

STEM degrees offered at Kentucky Christian University are limited to biology and behavioral health. However, the small size and favorable student/faculty ratio makes the institution an ideal choice for a STEM degree. KCU offers a 12:1 student/faculty ratio. The student population consists of 689 students, 600 of them undergraduates. KCU’s rankings with U.S. News & World Report, coupled with its accreditation, earn the school a spot on our list of great small colleges for STEM degrees. The school ranks #65 in best regional colleges in the South and #60 in top performers on social mobility.

#17 – Colgate University

Hamilton, New York

Website

Acceptance Rate: 27%

A logo of Colgate University for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
56 majors, many STEM-related! Colgate University.

Located in Hamilton, New York, Colgate University is a small, private institution. It’s recognized for its academics and liberal arts education. The total student population is 3,054, most of which are undergraduates. Class sizes are kept at a minimum. According to the school’s website, Colgate has a 9:1 student/faculty ratio. Fifty-six majors are available at Colgate. Students seeking a STEM degree may major in:

  • applied mathematics
  • astrogeophysics
  • astronomy and physics
  • biochemistry
  • biology
  • chemistry
  • computer science
  • environmental biology
  • mathematics, and more

In addition to its large number of STEM degree offerings, Colgate ranks 17th in the country among best national liberal arts colleges.

#16 – Vassar College

Poughkeepsie, New York

Website

Acceptance Rate: 25%

A logo of Vassar College for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
Ranked with U.S. News! Vassar College – a small college for STEM degrees.

Recognized as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the United States, Vassar College is a great small school for STEM degrees. It has small class sizes, a student/faculty ratio of 8:1, and a student population of less than 2,500 undergraduates. This earns Vassar a top spot on our list. Popular STEM degrees offered at Vassar include:

  • astronomy
  • biochemistry
  • biology
  • chemistry
  • computer science
  • earth science
  • mathematics
  • neuroscience
  • physics

In addition to its wide STEM degree offerings, Vassar ranks with major publications like U.S. News & World Report. These rankings include:

  • #22 in best national liberal arts colleges
  • #30 in best value schools
  • #32 in top performers on social mobility.

#15 – Washington and Lee University

Lexington, Virginia

Website

Acceptance Rate: 25%

A logo of Washington and Lee University for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
From biology to engineering – Washington and Lee is a great small school for a STEM degree.

Washington and Lee is a nationally ranked liberal arts college with a small student population. A total of 1,822 undergraduates make up the bulk of the student body. It has  a low student/faculty ratio of 8:1. For students seeking a STEM degree, Washington and Lee offers programs in:

  • biochemistry
  • biology
  • chemistry and biochemistry
  • computer science
  • engineering
  • geology
  • mathematics
  • neuroscience
  • physics
  • physiology

The school ranks with U.S. News & World Report as 11th in best national liberal arts colleges. Other top rankings include ninth in best value schools and #193 in top performers on social mobility.

#14 – Middlebury College

Middlebury, Vermont

Website

Acceptance Rate: 22%

A logo of Middlebury College for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
A highly selective small college for a STEM degree – Middlebury College.

Like many liberal arts colleges on our list, Middlebury College offers quality STEM degrees for those interested in:

  • science
  • technology
  • engineering
  • mathematics

Some of the programs Middlebury offers include:

  • biology
  • chemistry and biochemistry
  • computer science
  • mathematics
  • molecular biology
  • neuroscience
  • physics

The school is highly selective, with a 22% acceptance rate. Once admitted, students enjoy an intimate learning environment with a student/faculty ratio of 8:1. The institution ranks with major publications like U.S. News & World Report. Recent rankings include ninth in best national liberal arts colleges and 12th in best value schools. Middlebury is a great small college for a STEM degree.

#13 – Carleton College

Northfield, Minnesota

Website

Acceptance Rate: 21%

A logo of Carleton College for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
STEM degrees in engineering, math, and physics – Carleton College!

Carleton College is a nationally ranked liberal arts school. It offers a rural Minnesota environment and plentiful STEM degrees. It’s ranked ninth in the country among top national liberal arts colleges. Carleton offers STEM programs in disciplines like:

  • biochemistry
  • biology
  • chemistry
  • engineering
  • mathematics
  • physics
  • pre-medicine

Carleton’s small-campus learning environment has an equally small student/faculty ratio of 8:1. Additionally, the school has earned full accreditation. It ranks with major publications like U.S. News & World Report. These rankings include:

  • ninth in best national liberal arts colleges
  • fifth in most innovative schools
  • ninth in best first-year experience
  • 22nd in best value schools.

#12 – Davidson College

Davidson, North Carolina

Website

Acceptance Rate: 20%

A logo of Davidson College for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
STEM-related degrees at Davidson include engineering and neuroscience!

With fewer than 2,000 students, Davidson College prides itself on small class sizes. These allow faculty to work closely with students, both in the classroom and in research laboratories. In fact, Davidson offers a student/faculty ration of just 9:1. The college also offers a variety of STEM-related degrees, including:

  • applied mathematics
  • biology
  • chemistry
  • computer science
  • engineering
  • genomics
  • mathematics
  • neuroscience

Also, Davidson is one of the few top-ranked liberal arts colleges to offer a pre-veterinary medicine program. Davidson College consistently ranks with major publications like U.S. News & World Report. These rankings include #13 in best national liberal arts colleges and eighth in best value schools.

#11 – Wellesley College

Wellesley, Massachusetts

Website

Acceptance Rate: 20%

A logo of Wellesley College for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
The low student-to-faculty ratio makes Wellesley a great small college to earn a STEM degree.

Wellesley College has a small student population of 2,280.  It has a low student/faculty ratio of 7:1 and plentiful STEM degree offerings. Some of the STEM degree programs available are:

  • astronomy
  • biology
  • chemistry
  • computer science
  • geosciences
  • mathematics
  • physics

Wellesley also offers many interdepartmental STEM majors and minors, including:

  • astrophysics
  • biochemistry
  • chemical physics

In addition to its quality programs and small campus size, Wellesley offers a strong reputation and rankings by U.S. News & World Report. In fact, Wellesley ranks:

  • fifth in best national liberal arts colleges
  • fourth in best value schools
  • 32nd in most innovative schools.

#10 – Hamilton College

Clinton, New York

Website

Acceptance Rate: 18%

A logo of Hamilton College for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
Ranked and accredited! Hamilton College offers undergraduate research opportunities for STEM degree majors.

Hamilton College is a small liberal arts school with a student population of 1,902 undergraduates. It offers STEM degrees in multiple areas of discipline. STEM majors include:

  • biochemistry/molecular biology
  • chemistry
  • computer science
  • geosciences
  • mathematics and statistics
  • neuroscience
  • physics

Classes are kept small. The school offers a 9:1 student/faculty ratio. In addition to its accredited program offerings, Hamilton has rankings from major publications like U.S. News & World Report. Recently published rankings include:

  • #13 in best national liberal arts college
  • , #15 in best value schools
  • #39 in undergraduate research and creative projects

Hamilton’s low acceptance rate of 18% makes it one of the most selective liberal arts schools on our list.

#9 – Harvey Mudd College

Claremont, California

Website

Acceptance Rate: 18%

A logo of Harvey Mudd College for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
A small, top-ranked college for STEM degrees – Harvey Mudd College.

Harvey Mudd College’s broad curriculum takes a liberal arts approach to STEM subjects. Students can major in areas like:

  • biology
  • chemistry
  • computer science
  • engineering
  • mathematics
  • physics

Required core courses also include a variety of humanities and social-science courses. This unique blend of subjects allows students to hone their interests and nurture an appreciation for the arts while studying science. Also, with a small student body and low student/faculty ratio of 8:1, students can develop relationships with peers and instructors. Often, these relationships turn into mentorships and lead to research opportunities. Harvey Mudd ranks #28 in best national liberal arts colleges and #61 in best value schools, according to U.S. News & World Report.

#8 – Haverford College

Haverford, Pennsylvania

Website

Acceptance Rate: 18%

A logo of Haverford College for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
Astronomy, astrophysics, and chemistry are some of the STEM degree offerings at Haverford College.

Haverford’s college campus offers the best of two worlds. Imagine a quiet, serene, and picturesque institution nestled in a bustling metropolitan area. For those seeking STEM degrees from a small college with a strong academic reputation, Haverford has plenty of options. Students may major in:

  • astronomy
  • astrophysics
  • biochemistry
  • biology
  • biophysics
  • chemistry
  • computer science
  • geology
  • mathematics
  • neuroscience
  • physics

Haverford offers a small campus environment with a student population of 1,307 undergraduates. This small student body lends to the equally low student/faculty ratio of 8:1. Haverford is a fully accredited institution with favorable rankings by U.S. News & World Report. Current rankings include #16 in best national liberal arts colleges and #23 in best value schools.

#7 – Williams College

Williamstown, Massachusetts

Website

Acceptance Rate: 15%

A logo of Williams College for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
Ranked first among best liberal arts colleges in the country, Williams College offers STEM degrees!

Williams College has recently been ranked first in best national liberal arts colleges by U.S. News & World Report. In addition to its prestige, Williams offers a unique curriculum that is sure to appeal to any student interested in a STEM subject. Instead of pairing a major with a minor, students can choose a concentration that groups courses from many different disciplines (for example: cognitive science). Popular STEM areas of study include:

  • astronomy and astrophysics
  • biochemistry and molecular biology
  • chemistry
  • cognitive science
  • computer science
  • physics

Williams is also one of the few universities that provides research opportunities to undergraduates. In addition to the school’s rigor and reputation, Williams has a  student/faculty ratio of 6:1. This is one of the smallest on our list.

#6 – Barnard College

New York, New York

Website

Acceptance Rate: 14%

A logo of Barnard College for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
A small STEM college in the heart of NYC – Barnard College.

Despite its location in the Big Apple, Barnard College offers a surprisingly intimate learning environment. Barnard has a student population of 2,744 undergraduates and a 9:1 student/faculty ratio. It’s perfect for  those seeking a great small college for a STEM degree. Of the 50 majors offered at Barnard, many are STEM-related. Programs available include:

  • biology, chemistry
  • computer science
  • environmental science
  • mathematics
  • neuroscience
  • physics and astronomy

In addition to its small size and strong academics, Barnard offers prestige through its rankings with major publications. U.S. News & World Report ranks Barnard College #17 in best national liberal arts colleges and #38 in best value schools.

#5 – Bates College

Lewiston, Maine

Website

Acceptance Rate: 14%

A logo of Bates College for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
Small, nationally ranked, and selective – Bates College – a top STEM degree school.

Bates College is ranked #25 among the best national liberal arts colleges in the country. It is a highly selective, small college with STEM degree offerings. The private institution utilizes a 4-4-1-based academic calendar, which is unique to many of the institutions on our list. Bates offers STEM majors in:

  • biochemistry
  • biology
  • chemistry
  • digital and computational studies
  • earth and climate sciences
  • engineering
  • mathematics
  • neuroscience
  • physics

At Bates, students enjoy small classroom sizes with a 10:1 student/faculty ratio and a population of 1,876 undergraduates,. Thee features make it one of the best small colleges to earn a STEM degree at.

#4 – Amherst College

Amherst, Massachusetts

Website

Acceptance Rate: 12%

A logo of Amherst College for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
Amherst College – a top-ranked STEM degree school.

Earning a top spot on our list of great small colleges for STEM degrees, Amherst College is an ideal choice. There STEM offerings for undergraduates. The school maintains a student/faculty ratio of 7:1, one of the lowest on our list. The student population of 1,745 students is small.  The most popular STEM degrees at Amherst include:

  • biology
  • chemistry
  • computer science
  • neuroscience
  • physics and astronomy

In addition to small class sizes and ample STEM degree offerings, Amherst ranks favorably with U.S. News & World Report. In fact, Amherst ranks second in best national liberal arts colleges and #42 in most innovative schools.

#3 – Bowdoin College

Brunswick, Maine

Website

Acceptance Rate: 9%

A logo of Bowdoin College for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
With a nine-percent acceptance rate, Bowdoin College is among the most selective small colleges for a STEM degree on our list.

Recognized as a top national liberal arts college, Bowdoin College offers quality STEM degrees and one of the lowest student/faculty ratios on our list. This four-year, private liberal arts college is located in the suburban setting of Brunswick, Maine. Total enrollment is 1,777 students, all of which are undergraduates. The small enrollment size allows Bowdoin to maintain an 8:1 student/faculty ratio. In addition to small class sizes, there are numerous STEM degrees and majors to choose from. According to Bowdoin’s website, the top declared majors included several STEM degrees like:

  • biology
  • chemistry
  • computer science
  • mathematics

Adding to its reputation, Bowdoin ranks with U.S. News & World Report as sixth in best national liberal arts colleges and seventh in best value schools.

#2 – Swarthmore College

Swarthmore, Pennsylvania

Website

Acceptance Rate: 9%

A logo of Swarthmore College for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
Highly ranked, selective, and accredited – Swarthmore College is a top school for STEM degrees.

Swarthmore College has a small student population of 1,437 and low student/faculty ratio of 7:1 . It provides an intimate learning environment for STEM-inclined students. Some of the possible areas of study in science and technology at Swarthmore include:

  • biochemistry
  • biology
  • chemistry
  • computer science
  • engineering
  • mathematics
  • physics

It provides access to quality programs that lead to research opportunities with esteemed professors, Swarthmore also offers prestige through its consistent rankings with major publications. In fact, Swarthmore ranks third in best national liberal arts colleges and second in best value schools in Best Colleges published by U.S. News & World Report. But, getting into Swarthmore is highly competitive. The acceptance rate is just nine percent.

#1 – California Institute of Technology

Pasadena, California

Website

Acceptance Rate: 7%

A logo of CalTech for our ranking of 30 Great Small Colleges for STEM Degrees
Caltech offers a large number of STEM degrees and is our #1 pick for a small college for STEM degrees.

California Institute of Technology is the most selective school on our list. It also offers the lowest student-to-faculty ratio–3:1 . Caltech offers plenty of STEM degrees for those seeking one from a small college environment. STEM majors include:

  • applied and computational mathematics
  • applied physics
  • astrophysics
  • bioengineering
  • biology
  • chemical engineering
  • chemistry
  • computer science
  • geophysics
  • mathematics
  • planetary science, and many more

But admittance Caltech is highly selective. The most recent acceptance rate for this institution is seven percent. In addition to its selectivity rate and small class sizes, Caltech ranks with U.S. News & World Report. Recent rankings include ninth in best national universities and 15th in best value schools.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when choosing a small college for a STEM degree?

Evaluating small colleges for a STEM degree is important before you apply. Educational advisers and college counselors recommend small liberal arts colleges for students who want a unique experience that larger universities might not offer. Below are some different things to look for when choosing a small college for a STEM degree.

Favorable Graduation Rate
Outcomes are important for students to evaluate when searching for a small college to earn a STEM degree. Schools with favorable graduation rates help students succeed. Other aspects to consider are:

  • job prospects
  • admission rates to graduate schools
  • pre-professional program admittance rates.

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
Most small colleges, like the ones on our list, offer an intimate learning environment. These schools often have student/faculty ratios of 10:1 or less. The average student/faculty ratio is 11:1 for small liberal arts colleges. Small class sizes mean that a greater emphasis is placed on the undergraduate experience. While some of the top-ranked small colleges offer a 7:1 ratio, larger state universities offer student/faculty ratios of 18:1 or 24:1. The smaller the class size, the more intimate the learning experience.

Uniqueness
Students at small colleges have access to unique:

  • extracurricular activities
  • clubs
  • research opportunities

A school that places a greater emphasis on the undergraduate experience provides students plenty of opportunities for growth.Just some of the ways that small colleges are great for earning a STEM degree include:

  • Summer programs
  • experiences abroad
  • access to research opportunities

How much money can I earn with a STEM degree?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), STEM jobs pay a substantial salary premium. The average salary for non-STEM occupations, as reported by BLS, is $40,020. But for STEM jobs, the average salary is $89,780. That’s over twice the earnings of non-STEM occupations.

To analyze earnings potential and how much money one can earn with a STEM degree, it is important to look at the average salaries for several different types of STEM occupations.

Engineers earn an annual average of $83,160. Some engineers, such as chemical engineers, earn higher wages. In fact, BLS reports that the median annual wage for chemical engineers is $108,540. The highest 10% of earners see more than $168,960.

Materials scientists earn a median annual wage of $99,460. The highest 10% of earners working as materials scientists earn over $165,290. Chemists, too, earn top wages. BLS reports the median annual wage for chemists as $79,300, and the highest 10% of earners make $139,650.

Computer jobs also pay well. Computer and information research scientists earn an average annual salary of $126,830. Computer network architects earn $116,780. Other high-paying computer occupations include:

  • computer hardware engineers
  • information security analysts
  • software developers
  • quality assurance analysts
  • testers

All of these technology-related jobs see average earnings over six figures.

What are the benefits of a small college for a STEM degree?

Forbes magazine recently published a piece on why small colleges are great for science students. Small liberal arts colleges may seem like an odd choice for the professional scientist or research-bound student. Research I universities offer access to cutting-edge technology and world-renowned faculty. But for undergraduates, top-ranked research institutions may not offer what a small liberal arts college does.

In small colleges, like many on our list of great small colleges for STEM degrees, the student population is between 1,500 and 2,500. Science classes that would be held in huge lecture halls at research universities are kept small. Students don’t get lost in a class of 400 students. Some of the largest intro classes at small liberal arts colleges may be capped at 30 or 40 students. It is also not uncommon for science and technology classes, even intro classes, to be capped at 18 or 20 students.

Another benefit of attending a small college for a STEM degree is access to undergraduate research. Opportunities in research abound at smaller schools. Students at small colleges:

  • get involved in meaningful research projects
  • join professors abroad on research expeditions
  • forge relationships with peers and faculty.

What are the most popular STEM degrees offered at small colleges?

Small colleges offer many different degree programs for these looking to major in STEM. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are broad categories, but within these disciplines are various majors. Some of the most popular STEM programs are listed below:

Biology

Biology, biochemistry, and biomedical sciences are Among one the most popular majors in small colleges are:

  • biology
  • biochemistry
  • biomedical sciences

Many students major in biology with plans to attend:

  • medical school
  • dental schoo
  • another pre-professional program

Biology students can expect to take classes and labs that cover topics in:

  • general and organic chemistry
  • physiology
  • anatomy
  • zoology.

Computer Science

A bachelor’s degree in computer science offers a wide range of highly marketable skills, including:

  • programming
  • troubleshooting hardware
  • organizing data sets

Computer-science students:

  • learn different programming languages
  • spend time coding
  • solve complex problems

Computer-science degrees can lead to high earnings right out of college, and they can provide a stable job outlook.

Statistics and Mathematics

Math majors are heavily recruited for high-level jobs as:

  • data analysts
  • statisticians
  • actuaries

As a result, math and statistics programs are listed among the most popular STEM degrees at small colleges. As a math major, you will likely take courses that explore topics in:

  • complex analysis
  • differential geometry
  • introduction to algebraic structures
  • statistics
  • topology.

What are the best STEM degrees for top careers of the future?

In the last few decades, significant progress has been made in the areas of:

  • science
  • technology
  • research

Currently, we are in an age when technology is at our disposal. Thanks to the advancements in medicine and healthcare, humans are living longer. Automobiles have become more efficient. Energy has become cleaner and more cost effective. These advancements have created jobs. Some of the top careers of the future are STEM jobs, but to acquire many of them, you must hold a STEM degree.

Below are several degrees that will help you land a top career of the future.

Atmospheric Sciences
Also referred to as meteorology, atmospheric sciences is a top career of the future due to global warming and the changes in the earth’s climate and weather patterns. These highly trained scientists:

  • determine weather warnings
  • predict disasters
  • conduct research in labs and weather stations.

Game Design and Art
Game design is a fast growing career field with many job prospects. The video-game industry alone is a 30-billion-dollar industry. As more people take to online gaming and gaming apps, experts are needed to create art and design associated with these programs and applications.

Sustainable and Renewable Energy
A career in clean energy is one of the fastest-growing jobs of the future. Clean energy or sustainable energy jobs include:

  • clean car engineers
  • solar installers
  • sustainability professionals
  • turbine technicians

A degree in sustainable and renewable energy promises a favorable job outlook.

BDP Staff
October 2021

Related Resources:

This concludes our article on the 30 great small colleges for a STEM degree.

Brenda Rufener
Author

Julie McCaulley
Expert

Carrie Sealey-Morris
Editor-in-Chief